It has been a privilege to cover women’s issues for Fearless and for the Business Record in 2023. As I typed “women’s issues” just now, I cringed. Women’s issues aren’t just women’s issues. They affect everyone. They have significant implications for everyone – and for the economy. As I looked back at Read more…
By Seeta Lee New Year’s resolutions are hard to avoid. A change in the calendar brings a refreshing opportunity to say, “This is when I finally do the thing!” Sadly, diet culture, fatphobia and the wellness industries are all too aware of this urge to renew ourselves. They latch onto Read more…
For many elementary-aged children in Iowa, one of their first public tastes of inequity comes while staring down at the muddy blacktop while their wealthier classmates play in the snow. I grew up in the 1980s and 1990s in western Iowa. Children who didn’t have snow pants or snow boots Read more…
It’s still dark outside when women from the Beacon retrieve bicycles parked at the front of the building or set out for the bus stop, ready to pedal or ride to their jobs that morning and, hopefully, into new lives. The staff at the Beacon sees the effects of complex Read more…
(Editor’s note: Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to publicly accuse former U.S. national team doctor Larry Nassar of sexual abuse, is the Chrysalis Foundation’s 2023 “Inspired” keynote speaker. As part of Fearless’ coverage of Denhollander’s Nov. 13 visit to Central Iowa, I interviewed two Iowa women whose jobs involve making Read more…
By Nicole Grundmeier My friend witnessed a near-drowning on June 6 at Holiday Aquatic Center in West Des Moines. She watched a mother drop off three children: a boy who looked to be maybe 13, and two little girls, approximately ages 6 and 2. The teenager did the best he Read more…
By Nicole Grundmeier How is your employer or your business adapting to potential changes regarding abortion law in Iowa? I would like to hear from you as soon as possible. Please email me: nicolegrundmeier@bpcdm.com. While the Business Record is apolitical, we report on governmental decisions that affect business. Through our Fearless initiative, Read more…
By Rachel Manuel Bruns While we see regular news coverage about challenges accessing maternal health care in Iowa and the related racial disparities, I rarely see the mention of higher cesarean rates as a relevant factor in these disparities. April is Cesarean Awareness Month and April 11-17 is Black Maternal Read more…
By Emily Kestel, Fearless editor A bill that would license and regulate certified professional midwives unanimously passed out of an Iowa House subcommittee last week. House Study Bill 80 was introduced by Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, who has long advocated for its passing. Kaufmann introduced an identical bill in 2021, where Read more…
By Emily Kestel, Fearless editor Age: 32 Hometown: Clive Family: Husband, Ra Shaan; children Bishop, age 3, and Jaira, 5 months Education: University of Northwestern-St. Paul – bachelor’s in electronic media communications Hobbies: Shopping, watching reality TV Contact: long.jodi@healthybirthday.org Three days after giving birth to her daughter, Jaira, in July Read more…