River to River

Being Gay in Iowa

All this week we've been hearing what it's like to come out to family and friends, or deal with bullying as part of "Being Gay in Iowa." Host Ben Kieffer talks with four Iowans who share their experiences with these issues and more... from running for political office as an openly gay candidate, to being put in the spotlight as part of the battle over same sex marriage.  Guests include Nate Monson, Executive Director of Iowa Safe Schools; Sharon Malheiro, Chair of One Iowa; Kate Varnum, plaintiff in Varnum v. Brien, which cleared the way for same sex marriage in the state; and Rich Eychaner, businessman and former Republican congressional candidate.

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Legislative Day - Ag Compromise and Gun Legislation

Gun Rights advocates are back at the statehouse.  Host Joyce Russell talks with Representative Matt Windschitl and Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner about several bills expanding gun rights. They follow up on the 2010 law clearing the way for more weapons permits.  Also a compromise in the Iowa Senate over documenting practices at large scale livestock facilities.

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Hazing in Iowa

The ritual of hazing is nothing new - the act of using harassment, abuse or humiliation as a way of initiating a person into a group. There have been three separate incidents across the state recently involving alleged hazing incidents within high school wrestling programs. Ben talks with University of Northern Iowa Associate Professor Jennifer Waldron about her research looking at the culture of hazing. We'll also hear from an eastern Iowa high school student who has led an anti-bullying initiative at College Community Schools. 

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