Originally broadcast 07/05/2021  Listen to the entire episode now!

On this Independence Day weekend Local Talk, Ames native Cynthia Gaunt describes being from a family that dates back to colonial American times and early farmers of the Midwest, including being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Then Licida Membreno, a newly arrived immigrant seeking asylum in the US, describes journeying with her son, from a long-standing indigenous family in Honduras to Ames, Iowa. Ms. Membreno is accompanied by David Hansen, Chair of Ames Sanctuary Interfaith Partners (ASIP), a local organization of people who helped her come to Iowa. Hansen describes some of the work ASIP does. 

Matty Tate-Smith, Public Affairs Coordinator for the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault responds to the release of Bill Cosby who was in prison for sex crimes, using this teachable moment to look at the consequences, as well as how the release exemplifies the overall dynamics of sexual assault as criminally abusive behavior.

Originally broadcast 06/30/2021  Listen to the entire episode now!

The LGBTQ Pride Potluck has a very difference story,  It started when several houses that had Rainbow Flags displayed in their yards found notes stuck to their doors saying "Why don't you Burn that Gay Flag?"  One of those who received the note was City Councilman Elisha Stines, who responded by submitting a resolution of support for Boone's LBTQ citizens to be read into the Consent Agenda at the next City Council meeting.  A more vulgar and threatening note was pinned on a downtown business "Perks and Recreation"  The owners of that business, April Burch and Daniel Ginger-Goodson decided to use the publicity caused by the notes to create the first Pride Celebration in Boone history.  They notified people that "Perks and Recreation" was holding a potluck.  When around sixty people showed up, they took their food across the street to the public Green Space which they had rented for dining and dancing.  Many young families came to enjoy the food and music.

Originally broadcast 06/22/2021  Listen to the entire episode now!

Sam Wormley, Cohost of KHOI’s Science Bytes shares the observation that day length is shortening as we revolve around our sun. Learn about the new Miracle Park located adjacent Inis Grove Park: Ursula Ruedenberg interviews users of the new park. We review the information about the ribbon cutting ceremony that will be held on the 26th of June ( originally scheduled for November of 2020 but was postponed due to COVID-19 precautions. Michayla Vande Berg, ISU Extension Agricultural and Natural Resources Coordinator visits with us about the numerous youth and extension activities scheduled for the upcoming month. Energy Services Coordinator Kayley Barrios Lain for the City of Ames. Updates us on progress as we witness the growth of more hybrid and electric vehicle use. Discusses the location of additional charging stations; availability, location and charge time of the stations these fast charge units: How long, location of charge stations, and additional installations, near the intersection of Hgwy 30/I35 and ribbon cutting for commissioning these.