2023 IOWA JOURNALIST SURVEY - Today’s the day. At the beginning of the year, we asked Iowa journalists to talk about their conditions and their needs. And they. Showed. Up. 1/3

We had more than 80 currently employed in the industry—the people that get our news out—raise their hand and make their voice heard. From a publisher of smalltown weekly to some of the biggest names in our state. 2/3

WAGES DIMINISH DESPITE EXPERIENCE - Like all workers, Iowa journalists expect wages to rise over the course of a career. But on average, a 15-year journalist only makes $6k more than their 1st- or 2nd-year peers. This plays out over the lifespan of a position. #IowaJourno 1/3

👉75% said they had been in their position for less than two years. 2/3

IOWA NEWS RELIES ON CRUNCH - If Iowa wants journalism to survive, we have to create more sustainable jobs for journalists. Respondents report the industry relies on crunch to get the news out. #IowaJourno 👉 50% said they have work responsibilities that exceed their hours.

👉36% said they are required to do extra work leading up to a vacation or holiday. 👉12% said their employer uses comp time or compensatory time to manage overtime. This may be illegal in some cases. 👉8% said they do not pursue compensation for their unpaid hours. 2/3

AN IOWA JOURNALIST - At the beginning of the year, 80 journalists from 30 lowa towns took our survey. Here's some stats on who made their voice heard: 👉36% identify as LGBTQ+ with 7% identifying as transgender or nonbinary. #lowaJourno 1/3

BRAIN DRAIN - It takes time before a reporter is doing more than turning press releases. That’s expertise. That’s seasoning. 13% of the people surveyed are planning to take their expertise, not just to a bigger Iowa outlet, but to a different state entirely. #IowaJourno (1/2)

My talent? Rapidly coming up with list of 17 questions I need to ask 3 minutes before an interview starts

Texas Roadhouse server waiting for drink order at new table: “Please take your time. They’re starting to dance and I don’t want to.”

My parents: When are you going to give us grandchildren? My car’s back seat:

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One of the top concerns for the Iowa law enforcement is minors’ access to THC products. While many retailers and restaurants self-regulate to restrict sales to minors, there’s no law saying they have to — unlike alcohol and cigarettes. Elijah Decious thegazette.com/curious-iowa/c…

Gather ‘round! thegazette.com/things-to-do/o…

Affordable housing has always been a need in City of Iowa City. Now we've got immigrant families doubling and tripling up. Thanks Elijah Decious for this report. thegazette.com/news/heres-why…

Oh, you got to see the Iowa State Fair Butter Cow? That’s cool. I got to smell it behind the glass while they put shoelaces on @higbones 👃🏻 🐄

Get insider info like this on Corridor restaurants and food every week — for free! Sign up here: subscribepage.com/chew

Good read from Elijah Decious and photos from Savannah Blake & The Gazette's Nick Rohlman: For Iowans, TikTok is a lifeline to niche communities, local connections and information they often can’t find on their own or articulate through Google searches. thegazette.com/article/tiktok…

A powerful, uplifting story from ⁦Elijah Decious⁩: When she left Afghanistan, she knew no English. Now, she commands the power of words. search.app/Fijnq2Q6rWTPMR…

This story by Elijah Decious is so heartwarming and fun! Center Point-Urbana school's mascot was crowned best high school mascot in America by Sports Illustrated last month. thegazette.com/news/center-po…