The Scarlet & Black

The Independent Student News Site of Grinnell College
PHOTOS: QPOC hosts annual fall drag show
PHOTOS: QPOC hosts annual fall drag show
Jerome Scheuring watches election results come in at the Poweshiek County Republican Party headquarters in Grinnell, Iowa on Nov. 5, 2024.
Voters retain Justice May amid partisan push
Kay Balleau, 76, casts her ballot into the machine at Elks Lodge in Grinnell, Iowa on Nov. 5, 2024.
What went wrong with Selzer’s Iowa Poll?
QPOC drag show draws crowd amid increase of anti-LGBTQ+ bias
QPOC drag show draws crowd amid increase of anti-LGBTQ+ bias
The Poweshiek County Courthouse in Montezuma, Iowa on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.
Man accused of assaulting Grinnell College student faces felony, released on bond
A franchised Scooter's location is scheduled to open by December at 1026 West St. in Grinnell, Iowa.
Scooter’s Coffee and Pizza Hut to open in Grinnell
Kay Balleau, 76, casts her ballot into the machine at Elks Lodge in Grinnell, Iowa on Nov. 5, 2024.
What went wrong with Selzer’s Iowa Poll?
Jerome Scheuring watches election results come in at the Poweshiek County Republican Party headquarters in Grinnell, Iowa on Nov. 5, 2024.
Local Republican reflects on grassroots politics, the Republican Party
The newly-installed dance and play arch in Central Park's inclusive playground.
Inclusive playground opens in Central Park
Students, faculty and staff gather in the Joe Rosenfield Center on Nov. 6 to discuss the results of the election.
College administration responds to election results
“Soul to Seoul” celebrates the merging of soul food and Korean cuisine
Jessica Calarco, author of "Holding It Together: How Women Became America's Safety Net," poses for a portrait after her talk at Grinnell College on Nov. 11, 2024.
Rosenfield Program hosts Jessica Calarco
A sign directing students to the Free Store.
Student Environmental Committee opens Free Store in Main Hall
Micho Adler tells spooky and silly fortunes with their crystal ball.
SRC celebrates Halloween with gay pumpkin séance
The Grinnell prairie on October 17, 2024.
College pilots organic land care on Mac Field
Regann Fishell (left) & Amy Kan stands in front of their Smith art gallery exhibit "High Horse".
Smith Gallery Exhibit: Have you seen “High Horse”?
From left: Philomena Frasca `25 laughs with Mari Hurst, 10, as they decorate a pumpkin at Grinnell Middle School on Nov. 1, 2024.
Middle School Art Club celebrates Halloween
Alexi Zentner poses for a portrait outside of Carnegie Hall in Grinnell, Iowa on Nov. 1, 2024.
Writers @ Grinnell: Alexi Zentner `97
(Left to right) Rob Neill `91, Jake Banasiewicz, Kyra Sims, Lee Lebreton and Robin Virginie participate in a play with a student at Sebring-Lewis Hall on November 1.
So many plays, such little time: New York Neo-Futurists bring ‘The Infinite Wrench’ to Grinnell
Bruna Dantas Lobato poses for a portrait in her office on Oct. 30, 2024.
Writers@Grinnell: Longing and belonging in Bruna Dantas Lobato’s debut novel, “Blue Light Hours”
The team huddles during a game against Lake Forest at Springer Field on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Men’s and women’s soccer reflect on season
Grinnell defense stop an Illinois College receiver during the senior day game against Illinois College on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
Football looks ahead
The starting lineup prepares for tipoff in the season opener against Central Christian (KS) on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
Photo Series: Women’s basketball season begins
Eli Brotman `25 ran for the cross country team during his first two years at Grinnell.
Life after sports: Athletic departures redefine college paths
Every season, Grinnell women's soccer ties red ribbon with motivational quotes in their left cleat.
Team superstitions and traditions contribute to success
Opinion: Come together, but go alone
Opinion: Come together, but go alone
L.F. Parker Professor of History Sarah J. Purcell poses outside of the Humanities and Social Sciences Center (HSSC) on Nov. 7, 2024.
Opinion: I thought this might be more of a contest
Director of Civic Education and Innovation Ryan Solomon poses outside the John Chrystal Center on Nov. 8, 2024.
Democracy without citizenship
Clara Bode `26 poses for a portrait in front of Lyle's Pub in the basement of the Joe Rosenfield `25 Center on Oct. 30, 2024.
Dreaming of Lyle’s: Pubmaster says to bring the quiz home
Sage & Blunt: Catholic Lesbian
Sage & Blunt: Catholic Lesbian
Letter to the Editor: Required Meal Plans
Letter to the Editor: Required Meal Plans
Sharyn Obsatz `93 is a journalism professor at Santa Monica College.
Letter to the Editor: Support The S&B
Jay Dick `93 works as Sr. Director of Advocacy and Partnerships at Americans for the Arts.
Letter to the Editor: The Vanishing of Printed Student Media?
Sasha Aslanian `90 is a member of the Grinnell College Alumni Council.
Letter to the Editor: Physical papers have pull on Grinnell campus
Members of the women's volleyball team practicing on Wednesday Nov. 8 in preparation for their matches at the Midwest Conference tournament.
Letter to the Editor: Support women’s athletics
Comic: False Spring
Comic: False Spring
Comic: You Are What You Eat
Comic: You Are What You Eat
Comic: Ambroos and Wilhelmina van Buskirk the Tulip Fairies
Comic: Ambroos and Wilhelmina van Buskirk the Tulip Fairies
Comic: Spring Break Expectation vs. Reality
Comic: Spring Break Expectation vs. Reality
Comic: The Scariest Things on Halloween in Grinnell
Comic: The Scariest Things on Halloween in Grinnell
Horoscope: Which childhood book series are you?
Horoscope: Which childhood book series are you?
Horoscope: What D-Hall fry iteration are you?
Horoscope: What D-Hall fry iteration are you?
Horoscope: What BRAT song are you?
Horoscope: What BRAT song are you?
Horoscope: Which federally recognized Midwestern state are you?
Horoscope: Which federally recognized Midwestern state are you?
Horoscope: Which practical mode of transportation are you?
Horoscope: Which practical mode of transportation are you?
Opinion: Come together, but go alone
Opinion: Come together, but go alone
L.F. Parker Professor of History Sarah J. Purcell poses outside of the Humanities and Social Sciences Center (HSSC) on Nov. 7, 2024.
Opinion: I thought this might be more of a contest
Director of Civic Education and Innovation Ryan Solomon poses outside the John Chrystal Center on Nov. 8, 2024.
Democracy without citizenship
Clara Bode `26 poses for a portrait in front of Lyle's Pub in the basement of the Joe Rosenfield `25 Center on Oct. 30, 2024.
Dreaming of Lyle’s: Pubmaster says to bring the quiz home
Sara Jaljaa `26 poses for a portrait in front of the trees by Macy House on Wednesday, October 9.
Opinion: The threat of disunity: exploitation, consequences and responses
Renfrow Hall Tour
Renfrow Hall Tour
An inside look at Grinnell's Stew Makerspace
An inside look at Grinnell’s Stew Makerspace
"My favorite part is the students": Cheery Checkers reflect on being the face of Grinnell's Dining Hall
“My favorite part is the students”: Cheery Checkers reflect on being the face of Grinnell’s Dining Hall
Members of the class of 2024 advise their first-year selves
Members of the class of 2024 advise their first-year selves
Sandy Moffet reflects on his legacy
Sandy Moffet reflects on his legacy
PHOTOS: QPOC hosts annual fall drag show
PHOTOS: QPOC hosts annual fall drag show
Grinnell Singers perform in Sebring-Lewis Hall in Grinnell, Iowa on Sunday, Nov. 10.
PHOTOS: Grinnell Singers Performance November 10
The starting lineup prepares for tipoff in the season opener against Central Christian (KS) on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.
Photo Series: Women’s basketball season begins
Students watch the election results in the HSSC on Nov. 5, 2024.
PHOTOS: Students watch election results roll in
Joe Chanis '27 (right) prepares to wrestle an opponent.
PHOTOS: 10/10 Wrestling

The Scarlet & Black

The Scarlet & Black
Nina Baker

Nina Baker, Staff Writer

Nina Baker is a fourth-year Russian major with a Russian, Central European and Eurasian Studies concentration from Lakeville, Minnesota. When she’s not reporting for The Scarlet & Black, she loves taking long walks, reading, and learning foreign languages.

All content by Nina Baker
Michael Lozada

Michael Lozada

Nina Baker, Staff writer
May 6, 2024
Nina Baker, Staff Writer

Nina Baker, Staff Writer

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
May 6, 2024
Detection strips available following date-rape drug allegations

Detection strips available following date-rape drug allegations

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
April 29, 2024
Students leaders in Student Government Association, student publications, Pedal Grinnell and Grinnell Concerts will now be responsible for negotiating for allocations of the student activity fee budget, which is estimated to be roughly $417,000 for next year.

SPARC Budget Update: Students will now negotiate budget allocations

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
April 26, 2024
Grinnell will not cut student org budget, publications still at risk, statement says

Grinnell will not cut student org budget, publications still at risk, statement says

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
April 23, 2024
Student publication members at Grinnell are concerned that the College will no longer fund print editions of their publications next academic year.

SPARC publication printing in the air as budget narratives vary

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
April 22, 2024
Students protest outside of Wells Fargo in 2017. Among Grinnell students, 77% said they worry "a little" or "a lot" about damaging their reputation because someone misunderstood them.

Grinnell College ranked worst school in the US for comfort expressing ideas

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
April 15, 2024
At least five Grinnell College students allege their alcoholic drinks may have been spiked with date-rape drugs at 100 Days, which took place at 1008 High St. on March 2.

Students allege date-rape drugs at 100 Days party, submit report to admin

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
March 18, 2024
Tommy Hexter, 24, declared that he is running for election in Iowa House District 53, aiming to defeat six-term Republican incumbent Dean Fisher.

Tommy Hexter running for Iowa House District 53: “I want to see Iowa investing in Iowa”

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
March 15, 2024
Speed cameras to be installed on I-80 and Iowa Highway 146 intersection

Speed cameras to be installed on I-80 and Iowa Highway 146 intersection

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
March 11, 2024
Chris Starrett, president of the Grinnell-Newburg Board of Education, said this upcoming school year's budget cuts "is just the beginning" at a Feb. 28 board meeting.

Nearly $1 million in budget cuts planned for Grinnell-Newburg schools

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
March 2, 2024
Anderson Clayton, the youngest state party leader, returned to Poweshiek County on Monday, Feb. 19 to speak to students and community members about her experience as a political organizer.

The youngest state Democratic Party leader has a message for Iowa

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
February 22, 2024
Guest flutist Cobus du Toit makes his instrument sing while pianist Doreen Lee accompanies.

Renowned flautist Cobus du Toit flaunts his skills in masterclass and recital

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
February 19, 2024
Josh Paul, who resigned from the State Department on October 17 in objection to U.S. lethal arms transfers to Israel, conducted a three-week residency at Grinnell in which he taught a short course — "Rebuilding After Conflict" — and hosted a career talk.

Josh Paul, former State Department official, teaches at Grinnell College

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
February 15, 2024
From left: Cameron and Ren Fischer, owners of Poweshiek Trading Post at 829 Main St. plan to close their vintage shop to customers March 1.

Poweshiek Trading Post to close in Grinnell, owners look to new careers outside Iowa

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
February 5, 2024
The International Cultural Cuisine Organization International Dinner brought together global dishes from Grinnell College students. Over 100 students attended.

ICCO faces difficulty from new budget rules

Nina Baker, News Editor
April 24, 2023
The soybean crushing plant is estimated to consume 400,000 gallons of water a day.

Soybean crushing plant plans are underway

Nina Baker, News Editor
April 10, 2023
More than 1,000 protestors gathered in Des Moines to protest anti-trans legislation on Sunday, March 6.

Rally to Resist: Grinnellians protest anti-LGBTQ+ legislation

Nina Baker, News Editor
March 12, 2023
The Iowa State Capitol building.

Court records reveal College sued for discrimination in Title IX

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
March 6, 2023
Photo of a student using a computer with ChatGPT pulled up.

ChatGPT’s potential to rewrite the classroom

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
February 27, 2023
Graphic of a stamp on incomplete form.

Registrar issues firmer guidance on Incompletes

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
February 20, 2023
CEQ: Off-campus living and community perspective

CEQ: Off-campus living and community perspective

Nina Baker, Staff Writer
February 13, 2023
The Union of Grinnell Student Dining Workers has been distributing their weekly newsletter, Worker Power, since the first week of September 2022. The newsletters have been removed in what the Union has alleged is a violation of the National Labor Relations Act; the College has alleged the method of distribution of the newsletters violates both the College’s own Advertising/ Signs/Tabling Policy and the current 2021-23 collective bargaining agreement between UGSDW and the College.

College and UGSDW disagree about Union newsletter distribution practices

Nina Baker, Community Editor
October 3, 2022
The proposed Learning Spaces Policy would allow individuals to report incidents they perceive to be harmful to the learning environment.

Academic freedom concerns arise over proposed Learning Spaces Policy

Nina Baker, Community Editor
September 19, 2022
Amid COVID spike, College eases pandemic restrictions

Amid COVID spike, College eases pandemic restrictions

Nina Baker, Community Editor
September 19, 2022
Photo by Ariel Richards.

Cameron Leung

Nina Baker
May 8, 2022
Photo by Ohana Sarvotham.

Micaela Daney

Nina Baker
May 8, 2022
Paige Olowu ‘25 streaks down the lane ahead of the Buena Vista competition.

Grinnell track and field teams produce multiple record-breaking performances at Mustang Open

Nina Baker
May 6, 2022
Contributed by Vox.

Book Review: “American Sonnets for my Past and Future Assassin”

Nina Baker
May 2, 2022
Michael Williams, orginally from New York, moved from Kearney, Nebraska, to Grinnell in 2002. He is pictured here with his sons Danté and Michael Jr. in 2007. Contributed by Janalee Boldt.

Two defendants sentenced in Michael Williams’ murder; one defendant to stand trial

Nina Baker
April 28, 2022
A shelf altar in Smith Gallery for "The Divine Feminine: Black and Taíno Sacred Bodies." Photo by Shabana Gupta.

“The Divine Feminine” explores diasporic identity with vibrance and heart

Nina Baker
April 21, 2022
Graphic by Qingshuo Du.

As local journalism declines, the Grinnell Herald-Register plows on

Nina Baker
March 14, 2022
Austin Frerick `12 and his groom are both graduates of liberal arts colleges, which Frerick said changed his life for the better. Frerick eventually decided to wed at Grinnell. Contributed by Austin Frerick.

Austin Frerick `12 launches state senate campaign

Nina Baker
March 6, 2022
Some students allege that Grinnell College has not paid them for hundreds of dollars worth of work. Photo by Shabana Gupta.

College gives little explanation for some students’ hundreds of dollars in unpaid wages

Nina Baker
March 4, 2022
Face masks optional in most indoor settings at Grinnell College starting March 7, including classrooms

Face masks optional in most indoor settings at Grinnell College starting March 7, including classrooms

Nina Baker
March 3, 2022
Qingshuo Du.

Outdoor learning environment to be created at Ahrens Park

Nina Baker
February 13, 2022
Adventurefuls is a new caramel-flavored Girl Scout cookie available to Grinnell residents beginning Feb. 5. Photo from public domain.

Scouting for cookies? Here’s how to get Girl Scout cookies in Grinnell this spring

Nina Baker
February 4, 2022

On Grinnell Culture

Nina Baker
December 8, 2021
Book Review: This book is bleeding in my hands. 

Book Review: This book is bleeding in my hands. 

Nina Baker
December 8, 2021
Emma Schaefer '23 dashes across the finish line just under 24 minutes. Contributed by Ted Schultz.

Emma Schaefer represents Grinnell College cross country on national stage

Nina Baker
December 2, 2021
Before Tuesday's verdict, a gathering was held to honor Michael Williams at Central Park in Grinnell on Saturday, Nov. 13 Photo by Nina Baker.

Steven Vogel convicted of first-degree murder of Grinnell resident Michael Williams

Nina Baker
November 17, 2021
Friends and family of Michael Williams gather to celebrate his life and honor his memory. Photo by Nina Baker.

Michael Williams’ friends and family gather to celebrate his life as Steven Vogel’s trial begins

Nina Baker
November 14, 2021
Victoria Jones joins the growing list Grinnell Prize recipients, which include Alexander McLean and Shafiq Khan. Contributed Photo.

Victoria Jones, winner of the 2021 Grinnell Prize, talks Memphis, empowerment, and Black joy

Nina Baker
November 11, 2021
Grinnell Rep. Dave Maxwell will change districts from the district he holds. Contributed Photo.

How does 2020 redistricting affect Grinnell?

Nina Baker
November 10, 2021
Controversial issues like the mask mandate in schools, district infrastructure and funding and the inclusion of Culturally Responsive Scorecards in school curriculum resulted in an extremely tight race for school board members. Graphic by Elisa Carrasco Lanusse.

Starrett and Belcher elected as at-large directors to the school board in a close race

Nina Baker
November 8, 2021
Incumbent candidate Barbara Brown poses with her yard sign. Photo contributed by Barbara Brown.

Grinnell-Newburg School Board candidates on mask mandates, Critical Race Theory and their five-year-plans for the district

Nina Baker
November 2, 2021
Contributed by Ninh Trinh in Concrete Perspectives

Liberal Arts in Prison back in-person after COVID-19 lockdown

Nina Baker
October 6, 2021
Grinnell women's soccer celebrates after scoring against Illinois College. Contributed by Ted Schultz

Women’s soccer looks to build off strong conference start

Nina Baker
October 2, 2021
Breaking: College will now provide PCR COVID-19 tests to any student who requests one, regardless of exposure or symptoms

Breaking: College will now provide PCR COVID-19 tests to any student who requests one, regardless of exposure or symptoms

Nina Baker
September 21, 2021
Cameron Youngblood's '25 forced-triple with bunk beds on the top floor of Rathje Hall. Photo by Maddi Shinall.

Record number of students living on campus leaves Department of Residence life struggling to find space

Nina Baker
September 7, 2021
Ray Martinez

Ray Martinez

Nina Baker
May 16, 2021
Data sourced from The New York Times. Graphic by Andrew Tucker.

Amid global COVID-19 surge, fear and anxiety escalate for many international students

Nina Baker
May 8, 2021
Residents have been taking advantage of recent warm weather to enjoy the outdoors, especially at Central Park. Photo by Kaya Matsuura.

As COVID-19 case counts plummet, some residents are still wary of a vaccine

Nina Baker
May 4, 2021
Graphic by Tess Kerkhof

Quick Cold Cases: The mysterious enigma of D.B. Cooper

Nina Baker
April 28, 2021
Some students say the College's on-boarding testing protocols were sometimes confusing. Photo by Andrew Tucker.

Spring sports kick off with new COVID-19 rules

Nina Baker
April 18, 2021
At their house on Broad Street, (from left to right) Tess Kerkhof, Veronica Thomas, Saketan Anand, Lillie Westbrook and Amelia Zoernig, all fourth years, try to keep the spirit of Grinnell alive. Photo contributed by Tess Kerkhof.

Cribz: A maximalist abode on Broad Street

Nina Baker
April 14, 2021
Breaking: College to require COVID-19 vaccination for enrollment next year

Breaking: College to require COVID-19 vaccination for enrollment next year

Nina Baker
April 14, 2021
The College's COVID policies have recently allowed for more students to live on campus than expected. Photo by Kaya Matsuura.

COVID safety rules loosen on campus, but for whom?

Nina Baker
April 13, 2021
The second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is available at HyVee, Walmart and the Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Graphic by Shabana Gupta.

How are people getting vaccinated in Poweshiek County?

Nina Baker
March 27, 2021
From left to right, Kathryn Stender '21, Saketan Anand '21, Monessa Cummins, Kesho Scott, John Garrison and Obuchi Adikema '21. Graphic by Andrew Tucker.

Professor Kesho Scott to give commencement speech

Nina Baker
March 26, 2021
College announces intent to return to in-person learning for fall 2021

College announces intent to return to in-person learning for fall 2021

Nina Baker
March 25, 2021
The Dining Hall will now allow students to use reusable bags for takeaway meals instead of single-use plastic. Graphic by Shabana Gupta.

Student environmental groups push for Dining Hall to reduce plastic use

Nina Baker
March 17, 2021
From left to right, City Manager Russ Behrens, Police Chief Michael McClelland and Mayor Dan Agnew at McClelland's swearing in ceremony on Jan. 4. Photo contributed by the Grinnell Police Department.

New police chief says addressing racism a priority, but immediate change not necessary

Nina Baker
March 17, 2021
Graphic by Tess Kerkhof.

Fourth-years plan for an uncertain future

Nina Baker
March 5, 2021
Hexter '21 first got involved in environmental issues by founding Farm House. Photo by Kaya Matsuura.

Student-activist turned student-politician, Tommy Hexter serves as Poweshiek County Soil and Water Commissioner

Nina Baker
February 25, 2021
East Campus, previously Grinnell's newest dorm, was built in 2006. Photo by Kaya Matsuura.

Grinnell College students in isolation say they feel abandoned by the school

Nina Baker
February 20, 2021
After starting the year remotely, members of Grinnell Singers have met in small groups to sing in the Bucksbaum rotunda under the direction of Professor John Rommereim. Photo contributed by John Rommereim.

Student groups find creative ways to meet in person

Nina Baker
February 16, 2021
A SHAW staffer and a student outside the Charles Benson Bear recreational center, where students and staff at Grinnell go for weekly testing. Photo by Kaya Matsuura.

One week into S1, first-years doubting on-campus COVID-19 safety

Nina Baker
February 6, 2021
13 students removed from campus after breaking COVID-19 safety protocols

13 students removed from campus after breaking COVID-19 safety protocols

Nina Baker
February 2, 2021
Grinnell College officially invites over 300 first-years to campus for Spring Term 1

Grinnell College officially invites over 300 first-years to campus for Spring Term 1

Nina Baker
December 2, 2020

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issues statewide mask mandate as case counts soar

Nina Baker
November 16, 2020
Maxwell will keep his Senate seat, defeating challengers Smith and Hammouda

Maxwell will keep his Senate seat, defeating challengers Smith and Hammouda

Nina Baker
November 4, 2020
76th District House seat: it's a three-way race to the finish

76th District House seat: it’s a three-way race to the finish

Nina Baker
November 3, 2020
Hammouda attends a virtual forum hosted by the League of Women Voters.

Former chef Kamal Hammouda spices up local election as a third-party candidate

Nina Baker
October 17, 2020
Senate candidate Ivy Schuster attends the forum from home.

Local house and senate candidates attend virtual forum

Nina Baker
October 7, 2020
League of Women Voters holds first virtual forum for county candidates

League of Women Voters holds first virtual forum for county candidates

Nina Baker
October 3, 2020
Load More Stories
Donate to The Scarlet & Black
$0
$500
Contributed
Our Goal