Urban Plains

Welcome to our new beginning. Urban Plains offers a unique viewpoint on overlooked stories by connecting global issues to local experiences. Our engaging narratives highlight the revival of the Midwest as a significant cultural hub in a changing world.

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English

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#6612319

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#2006182

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#29680

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Articles

Reviving Heritage

Jul 26, 2024 | urban-plains.com | Caleb Smith

Explore the resilience of the Ojibwe people through the stories of Leah Lemm, Dr. Anton Treuer, and Brooke Ammann. From media advocacy to academic pursuits and community initiatives, learn about their unwavering dedication to preserving and revitalizing Ojibwe culture, language, and identity. Through their efforts, discover the enduring strength and spirit of the Ojibwe community as they reclaim their heritage for generations to come.
Tech Advancements in Agriculture

Jun 28, 2024 | urban-plains.com | Caleb Smith

Discover the latest agricultural job opportunities in the Midwest, driven by emerging ag tech innovations. With advancements in technology, the agricultural industry is rapidly evolving, creating new roles and expanding career possibilities. Learn how these cutting-edge developments are shaping the future of farming and providing exciting prospects for professionals in the field.
Music Festivals - Urban Plains

Jun 7, 2024 | urban-plains.com | Caleb Smith |Daniel Bauer |Erica Sawyer

Here in the Midwest, each state has its own charm. In this podcast series, we sat down with members of the Urban Plains team to showcase the uniqueness of each Midwest state. We have conversations about defining the land, music festivals, and queer music artists, all right here in the Midwest. Does the Midwest have the best music fests? We talked with our UP Art Director Caleb to discuss more on the story he wrote about different music venues in every Midwest state.
Gen-Z Climate Anxiety

Jun 7, 2024 | urban-plains.com | Erica Sawyer |Andrew Kennard

How are young people responding to a crisis that may feel unsolvable? Younger Americans—Gen Z adults and Millennials—are more likely to take action on climate change than older adults. But at the same time, more than half of 16 to 25 year-olds in a 10-nation study said they believe “humanity is doomed.” On this episode of the Urban Plains Podcast, a college student majoring in sustainability talks with a student who doesn’t think there’s much the average person can do about climate change.
Dance of Love - Urban Plains

May 29, 2024 | urban-plains.com | Madeline Cisneros

The curtains open, revealing a stage swathed in purple and blue lights. A backdrop of towering trees and lush grass transforms the space into a magical forest. As the music swells, children scamper on and off stage with flashing lights. A whimsiness fills Hoyt Sherman Place as dancers bring to life Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream through movement. At least until the end of the production. Then the mood changes. There’s a royal wedding.
Stick it in Your Ear

May 24, 2024 | urban-plains.com | Erica Sawyer

Stick It In Your Ear is a record store that holds a special place in the hearts of people in Springfield, Missouri. Learn about how this independent vinyl shop stays relevant in a digital world, all while cultivating a community for music lovers in the southern part of the Midwest. Stick it in your ear and turn it up!
The Pressure to Perform

May 22, 2024 | urban-plains.com | Lia Reichmann |Madeline Cisneros

There was a different energy in Memorial Stadium on August 30, 2023. Fans were on their feet, a sea of red making waves in the late summer air. The crowd roared as the women spiked the volleyball over the net. That night, women’s sports hit a historic milestone. And it happened in Lincoln, Nebraska, of all places. Over 92,000 women’s volleyball fans filled the stands to watch University of Nebraska-Lincoln face off against University of Nebraska Omaha.
VIDEO: Making of a Band

Apr 22, 2024 | urban-plains.com | Erica Sawyer

Munk Rivers is a “yearncore” indie band that is made up of brother/sister duo Charlotte and Tucker Judkins, and Drake University students Izzy Marx and Max Green. Watch this DIY band practice, write, and play shows—all while trying to find their footing in the Midwest music scene. To learn more about what goes into producing music independently, read Stay Yearning here.
VIDEO: Keep it Tuned

Apr 10, 2024 | urban-plains.com | Erica Sawyer

Rolla, Missouri, looks like it doesn’t offer much. A Wal-Mart. A dispensary. A few fast-food joints. Easy access to Lake of the Ozarks a few miles west. But for the students of Missouri University of Science and Technology, there’s a safe haven tucked in a seemingly nondescript dorm building. KMNR is an independent radio station.
Venturing into the Dark

Apr 3, 2024 | urban-plains.com | Madeline Cisneros

Featured photo credit: Megan SugdenLights danced from sunset to dawn, taking on new shapes and formations for hours on end. A pastel watercolor took form as brushstrokes of purples, greens, and pinks painted the sky. It was hypnotizing. Mesmerizing. Nearly impossible to look away. And exactly what Melissa F. Kaelin had hoped for. It was March of 2021. Kaelin had gone on an aurora chase with a group of friends in the upper peninsula of Michigan.