The Latest
December 15 in History: ‘Lavender scare’ to APA reclassification of homosexuality, Sitting Bull’s death, Arthur Ashe honored, more
From the lavender scare to the APA’s reclassification of homosexuality, to the Georgia election workers determined to be defamed by Donald Trump’s former attorney Rudy Giuliani, take a look at historical progressive and intersectional events on December 15. It’s This Day in History, curated by MainStream MultiMedia.
ANALYSIS: ‘David Hogg effect’ hits Iowa with Democratic primary contests of Peters v Croken in Davenport, Smith v Gaines in Des Moines
Adam Peters in Davenport and Cody Smith in Des Moines WERE Democrats primarying Democrats and examples of the “David Hogg effect” hitting Iowa. Smith’s incumbent opponent, Ruth Ann Gaines, has since announced she will retire rather than seek re-election.
Coming Up in Illinois
Church of Peace Food Pantry • Rock Island Dec 20, 9:00 am. Head to the back of the church and to the alley, where you can donate, or pick up groceries.
- Community Meal • Rock Island IL Dec 20, 12:00 pm.
Enjoy a family-style, round-table meal in the downstairs hall of Two Rivers United Methodist Church. Grocery giveaways available, too. Volunteer preparers, clean-up crew, hosts and servers welcome; call 309-788-9384.
- Winter Solstice Celebration • Bloomington IL Dec 20, 6:00 pm.
Music, a bonfire, snacks and interconnectedness to celebrate the longest night of the year.
- All Ages Holiday Potluck and Pageant • Bloomington IL Dec 21, 10:00 am.
Gather for this annual holiday tradition of a pageant during morning service, and a holiday potluck afterwards.
- Church of Peace Food Pantry • Rock Island Dec 27, 9:00 am.
Head to the back of the church and to the alley, where you can donate, or pick up groceries.
Coming Up in Iowa
- Winter Wonder Metaphysical Market • Cedar Rapids IA Dec 20, 10:00 am.
Find handmade crafts and wares from metaphysical vendors.
- Gaymers Gathering • Iowa City Dec 20, 2:00 pm.
This gathering hosted by the queer-owned business Diversions features 40+ games, coffee, and a safe, fun atmosphere. All ages welcome.
- Solice Circle: Ritual and Writing for Yule • Iowa City IA Dec 20, 3:00 pm. Experience seasonal writing prompts, grounding rand attuning rituals and practices, and writing activities to inspire reflection and imagination. Register here.
- Witches Circle Yule Celebration • Boone IA Dec 20, 4:00 pm. Soup, snacks, wine and gifts to celebrate the solstice, with Boone Pride and more.
More of The Latest
December 2 in History: Bhutto is first elected Muslim woman, Anderson honored, EPA formed, cannabis rescheduled by U.N., more
Benazir Bhutto becomes the first-ever Muslim women elected to office, Marian Anderson is honored by the Kennedy Center, major league umpire Dale Scott “comes out,” and more. It’s This Day in History for December 2, curated by MainStream MultiMedia.
Out Sports Quad Cities continuing with Dec. 8 fundraiser, 2026 volleyball despite co-founder’s departure
Out Sports Quad Cities, the nonprofit LGBTQ+ sports league that drew the interest of hundreds and the actual play of dozens, vows to continue despite a leadership fallout enacted largely through social media.
