IOWA

A versatile professional with a passion for social service, Jessica Schamberger, vice president of operations at Goodwill of the Heartland, will help lead the organization’s latest initiative, an $18 million contract packaging with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

When Haile Duncan saw a “Mas Margaritas, coming soon” sign outside a Cedar Rapids storefront last year, she didn’t think she’d end up owning the Mexican restaurant. She simply reached out to the owners to see if she could work there.

Lindsay Sullivan opened KidCreate Studio in March 2019 as a place for children to learn the basics of art but also have fun and get excited about it.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced the launch of a new digital outreach effort to inform survivors of human trafficking and stalking about resources available to them.

Young professionals ages 20-30 can apply to join the Des Moines Global Shapers through Jan. 31, the organization announced.

NATION

Harvey Weinstein appeared in a Manhattan courthouse last week to finally stand trial for sexual assault charges two years after accusations against him ignited the #MeToo movement.

Last week, Kelly Loeffler was sworn in as Georgia’s newest senator, bringing the total number of female U.S. senators to 26 — a record.

More movies than ever — 40% — featured female lead characters last year.

Add another accomplishment to Lizzo’s overflowing list: She’s reportedly the first woman ever to headline the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in its almost 20-year history.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has declared she is “cancer-free,” beating the disease for the fourth time after undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer in the summer.