U of Iowa grad Ryan Hansen joins Press-Citizen staff as government and crime reporter

Illinois native and local freelancer Ryan Hansen has joined the Press-Citizen as a reporter covering government and crime.

The 22-year-old recently graduated from the University of Iowa in 2023, double-majoring in journalism and political science. He began his role with the P-C June 5.

Hansen spent two years as a reporter with the student newspaper, The Daily Iowan, covering city council, student government, and undergraduate colleges. He rose to the position of digital editor by his senior year, handling the organization's social media, newsletter, and website.

Hansen credits the DI with helping to build his coursework while providing real-world experience.

“There are very few student newsrooms left that help young journalists grow and flourish,” Hansen said. “I’m so fortunate to have been able to experience that alongside my incredibly talented future journalists at the DI.”

Hansen tailored his skills in writing during his time at Iowa while acquiring a basic understanding of data journalism, audience engagement, and visual creation.

Hansen also spent three months as a freelancer for the Press-Citizen, covering local government happenings in Iowa City and Coralville.

He originally hails from New Lenox, Illinois, roughly 40 minutes southwest of Chicago, where his parents have spent nearly their entire lives. His parents, Gene and Trish, raised him in the home they built together shortly before he was born.

Hansen credits them for endlessly supporting his dreams and goals.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” Hansen said. “They are truly the best.”

Hansen's older sister, Anna, lives across town and is always available to provide life advice or a place to hang out. His girlfriend, Mia, is entering her senior year at Michigan State University majoring in economics. The pair have been together for nearly five years.

“She’s always pushing me to be better,” Hansen said. “I’m so grateful to have her by my side.”

Hansen's intense passion for journalism blossomed even more when he arrived in Iowa City in 2019.

“There’s always something happening here,” he said. “It feels like a small town, but there’s always something newsworthy, whether it be from the city, the university, the arts scene, sports, anything.”

It's a privilege to continue covering the city he has come to know so well, Hansen said.

“I’m looking forward to developing my skills and my connections within the community here in Iowa City,” he said. “This is such a diverse place and everyone has a story to tell."

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Illinois native and Iowa grad Ryan Hansen joins Press-Citizen staff