Vilsack News, A look back at top-viewed columns, and a roundup of current commentary
Tom Vilsack will announce a new job in Iowa soon
Tom and Christie Vilsack shared a holiday letter with friends and family announcing that they are bidding farewell to their colleagues and friends at the USDA. They also revealed that an official announcement is forthcoming: the current Secretary of Agriculture and former Governor of Iowa will soon be named the next director of the World Food Prize, located in Des Moines, the letter says.
Top viewed columns from 2024
The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative had a remarkable year in 2024, showcasing the power of diverse voices, compelling storytelling, and thought-provoking commentary. From in-depth interviews and election-year insights to poetry that resonates and personal tales of resilience, our writers brought their best to the table. As the year comes to a close, we’re highlighting some of the top-viewed columns that captivated our readers. These stories range from sports and politics to personal reflections and breaking news, each offering a unique perspective on the moments that defined the year. Here’s a look back at the pieces that sparked conversation, inspired change, and kept our audience coming back for more.
, author of The Crossover, wrote about how basketball phenom Caitlin Clark has buoyed interest in women’s basketball, validating and growing a fervor held by many. writes poetry that leaves us wanting more. Her top-read piece this year was a poem titled “Born in the Air,” which speaks about starting life during times of great change and unrest. It is a piece fitting for this time in history.’s third-most-read column of 2024 was the one he had the most fun writing, so he decided to share it in the year-end roundup.Iowa Boy
's best-read column of 2024 was one in early May in which he reported that he's written more than 10,000 columns and stories in his long career—and had just thrown away the print versions of nearly all of them. It was time to tidy up!Best read for
was a piece about one family’s 115-year history on West Lake Okoboji. Subtitle: How two unrelated violent deaths shaped the Okoboji futures of two families.In "Bicycle Sutra,"
of The Five and Dime writes about the unique Iowa summer tradition of RAGBRAI. It was his best read piece in 2024.In her top post of 2024, “Why I Stay,”
shares her journey of embracing life in small-town Iowa despite its initial challenges. From facing skepticism and setbacks to running for office and making a tangible impact, she highlights the unique opportunities small towns offer to those willing to invest in community.The Power of Words was Steve Semken’s pick for 2024.
's Emerging Voices Favorite of the Year: What's at Stake in Iowa's Attack on Libraries? Angie Carter traces the history of banning books in Iowa libraries and shows what it takes to stand up to bullies.The past 12 months have been full of election year commentary, too.
In The Iowa Mercury, the top column in 2024 came from questions
asked Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear in person about JD Vance. The title: "Kentucky governor says JD Vance's Appalachian 'origin story' doesn't add up."’s top column for 2024 was about the insistence by then candidate Trump that immigrants in a small Ohio town were eating cats and dogs. The claim had no merit.Laura Belin’s best read column was a story about the Iowa GOP chair admonishing voters to fake enthusiasm for Trump if they had to.
The interview with pollster J. Ann Selzer prior to the election was
’s top clicked. The podcast recorded after the shocking poll results said VP Harris would win Iowa if the election were held that day. The result was a rare miss for the pollster.Maybe it was because of the "f-word", but before meteorologist
’s 2024 recap, his most read article was: Earth’s On Fire. We’re Choking on Smoke, and Voters are Sweating . . . Over Fucking Egg Prices?!'s most popular post of the year was, "We Shouldn't be Chasing Votes, We Should be Chasing the Truth"—Ryan Melton, Democratic Candidate for Iowa's Fourth District.In a post-election column,
’s most-read piece was about an upcoming Cabinet pick. If Iowa's Sen. Joni Ernst—having been a victim herself—means what she says about believing and supporting sexual assault victims, there's no way she can turn her back on the woman Pete Hegseth paid off to silence her accusations. And there's no way Ernst can in all good conscience vote to confirm him as Defense secretary.Lordy Lordy—Enough With All This God Talk, was
’s top-read story. ’s most-read story: Shawn Dougherty, 56, told himself to keep calm or he would likely die. That's the opening line of a piece about the Chicago-to-Mackinac Island racer and survival tips in the best-read Shifting Gears column of 2024: "Sailor beats death under moonless sky." His death-defying tale attracted an insane number of readers.
Finally,
’s best-read column was about hope—the kind that isn't a flighty, ethereal thing, but a gut-deep, resolute, gritty sort of hope that holds on tight and refuses to let go.The December 28, 2024 Roundup
National Politics . . . Iowa Politics . . . Around Iowa . . . Cars & Transportation Culture . . . Food, Entertainment & Travel . . . Weather & Climate . . . Sports . . . Books & Art . . . Music . . . Humor . . . Poetry
National Politics
Ford, General Motors, and Toyota win praise from industry analysts for making $1M financial commitments to the inaugural committee of President-elect Donald Trump. It's a big shift from what Joe Biden received. Here's why, according to
. writes from Washington, DC, that the release of the U.S. House Ethics Committee’s report on its bi-partisan investigation of then-Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) reveals the depths of partisanship to which Iowa’s US House delegation was willing to stoop when all four voted to hide that report. “Now we know what they voted to hide, and it’s astoundingly unacceptable,” he writes in his column, “Barry Piatt on Politics: Behind the Curtains.”First, a review of some agricultural news at the end of 2024. Then, a look at what it all mean for the years ahead.
dives in . . .Like it or not, writes
, we are all in this together.Iowa Politics
covered the years-long effort to expand the federal judiciary, which faltered this week when President Joe Biden vetoed the JUDGES Act. Iowa's Northern District would have been allocated a new District Court position in 2025 if Biden had signed the bill . . . but he may not have the last word on the subject.In October, a national magazine recognized Gov. Kim Reynolds' superior political skills, picking her as one of its "public officials of the year" for 2024. But in his most popular post of the year,
at “Along the Mississippi,” wrote this was very bad news for Iowans. writes that Iowa state government’s decision to ban the Satanic Temple’s holiday display and activities at the Capitol ignores the First Amendment’s prohibition on government giving preference, or showing animosity, to one faith.As a holiday bonus, Evans has republished seven past columns that offer observations on subjects readers might find meaningful in keeping with the holiday spirit. They can all be found under his Stray Thoughts column heading.
One 2024 experience stuck with
perhaps more than any other. He feared that a community would suffer irreparable damage, but it turns out the neighbors may be okay after all.Around Iowa
Living in Iowa with Iowans can be a pain but it really is a gift, all things considered, at Christmastime,
writes from Storm Lake.Des Moines officials directed a bulldozer to “clean up” a homeless encampment just before Thanksgiving.
reached out to the director of a homeless outreach organization to discuss the issue in, “A Christmas Reflection on Homelessness.” looks back at her family's business and incorporates lines from a poem by her brother, Jeff, who wrote about the business of selling nuts and bolts.
Also from Pat, a piece about walking around a lake on December 26. Eighty years to the day earlier, his dad walked into a war zone.
Movie buff
offers recent history on The Iowa, Winterset's single screen movie theater, and makes a gentle appeal.
Our Christmas tree is a scrapbook, writes
.
A small boy offered to pray for
last week. Bob wrote about the interaction in "A Boy's Prayer at Smokey Row, Pella, Iowa." takes a look back (in some cases, way back) in, "Lives Worth Noting, 2024" . . . friends who passed away this last year, remembered fondly in this week's column.Food, Entertainment & Travel
took the week off to work on next week's story, "The Best Restaurants in Des Moines—2024 Edition." ignored nearly any shade of gray when it came to his wardrobe in 2024. Instead, he wore bright purple, pastel yellow, colorful orange, and sparkly shoes.
Weather & Climate
Des Moines is living through a climate wake-up call. With record-breaking warm years, disappearing cold days, and soaring 60°F+ days, the city’s weather data screams “climate change.” This isn’t just numbers; it’s a reshaping of seasons, ecosystems, and livelihoods. The trends demand urgent action before “holy sh*t moments” become irreversible. Read
and send him all your money so he can keep doing what he’s doing while he still can.
Music
Straight from Buggy Land, Mary Swander strains to sing Christmas carols with her Amish neighbors in five languages, then ends with a tune she adapts about her pup Banjo.
Letters From Iowans
In Letters from Iowans, Phil Kreznor channels a classic poem from Joe Biden's point of view in "The Night Before Christmas, December 2024."
Do you have an opinion about a topic that offers a fresh perspective or addresses a little-known concern? We encourage you to submit an 800-word (or fewer) essay on the topic for consideration in publication in our Letters From Iowans section. Here is a form to submit your piece:
Media
When
first began contributing to Hola America Publications in 2016, she never imagined she would one day lead the organization's editorial vision. Now, as the newly appointed editor-in-chief, she is excited to be at the helm of highlighting the dynamic Latino communities featured in their publications."Our mission goes beyond reporting local news," explains Fernández-Morrow. "Our publications are catalysts for building pride, inspiring change through human connection, and showcasing the incredible contributions of Latinos in the Midwest."
The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative welcomes her to this new position.
Books & Art
During an in-person Q&A with Iowa City-based author Rachel Yoder, whose novel "Night Bitch" is the basis for a new film,
(Davenport) sighed in relief that two certain people were not in the room.At a time when childlike trust may seem naive, it helps to remember the power of pure belief. Read about it in Debra Engle’s column in A World of Your Own.
Music - Two Views of the Bob Dylan movie
Time for year-end musings on great music.
says the new movie "A Complete Unknown," about a young Bob Dylan, is a complete thrill, but the older 21st century Dylan also deserves your attention. (Kyle also gave us his top 10 albums of 2024 in an earlier post.)In her latest column, Cheryl Tevis shares her reflections after seeing “A Complete Unknown,” the new Bob Dylan biopic. She suggests echoes of the '60s today.
Humor
New Year's Redux—what's old is new again. Thanks for the laughs,
Twas The Night Before Christmas (The “Relatively Minor” version) by Vicki Minor.
Poetry
A foggy, gray day reveals more than expected in
's new poem: Prairie Fog in Six Haikus.
Roster
Please explore our growing roster, pick those you wish to follow, and become a paid subscriber.