Drumbeat of War, Water Woes, Medicaid Meltdown, Immigration, and AI-Driven Hiring
...plus, how songs have shaped a political narrative through the years
The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, now 80 members strong, has an alliance with Iowa Capital Dispatch, a hard-hitting, local and independent nonprofit digital news service under the leadership of editor-in-chief Kathie Obradovich. They run commentary by our members, and local newspapers are able to pick it up free of charge, with attribution to the author’s Substack column.
Iowa Capital Dispatch benefit concert
You’re invited to a special event and fundraiser for Iowa Capital Dispatch! Join us July 13 for live music, raffle prizes and a fun way to support local news.
What: Meet Iowa Capital Dispatch staff and enjoy live music from HomeBrewed, a blues-rock band from Iowa City known for donating its time to help worthy causes. Raffle prizes include a donation from the Iowa Cubs.
Why: Iowa Capital Dispatch is raising funds to create a permanent reporting position covering higher education in Iowa. Our Report for America corps member, Brooklyn Draisey, won first prize for coverage of education in the 2025 Iowa Better Newspaper Contests presented Thursday by the Iowa Newspaper Association.
When: 4-6:30 p.m. July 13
Where: Uptown Garage Brewing Co., 305 SW Walnut St, Ankeny, Iowa.
Tickets: Order in advance. General admission is $15 or reserve a table: https://order.toasttab.com/.../uptown-garage-brewing-company
National Politics
Barry Piatt
Is Congress letting Trump march us into another war? Barry Piatt says lawmakers are dangerously disengaged.
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Abena Sankofa Imhotep
Abena traces Juneteenth’s true origin through Galveston’s haunting slave-trade warehouses, Opal Lee’s cross-country march for truth, and Beyoncé’s Sankofa resurgence to confront America’s delayed emancipation and the debts still owed.
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Cheryl Tevis
Draconian Medicaid cuts distort the real picture of U.S. health. Tevis warns: We all have skin in the game.
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Dennis Goldford
Apocalyptic thinking is the death of politics. If we reject compromise, the only option left is violence.
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Julie Gammack
A front-row seat to one of the sharpest Gen Z voices—Aaron Parnas breaks down digital democracy and disinformation in a riveting 56-minute conversation.
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Matt Russell
A holy and righteous “No!” and a hopeful “Yes.” That’s the one-two punch our democracy needs right now.
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Robert Leonard
After attending No Kings rallies in Des Moines and Indianola, Bob Leonard shares a hopeful—and musical—message.
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Black Iowa News
On Inside Black Iowa, guest host Lya Williams interviews activist-poet Antwonette Shade—founder of the Union of Black America—about Juneteenth’s spiritual significance and her June 19 poetry slam at Xbx Live in Des Moines.
Iowa Politics
Chris Gloninger
Three Degrees: From Pulpit to Politics — a conversation with Iowa’s most compelling congressional candidate.
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Dave Price
Why might Republican candidates in Iowa have the edge in 2026? And how can you help keep the Iowa Down Ballot Podcast going?
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Dave Price
Will the economy be the defining issue for voters? Dave Price offers sharp insight into how candidates should talk about it.
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Laura Belin
On KHOI's Capitol Week, Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks cover Iowa's ties to the MN tragedy, Reynolds’ notable vetoes, and more.
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Laura Belin
Can Democrats win Iowa in 2026? Laura joins David Nir and Aaron Rupar to discuss Ernst, Miller-Meeks, and the road ahead.
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Letters from Iowans
After signing a slew of anti-transgender bills, does Gov. Reynolds still cry crocodile tears for trans Iowans?
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Podcast
Dave Price
Why might Republican candidates in Iowa have the edge in 2026? And how can you help keep the Iowa Down Ballot Podcast going?
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Randy Evans
Iowa’s largest water utility is overwhelmed by nitrates. It’s a warning we can’t ignore.
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Robert Leonard
Celebrating the 100th episode of The Iowa Revolution with Spencer Dirks and special guest Laura Belin.
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Law and Justice
Lynn Hicks
A courtroom ceremony proves that justice can be inspiring—and budget-friendly.
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Agriculture
Ken Chester
Coffee. As the cost of coffee continues to rise due to increasingly volatile climate patterns, demand for it is increasing. The United States grows very little coffee within its borders. To meet this demand, enter beanless coffee. My question, as an admitted coffee snob, is simple: how does it taste? Yes way or NO WAY?
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Around Iowa
Art Cullen
Art Cullen took to the road with videographer Jerry Risius to find what’s ailing Iowa.
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Beth Hoffman
A wonderful thing happened last night, arguably the best thing that has happened in a very long time. Although it didn’t begin out that way.
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Chuck Offenburger
Heard about the hot new movie "The Life of Chuck"? Our Chuck says he HAD to see it, and he came away realizing just how blessed his own life has been!
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Lisa Grouette
Lisa Grouette takes a quick peek at what life after legislation looks like for three North Iowans.
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Julie Gammack
Julie is the producer of an annual writers’ retreat held in Okoboji. She launched a new Substack column to inform readers about the event.
Business
Diana Wright
A monthly digest highlighting startups and resources solving real Iowa problems—like nitrate-polluted water—plus a guide for getting involved in the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Rick Jost
"Earthling, Your Interview Starts Now" — a glimpse into the world of AI-powered hiring and the pros and cons of bots interviewing you.
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Suzanna de Baca
A leadership lesson inspired by a 13-year-old boy met at a Belgian war museum. Suzanna reflects on what real leadership looks like.
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Humor
Daniel P. Finney
50 lessons in 50 years … No. 1: Get over yourself.
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David Thoreson
“Swamp ass in the tropics” and Murphy’s Law meet in this brutally funny dispatch from ocean life.
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Vicki Minor
Who Left the Dog Treats Out? That’s it. That’s the mystery.
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Poetry
Suzanna de Baca
In her latest piece, The Weight of the Air, Suzanna responds to a stifling heat wave—and the emotional weight of recent conversations.
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The Iowa Angle (local tie-in to broader story)
Kurtis Meyer
A story about a friend of a friend… and a book club that demanded all the details.
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Rekha Basu
After fleeing war-torn Bosnia, Anesa Kajtazovic opens up through a children's book—and reclaims her story.
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Weather and Environment
Chris Gloninger
Sarah Trone-Garriott’s campaign isn’t about politics—it’s about clean water, public schools, and moral courage.
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Larry Stone
June in Iowa is GREEN! Larry Stone takes us into the lushness.
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World Affairs
Mary Swander (Emerging Voices)
“Aren’t all immigrants illegal?” Mary Swander unpacks the question through drama, imagery, and unflinching truth.
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Richard Gilbert
The haunting 1948 Los Gatos Canyon plane crash. 28 unnamed migrant workers. One unforgettable protest song.
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Iowa Writers’ Collaborative
Have you explored the variety of writers, plus Letters from Iowans, in the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative? We are from around the state and contribute commentary and feature stories of interest to those who care about Iowa. Please consider a paid subscription. It helps keep them going, and it keeps you in the know.
Iowa Writers’ Collaborative
Three events for paid subscribers coming up:
Friday June 27: Zoom call in our ‘Office Lounge’ featuring members of the collaborative. Here is the Zoom link for this month’s Office Lounge for paid subscribers. It’s always held on the last Friday of the month at noon, except for November and December.
Sunday, June 29: Weary Ramblers perform at Whippoorwill Creek Farm for paid subscribers
Saturday, July 26: Winterset: Movie and a Party!
Hey, the Weary Ramblers will be appearing June 29, at the farm home of In the Dirt columnist, Beth Hoffman. It is a thank-you event for paid subscribers. To become one click: paid subscriber and score a free ticket to see the Weary Ramblers at Whippoorwill Creek Farm!
Party, Meet Our Community of Writers
We are throwing a shindig in Winterset on July 26, and our paid subscribers (to any member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative or this roundup) are invited. For details, click on this RSVP form:
Saturday, July 26
3 to 5 pm: private screening of "Storm Lake" documentary film at the Iowa Theater, free to IWC writers and all PAID subscribers, followed by Q&A with guest of honor Art Cullen, moderated by Julie Gammack. Free popcorn, paid concessions. (Non-paid subscribers and public members can attend for $20.)
5:30 to 7 pm: Robust appetizers with a cash bar will be served at The Winterset Livery (an event space once a horse livery, just off the square), which is open free to paid subscribers. Non-paid subscribers who paid to attend the movie are also welcome to attend the after-party.
Come! We have a terrific community and want you all to meet one another!