Ernst could heed her own advice, but likely won't, Farewell to Jim Leach, Immigration, the NFL & Ford, Climate
...a bobsled, and gift suggestions, including a book about women's sports writers
National Politics….State Politics….Media…Around Iowa….Dining & Travel….Sports… Car Culture….Weather and Climate….Humor….Poetry
We will soon add a new Iowa Writers’ Collaborative section: Music. Please welcome our third Iowa musician to this roster of storytellers.
will be joining , and —songwriters—as a member of the IWC.Kathryn Severing Fox is a versatile musician and educator in Creston, Iowa. She is proficient as a fiddler, violist, pianist, singer, songwriter, and piano tuner, with a repertoire that spans blues, folk, bluegrass, Western swing, and gypsy jazz. Learn more about her at: Kathryn Severing Fox.
Fox is part of the folk duo Weary Ramblers alongside Chad Elliott. Their debut album was released in August 2024.
National Politics
: Iowa's first female U.S. senator, a survivor of sexual and domestic abuse, has urged us to believe survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. That was her first response to Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, who has paid off an accuser. Ernst quickly changed her tune after backlash.Dave Busiek weighs in on the topic, too: Senator Joni Ernst appears to be caving to political pressure on the Defense Secretary nomination despite claiming protecting sexual assault victims is one of her “top priorities.”
on Media questions Ernst’s moral compass.
Former Congressman Jim Leach died last week.
compiles reactions from Iowans around the state, and has a personal remembrance.
A Waterloo Catholic parish and its pastor, who escaped repression in Nicaragua 36 years ago, held a nightly novena prayer service for immigrants and immigrant families—continuing a generations-old tradition of service there.
has the story.
State Politics
We finally get set to find out Governor Kim Reynolds' pick for lieutenant governor. Were there "primary concerns" that slowed down this process?
has some thoughts. and Spencer Dirks discussed the MAGA pressure campaign against Senator Joni Ernst, the man who plans to run against Ernst in the 2026 GOP primary, and more, on "KHOI's Capitol Week."On this episode of Cornhole Champions, host
and Iowa Starting Line’s community editor Amie Rivers chat about Sen. Joni Ernst’s sudden warmth towards Trump’s Pete Hegseth, Iowa Democrats return to Summer EBT, and Food and Water Watch’s new analysis on the disparity between polluters and the people who drink the water. Also, the story of abortion in Iowa.Another judge orders the City of Davenport to turn over records. Read
for the story.Media
dwells on the murder of native Iowan Brian Thompson in New York and the blanket coverage of his alleged killer, Luigi Mangione. What does this say about which stories get magnified—and why?Iowa Boy
pays homage to the tough years Carol Hunter has served as executive editor of the Des Moines Register—and he has a recommendation for who should succeed her. wrote that a New Model for Local Journalism is Emerging, And you are part of it..."Around Iowa
In this edition of The Five and Dime,
shares a short fiction piece about a neighbor, somebody we've all known at one time or another. This is a masterclass in storytelling.In her column this week,
says she found a global heart for humanity hard at work in small-town Iowa.
While Christmas carol lyrics speak of jingle bells, wintry fairylands, and snowy wonderlands, Bill Albright of Lake City knows the reality is a little different when he takes his homemade, horse-drawn bobsled for a spin. This unique rig is a fun ride, thanks to its incredible history.
This world is far more abundant than most of us acknowledge, and as farmers, we can literally help grow opportunities in our fertile soil, writes
.Inspired by a rare robin sighting,
shares a story of two strangers outside a Southwest Iowa Fareway, where a simple act of kindness lifts a grieving man’s spirit. Sarah believes the world could use more of these “Robins.” dressed like the leaves on the trees or a pumpkin patch this fall—you be the judge. His fall fashion review has arrived. writes in Paragraph Stacker that the last year of firsts without Mom 2.0 passes, but grief remains.A Christmas concert inspired
to write about a Danish composer born 250 years ago during Denmark's Golden Age. This week's column is “Medieval Monks & Trilling Like Birds.”On the day the IWC holiday party was postponed because of the weather,
gave a shout-out to road crew workers. profiles three local organizations working to fill critical holes in mental healthcare, housing, family support, and more in a new 988 article, "Mind the Gap."
Agriculture
Bird flu is back, writes
.Nina Elkadi has a compelling story that includes mapping illegal manure spills in Iowa.
Sports
noticed how stories about women’s sports are now just part of the landscape. A new anthology, “The Best Sports Writing 2024,” collects some of the best in various sports—including one about Iowa megastar Caitlin Clark. A conversation with the book’s editor, Jane McManus.
Dining and Travel
has one of the most unusual travel stories we have encountered. Trust us on this. In his piece, “My First Moon Landing.” Jason takes us to the moon... or is it a road trip to a nomadic gathering in the wilderness of New Mexico? Along the way, he disproves the lunar landing hoax conspiracy theories.
In "Reporting from Quiltropolis,"
writes about her recent trip to New York City, where she visited her oldest (in Brooklyn) and picked up gifts (chocolate) at Chelsea Market.Read about
's challenges driving in Ireland and her encounter with a flying cow, in Mary Swander’s Buggy Land.Car Culture
From
: A story about the late (brilliant) comedian Chris Farley, the CEO of Ford Motor Co. and the NFL. See how the three topics converge in a piece that makes for a perfect Sunday read.Weather and Environment
has a sobering piece about how the ‘climate clock’ has moved up. Don’t look away. Read his column and share it widely. Watch me pull a rabbit out of this hat and the magic of a falling sky.
’s Steve Semken spins a fascinating tale.Humor
What's a mother of the bridesmaid to do when her daughter asks for help with the dress? Help, of course!
's sewing skills get put (or rather pushed) to the test.Fern and Joe recycle Christmas.
Poetry
The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Roster
Pick five, if you can, and become a paid subscriber.
Please explore the columns by members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Below is our current roster: Your support is vital. Pick five, if you can, and become a paid subscriber.
Thank you for the shout out, Julie! Looking forward to this new adventure. :)
Steve Schmidt wrote an essay about Ernst tonight that was on the nose.