Happy (?) New Year...
This week’s roundup explores everything from Jimmy Carter’s Iowa legacy to weather’s economic toll, the rise of women’s sports, loss of 200 rural UPS outlets, Iowa politics, and music.
Click to go directly to sections: National Politics . . . Iowa Politics . . . Around Iowa . . . Food & Entertainment . . . Weather & Climate . . . Cars and Transportation . . . Media . . . Technology . . . Music . . . Personal . . . Humor . . . Poetry
National Politics
The Chrysler rescue of 80,000-plus jobs during the Carter administration almost didn’t happen. Read an exclusive behind-the-scenes tale of how lawmakers in the Midwest worked across party lines as the auto industry watched in fear.
2025 can’t be that bad, can it?
wonders what might go down. writes about how Jimmy Carter's connection with Iowa led him to the presidency and also looks at two other presidents with ties to Iowa.In a column headlined, “Remembering Jimmy Who?”
shares personal recollections of Jimmy Carter and his 1976 precinct caucuses campaign in Iowa. That Carter started as a complete unknown nationally and in Iowa is no myth, Piatt writes, but Carter “won” here—sort of—and that “victory” launched him to the Oval Office. It also deeply impacted Iowa politics for nearly 50 years. Read more in the weekly column, “Barry Piatt on Politics: Behind the Curtains.”In her column this week,
describes a new momentum for systemic change in the healthcare industry. She points out that vigilante justice comes at the cost of our common humanity. had several encounters with Jimmy Carter in the 1970s. The former president, a former vice-president, and the "father" of modern India all appear in this week's column titled, "Encounters with a Former President." looks back at his most-viewed stories and how Burger King coupons related to the election in "A vibe check on 2024." He reported from 15 Iowa communities over the past year.
Iowa Politics
writes about the big MAGA energy (and Trump-like insults) in Republican primary challenger Joshua Smith's opening salvo against Senator Joni Ernst, and shares her top ten Substack posts from 2024.Also, On "KHOI's Capitol Week,"
and Dennis Hart discussed President Jimmy Carter's legacy, former Governor Tom Vilsack's impending return to Iowa, President Biden's veto blocking new judgeships, a possible spike in Iowans' health insurance premiums after 2025, and their top takeaways from Iowa politics in 2024.When the promises of democracy are under threat, it’s on us to sustain them, says
. in “Along the Mississippi,” highlights his work for 2024, including keeping tabs on the Republican book ban in Iowa, secrecy in Davenport, and dishonest lawmakers. He also invites readers to suggest topics for 2025.One of the three longest serving county auditors in the state, Grant Veeder in Black Hawk County, is retiring. Veeder tells
election integrity is as big a priority as when he began his career in the 1980s.From
—in 1976 Jimmy Carter put Iowa on the political map just as much or more as Iowa put Jimmy Carter on the political map. It was good while it lasted.Around Iowa
UPS is closing over 200 shipping locations in rural America.
interviews Oskaloosa area farmer Meredith Nunnikhoven to learn about the impact on businesses and communities.
In "New Year, New Columns,"
outlines major mental healthcare topics that are on her mind for the coming year. She wants to know what mental healthcare topics are on your mind, too. writes that 2025 is upon us (like a rabid squirrel) and bids farewell to 2024, a year that was pretty good on Whippoorwill Creek Farm. John Hogeland, Beth’s husband and co-owner, offers a witty year in review.Aspiring novelist
stealthily markets her brand beyond Winterset, more openly close to home.From
and : Aracely Cerón de Calderón is having a moment. “My health journey that started five years ago motivated me. I had a hormonal imbalance that affected me in a very drastic way. I fell into a state of depression and anxiety. I overcame it by changing my diet, doing physical activity, and lowering my stress levels,” says Calderón.
Weather and Climate
says Iowa faces escalating financial and social burdens from frequent billion-dollar weather disasters driven by climate change. His article explores the historical context, economic impacts, and gaps in disaster cost assessments. It highlights the urgent need for resilience, sustainable policies, and mitigation efforts to safeguard communities and ensure a more sustainable future.Food, Entertainment & Travel
unveiled her top five Des Moines restaurants of 2024. highlights 2024 trends she’s taking into the New Year. discovered an art lover's paradise in downtown Des Moines.
Inspired Iowa filmmaking ambassadors take “The Negro Artist” documentary to Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit. Get the full story from
in The Iowa Mercury.Sports
channels Ron “Pocket Fisherman” Popeil this week, because if you think 2024 was a great year for women’s sports, there’s just one way to talk about 2025: “But wait . . . there’s more.” The Crossover delves into some of the new pro women’s sports leagues launching soon. 
Iowa lost a nail-biter in Nashville in the Music City Bowl this past Monday on a last-second field goal. Though disappointing, it was a fitting end to a season marked by a failure to close out victories. Read
‘s piece, “Music City Might-Have-Been.”Books & Arts
’s best-read piece from 2024 was a conversation with Dan Henderson about his new book, The Spiritual Journey to Anti-Racism: A Travel Guide for White People. Rachelle also invites you to add her Reading with Rachelle podcast and history book club to your New Year's resolutions.
Steve Semken of
describes how stalking wild asparagus improves your writing!
Cars, Culture, and Transportation
An announcement by the Detroit Auto Show about spotlighting cars from iconic movies and TV shows triggers nostalgia. Warning from author
—the story is a great read but risks making some people feel very, very old.Phoebe also has an excellent movie recommendation for when it's cold outside and you're in the mood for a storyline about an impossible dream based on actual events, great fun for parents, gamers, race car fans, and action junkies.
Media
Trump's FCC chair is threatening the national networks. Read why it might help local TV news stations.
on Media offers insight.Technology
posted two columns focused on new technology this week. The first was a podcast interview with an entrepreneur developing an AI package as his next product launch. The second was a review of the Apple Vision Pro (she loves it). Julie will welcome the founder of the Raygun t-shirt company, Mike Draper, to her Monday Zoom call for subscribers.Music
“Fifteen years ago, we wrote a song that we only play once a year, on New Year’s Eve . . . if we have a gig,” writes
.For
(Davenport), songwriters’ gifts with language often move her as much as their melodies. Enjoy some of the best recent lines—and the artists who wrote them—in McGaughey’s tribute to a few favorite living singer/songwriters.Personal
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult explains a lot, but now what?
shares the latest speed bump in his mental health journey in the Paragraph Stacker.The best moments in life aren’t complicated, writes
.Humor
Read what humorist Vicki Minor has to say about Minor Resolutions.
Letters From Iowans
In Letters From Iowans, Gordie Felger thinks about "The Breakfast Club" and finding people who still care.
Do you have an essay you would like to have considered for publication? Submit it through the form in the Letters From Iowans column.
Also, please consider becoming a paid subscriber to support the editor who compiles this feature.
Poetry
Activist, poet, and Peabody Award winner D.J. Savarese writes and documents what it's like to be autistic. He opens a whole new world for neurotypicals, sharing his perceptions and insights with his audience in
's Emerging Voices. received a email newsletter with the subject line: "How to Prune a Lemon Tree," which inspired a poem called "Advice for Master Gardeners."
Roster
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Here's the link to the asparagus post, wouldn't want you all to go hungry :) https://stevesemken.substack.com/p/stalking-wild-words