Along the Mississippi

Thoughts on government transparency, politics and civic affairs written weekly -- and sometimes, weakly -- by a longtime advocate for government transparency.

Musings and observations on sports, gardening, travel — and anything else I care to write about.

The journey through endless curiosity and civility to find solutions to improve our communities. An award-winning Iowa journalist's observations on politics, current events, policy, and some random things, too.

Born in Saigon, Vietnam. Nearly lifelong Iowan writing about people, places, and things.

Uncensored columns from an exiled newspaper man.

Consistently ahead of the curve political commentary and analysis

Stories about gaps in mental healthcare, social justice, crime, and more

Romen is an LA-based comedy writer who has been accused of "relying on writing the "f" word ala a junior high schooler who struggles with words"

This column consists of Letters to the Editor of the Iowa Writers' Collaborative.

Adventures in travel, food and fun. And Iowa sports, of course.

Linking readers and professional writers who care about Iowa.

This opinion column examines news, events and experiences through a humanitarian and social justice lens, names the culprits and applauds the defenders of truth, democracy and human rights.

Black Iowa News is an independent news platform designed to highlight Black perspectives, showcase the Black community and amplify the voices of Black Iowans — online and in print.

Diverse people voice their opinions for the Iowa Writers Collaborative

Reflections on change and transformation.

How to be a more informed news consumer and understand why journalists do what they do

Where writing and life meet—stories, reflections, and prompts to help you live more deeply and write more truly.

These are short discussions of various aspects of American politics in particular and the nature of politics and political affairs generally.

Chicago, Illinois and national politics with a dash of humor, music and sports

Kathie Obradovich and Laura Belin discuss Iowa politics through refreshing, in-depth conversations about politics in this state.

A newsletter on writing and the writing life.

Learn more about the economics of farming, the dirt on the politics of agriculture and tales from our ranch, Whippoorwill Creek Farm.

The nexus between extreme weather events and climate change - we will be connecting the dots between the two and why it matters to you.

On Iowa sports, life on the Upper Mississippi and other subjects.

Exclusive reporting on naval special warfare and the U.S. intelligence community.

Stories from along the thoroughfare and down the side streets, too

Column of news and observations from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls and greater Cedar Valley area.

Current events, rural living/consumer issues, women's challenges, Iowa life

science, society, stories

Where you'll discover great food finds and the best restaurant experiences in Des Moines. Nearby travel too!

If Iowa had a group chat, this would be it. Hosted by Julie Gammack, this Substack blends independent journalism, lively opinion, and unexpected voices from across the state. Think potluck, but with more insight and fewer Crock-Pots.

Exploring Iowa, the "Land Between Two Rivers," through history, road trips, and more. Posts appear about every 10 days.

Fourth-generation Iowa journalist dives deep with unpredictable, well-reported writing on rural America's people, politics and culture.

The politics and culture of Iowa, the Midwest, and beyond.

We produce inspiring stories about Black entrepreneurs. We also write pieces on art, travel, and our experiences as a mission-driven film production company. Paid subscribers receive courses on storytelling, entrepreneurship and creativity.

Essays in defiance of certainty.

A tale of two homesteads, one among the Amish, the other in Connemara, Ireland. A serialization of a new book of non-fiction.

My interests are diverse: history, politics, current events, music, life experiences. I write about things that interest me, things I know about... often reflecting my (primarily) rural perspective.

FORGOTTEN HISTORY with Arnold Garson provides historical context for today's news, telling stories from the past that are relevant in today's world; also digging deep into history to find stories that have been lost, forgotten, or never told before.

A newspaper column providing a weekly dose of humor.

Writing about confluence of agriculture and environment from the heart of the big ag beast here in Iowa

My personal Substack

...Iowa, small towns, and saddle shoes

A view from rural America: immigration, agriculture, environment, politics

Where you get in-depth coverage and exclusive reporting about Iowa politics

Join me on my travels in Iowa's outdoors.

“Power concedes nothing without a demand,” Frederick Douglass said in 1857. “It never did and it never will.”