The wasted life: One that did not make a difference.

Bonnie L. Manary, 68, Tipton
Opinions/Editorials · October 28, 2026

82nd Indivisible Group: Gruenhagen shows shocking disregard for Iowa values
Opinions/Editorials · October 14, 2026
We last wrote about State Senator Kerry Gruenhagen this spring, “Gruenhagen cares more about the (Chicago) Bears than abused kids in crisis.”

Letter: Services cut, taxes rise: Why rule this way?
Opinions/Editorials · October 14, 2026
Have your wages gone up? Taxes down? How’s that insurance premium? Gas? Remember when diesel was $2.86?

82nd Indivisible: Vote against anyone who supports ICE efforts
Opinions/Editorials · October 07, 2026
On Sept. 24 at 6:30 a.m., after dropping off her son at soccer practice at City High, Fatou Traore drove to her sister’s house to pick her up on her way to work.

Main Street Matters: Fall Fest offers chance to come and shop local
by Jessi Simon, MSWB Executive Director · Opinions/Editorials · October 01, 2026
There is something special about West Branch in the fall. Our downtown storefronts are refreshed with seasonal finds, the trees begin to change, and a quick errand can turn into a conversation with a neighbor.

82nd Indivisible Group: Private, safe, simple: Everyone should get out and vote
Opinions/Editorials · October 01, 2026
If you haven’t registered to vote yet or made a plan to hit the polls early this midterm, you are not alone.

Letter: Don’t want socialism? Trump does
Opinions/Editorials · October 01, 2026
You’ve probably seen President Trump’s taxpayer funded “public service announcement” telling us that America will never be a socialist/communist/Marxist country. This from the guy who literally rolled out the red carpet for China’s Xi and wrote “love letters” to North Korea’s Kim.

Soapbox Philosophy: Why do media frequently ask about trans issues?
by Gregory R. Norfleet · Opinions/Editorials · September 23, 2026
Why are trans issues coming up so much in the midterm elections?

82nd Indivisible: Pate for state? Accessibility, privacy, voting rights at risk
Opinions/Editorials · September 23, 2026
Secretary of State Paul Pate has served for a total of 15 years and this is his 5th time seeking reelection. His name even rhymes with the office. He seems safe, familiar and a known quantity.

Letter: Depressed by political ads? Hit mute button
Opinions/Editorials · September 23, 2026
There are four simple things you can do to exercise your right to vote in our democracy this November:

Letter: Iowa delegation rolls over for Trump on ag
Opinions/Editorials · September 23, 2026
Hey Farmers!