Archive - Kyle Munson's Main Street

175 years of news, revving up a new newsletter, and the benefits of a childlike mind

Three items arguably worth your time: an article by me, a new Substack from an Iowa Writers Collaborative colleague, and a podcast interview from…

Jul 13 •

June 2024

Parental advisory: Think nutrition, not warning for social media labels

Should you be paying attention to something else while you're instead reading this?

Jun 22 •

The formula for Substack success from the example of Heather Cox Richardson

The "Letters from an American" author stopped in Iowa to share her thoughts about U.S. politics but also how she sustains one of the most popular daily…

Jun 15 •

April 2024

Taking stock of what works (and what's missing) in local news

A new book surveys timely solutions for community journalism in the Big Tech '20s, offering measured optimism without the false hope of easy answers.

Apr 15 •

March 2024

Laughter, groans, and 'amen': Liz Cheney leads a cathartic bipartisan revival in Des Moines.

The former congresswoman brought her book tour to an arena crowd that felt hungry for reassurance in a tense presidential election year.

Mar 29 •

The ballad of Byron's: Solid foundations besides brick

A fundraising concert in Fort Dodge was a showcase for the humanitarian culture of a benevolent rural Deadhead and his beloved Pomeroy bar.

Mar 9 •

February 2024

The Val Air roars back to life as its own main attraction

A festive open house bodes well for the historic ballroom's future.

Feb 26 •

I'm sharing my 2024 podcast diet. Please dish out your own recommendations.

I spend hours daily grazing the free audio streams as I stroll the streets of Des Moines.

Feb 17 •

I BRR because it's there (and to support a sense of community)

An outpouring of support for Perry marked this year's Bike Ride to Rippey. And trails culture remains on the rise in Iowa.

Feb 5 •

January 2024

The chill lingers at the start of an election year

We've already endured political extremes and frozen extremities less than a month into 2024.

Jan 20 •

Should journalists interview grieving families?

Many times families are eager to talk about their loved one

Published on Dave Busiek on Media • Jan 6

December 2023

Happy New Year to the entire Iowa Writers' Collaborative family

Whether you're a writer, reader, or artificial intelligence, thanks for sharing in this journey.

Dec 30, 2023 •

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