Dispatches from Oz

I write about politics, life and sports after having survived careers in journalism and communications.

My name is Jess and I was a high school Literature teacher for 16 years until I decided to run as a Democrat in a rural, red district in Missouri. I bring you news and politics from Missouri and beyond from a rural progressive point of view.

Almost daily, Violet the Dog and I take a walk at the Cedar Bluffs Natural Area above Cedar Creek in Mahaska County, Iowa, and these are my observations, photos, and Merlin bird logs.

In this space, I’ll write about the people, places, and learnings that have helped to shape me and my journey here in Iowa.

Reflections on change and transformation.

News and discussion on trans legislation and life.

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

Available from New Society Publishers, looking at the upfront carbon in everything.

A newsletter for big-picture thinking about autocracy and threats to democracy around the world