Amie here. It’s Tuesday, so I’ve got
protests/events, a quick authoritarianism explainer, and this week’s must-see video.
But first: It’s *finally* peak fall color season up in Northeast Iowa, two or three weeks late!
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My backyard maple and mulberry trees. (Amie River/Iowa Starting Line)
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If you don’t have lovely deciduous trees in your own backyard to remind you, I recommend checking out the Iowa DNR’s Fall Color Report, which is reporting much of the state at peak now. Then get thee to a state or county park for some forest bathing!
(If you DO have lovely-looking trees, why haven’t you sent me a photo of them yet?)
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Meet a candidate, protest, and rally this week:
US Senate candidate Nathan Sage:
US Senate candidate Zach Wahls:
Stop the Healthcare Heist: 10 a.m. today, Des Moines
Starbucks Workers United Picket: 3 p.m. today, Des Moines
4 Corners Weekly Peaceful Protest: 4:30 p.m. Thursdays, near the Casey’s/Methodist Church in Panora
Halloween Visibility Brigade Protest, 5 p.m. Thursday, Des Moines
FED UP Fridays: 2-4 p.m. Fridays, Des Moines
Community Rally for Democracy: 10 a.m. Saturdays, NE corner of Hickman and Alice’s Road, Waukee
Weekly Rally in the Wayside Park: noon Saturdays, Decorah
Election Day (city/school) is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Get information on how to register to vote and more about next week’s election, here.
Events are sourced from mobilize.us and submissions; submit an event here.
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Reach 21,000+ Iowans who care about their communities! Sponsor Iowa Starting Line’s Dec. 6 Special Edition, “How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.” Book by Nov. 21, 2025, and save 20% off your placement.
Email advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.
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(Third in a miniseries explaining authoritarianism, from COURIER Newsroom’s Ryan Pitkin.)
Who really runs the world—the people, or a handful of elites pulling the strings?
Different power structures have ruled over societies since societies became a thing, and lately, you may have seen one word popping up more and more: oligarchy.
An oligarchy refers to a small group of elites who either directly run the government or hold sway over those who do. Think oil-rich Saudi princes or Silicon Valley tech bros—their power comes from wealth, fame, connections, or their influence in politics, religion, or the military.
And there’s more than one way to do oligarchy:
- Plutocracy: rule by the rich.
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Kleptocracy: rule by the thieves—when leaders loot their own country to get even richer.
During former President Joe Biden’s farewell address in January, he warned that the US could soon become an oligarchy “of extreme wealth, power and influence.” Some experts say that’s exactly what’s been happening over the last 10 months.
What do you think?
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SNAP benefits will not be issued starting on November 1. Here’s how that’s impacting Iowans.
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A spotted lanternfly was found in Des Moines in September. The invasive species could pose problems in the future.
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Would you recommend this newsletter to your friends and family?
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Rivers. This edition features reporting from Ryan Pitkin, Sam Cohen, and David McCartney. It was edited by Paula Solis.
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