Ope? What does "ope" mean? The question came up a couple of weeks ago while I was having lunch with a few other Dispatch summer interns. We were discussing stereotypical “Midwestern” things — such as ...

A research journal called the Middle West Review released the results of what it describes as the “largest-ever study on who considers themselves to be Midwesterners.” Researchers collected about ...

The Midwest has a vibe. It’s polite small talk, casseroles at every gathering, and a deep emotional connection to garage refrigerators. It’s saying “ope” instead of “excuse me” and refusing to take ...

As soon as Tim Walz joined Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign for the presidency, the Minnesota governor seemed to remind people of their dads. His supporters have pointed to his down-to-earth ...

Phillips has lived in New York City for most of her adult life, but she's originally from Kansas City, Missouri: "born-and-bred" Midwestener. The new book from Taylor Kay Phillips, a Kansas City-born ...

If you’ve ever apologized to a chair, said “let me sneak past ya,” or felt a spiritual connection to ranch dressing, this one’s for you. The Midwest is a vibe, and these funny memes get it just right.

Authenticity is a beautiful thing. And today, we want none of it. On the return of OPE OR NOPE, Payton is joined by returning guests Aja Essex and Michaela Owens to debate which fictional Indiana ...