Breaking News

Opinion

Congress needs to govern, not fight

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: I am 68 years old, a lifelong Democrat, and tired of seeing opportunities for progress lost to political fighting. In 2021, I wrote President Biden urging him and the Democratic-controlled Congress to put everyday Americans first. They accomplished important things, including the American Rescue Plan and bipartisan infrastructure legislation. But disagreements within the Democratic Party also stalled much of the Build Back Better agenda, including proposals for paid family leave and affordable child care. Now, as a new Congress prepares to take office, I have the ...

Group with compelling list of accomplishments to be honored

Editorial

Since it opened more than 50 years ago, Iowa Central Community College has had students who excel in the classrooms, labs and shops and also in the venues of athletic competition. It has also produced graduates who went on to distinguished careers in public service, business, health care and just about every other field of human endeavor. The school has a Hall of Fame to honor its outstanding students, faculty, staff members, and alumni. Each year, a select few are inducted. This year's induction ceremony will be held tonight. The 2026 Hall of Fame honorees are: • Doug ...

40 days of silence = A failure of public accountability

Local Columns

Beyond the sadness and loss of life, there is something troubling about a car-pedestrian accident last Sept. 25 in Urbandale that took the life of Jasmira Kadic, 60, and seriously injured her husband. The tragedy is heartbreaking. It forever changed two families and deeply affected their ...

Americans unite behind veterans

Editorial

How fortuitous it is that while the attention of millions of Americans seems focused on controversy, we take time out to honor those about whom we are in complete agreement: veterans of military service. No matter how we view politics, we are united in revering the men and women who have served and do serve us in uniform. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Space Force are the solid wall behind which our freedoms rest. They serve us not as Democrats, Republicans, Independents or adherents to any particular political philosophy. They serve us simply as ...

Harvest isn’t over yet

Editorial

Another blast of rainy weather has kept farmers out of the fields again. That means there is still some harvesting to be done, and in some areas, there is quite a bit to get finished. Because it is November, farmers will not be able to wait for the corn and any remaining soybeans to dry down. They will be rolling out the combines as soon as possible. The result will be more big slow moving vehicles for other drivers to watch out for at a time of the year when most of the combines and tractors are back in the machine sheds. In general, Iowa has been doing a good job of keeping ...