×

Local Columns

Standing up for our farmers and rural communities

As a lifelong Iowan and proud representative of one of the most productive agricultural districts in the country, I will always stand up for Iowa farmers and our rural communities. Since my first day in office, I have been committed to delivering real results for the farmers who feed and fuel ...

’Tis the (budget) season

Say it with me: Ugh. Budget season. It’s January, which means it’s time for us to review the budget. What does that mean? Well, it’s mostly quiet work that happens over time, with a lot of reviewing, questioning, and weighing options. It also brings close attention from the public, ...

Police video case is wrapped in important legal principles

It was Christmas Eve. The gifts were laid beneath the Christmas tree at the home of Merlin and Nelda Powers in Urbandale. But the family’s holiday celebration ended abruptly that day in 1968 when the Powerses’ 10-year-old daughter Pamela disappeared from the YMCA in downtown Des Moines ...

For 170 years, Laufersweiler Funeral Home has served the community

From the time in 1856 when Fort Dodge pioneer Conrad Laufersweiler conducted his first funeral service to the present day when his descendants Mark and Luke Laufersweiler continue the family business, there’s been an underlying theme. When the brothers succeeded their uncle Joe ...

Delivering high-quality, affordable health care for Iowans

As a father of four and former volunteer EMT for 15 years in my hometown of Hull, I know the vital importance of affordable and accessible health care for Iowa families, particularly our neighbors in rural Iowa. Traveling across our district, I’ve had countless conversations with Iowans about ...

Ringing in America250

As we wind down the year, America is winding up to celebrate an important milestone in our nation’s history. On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. When the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, America inches closer to ...