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Local Columns

Q&A: Blue slips

Q: What is the blue slip tradition in the U.S. Senate? A: The blue slip refers to a paper form, literally a blue piece of paper, the Senate Judiciary Committee has used for more than a century to give home-state senators the courtesy to show their endorsement or disapproval for a ...

Honoring labor, honoring Jane Burleson

Recently, I was honored to introduce Fort Dodge’s own Jane Burleson as she was inducted into the Iowa Federation of Labor’s Hall of Fame. Jane’s incredible story is a reminder that the labor movement is not just about contracts and wages; it’s about people who spend their lives fighting ...

‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ is jet fuel for economy

Among several issues that Americans report as their highest priorities, a strong economy usually tops the list. That makes complete sense. After all, a strong economy means bigger paychecks, more jobs, and greater opportunities for families, farmers, workers, and businesses in Iowa and ...

A destination that doesn’t know it’s a destination

As a Webster County supervisor, I serve on a variety of boards and commissions that help shape and support our community. These appointments allow me to work closely with local and regional partners while making sure county priorities are represented. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the ...

Iowa State Fair showcases best of Iowa

In the mid-19th century leading up to the westward expansion, people traveled by covered wagon to attend the first Iowa State Fair in 1854 on a six-acre tract in Fairfield. Today, more than a million visitors stroll the historic state fairgrounds in Des Moines to soak in the sights, sounds ...