Breaking News

Local Columns

Delivering for Iowa veterans, farmers, and students

In Congress, I’m focused on cutting through the noise in Washington, D.C. and working to advance real policy solutions that benefit Iowa. That’s what Iowans elected me to do and deserve from their representatives. Putting Iowans first and delivering legislative victories for our families, farmers, small businesses, and vibrant communities has always been my mission. The week of Nov. 17 was no different. With my strong support, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act. Our veterans are American heroes who have ...

Police chief defends Fort Dodge officers

The Fort Dodge Police Department and our members are very aware that social media plays a large role in how our community interacts and communicates with each other. At its best it can bring people together, support one another, and create positive connections. There are also ways to use it that create the opposite effect. While I respect every individual’s First Amendment right to record, speak, and express their own opinions about government agencies and those that work within them, we also have an obligation to address misinformation, its impact on our community and the toll it ...

Q&A: Cameras in the courts

Q: Why are you continuing to push for cameras in federal courtrooms? A: Opening up the federal courthouse to cameras would help foster civic engagement and boost public confidence in our legal system. As a watchdog for good government, I’ve led a crusade for nearly three decades to let the sun shine on federal court proceedings so people can see the wheels of justice in action and better appreciate how the rule of law shapes prosperity, peace and justice in America. My legislative efforts align with the intent of the founding fathers who believed public trials would help prevent ...

Voting to end the Democrat shutdown

On Nov. 12, I voted to end the Democrat shutdown and reopen the federal government. For 43 days, Democrats forced our troops, Border Patrol agents, and air traffic controllers to work without pay and hurt our farmers during harvest season to push their out-of-touch agenda. This political stunt by the Democrats caused unnecessary harm to Iowa families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses — and I’m glad it’s finally over. But it never had to come to this point. On Sept. 19, I joined my Republican colleagues in voting for a clean funding bill that would have prevented this ...

Take charge this Diabetes Awareness Month

Every November, Diabetes Awareness Month shines a spotlight on one of the fastest growing health concerns in the United States – type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, more than 38 million Americans have diabetes, and another 98 million (nearly 1 in 3 adults) have prediabetes, a condition that often progresses to type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged. Obesity, physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, family history and age all contribute to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While a diagnosis can be overwhelming, there is hope and help. At Trinity Diabetes Center, we're ...

Q&A on Veterans Day

Q: What’s the history behind Veterans Day? A: President Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 that renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all veterans of all wars. Armistice Day was made a national holiday in 1938 to honor the sacrifice of those who served in World War I and commemorate the end of fighting on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In addition to local observances in communities across the country, America observes Veterans Day with a reverent ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Against the backdrop ...