Breaking News

Local Columns

They never chose this life

Behind the stereotypes of homelessness are men with stories of loss, resilience, and hope—and at Beacon of Hope, they are rebuilding their lives. I once asked a class of fourth graders what they wanted to be when they grew up. Their answers came fast and fearless—firefighters, business owners, race car drivers. Big dreams. Cool dreams. But do you know what no one said? Not a single kid said they wanted to be mentally unstable, addicted, divorced, or homeless. And yet, how often do we hear people say, “They choose to be homeless,” or “They just need to get a job”? That ...

Delivering a pay raise for our troops and strengthening our national security

In 1961, the United States Congress passed the first National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Then, and in every conflict since, our brave men and women at home and overseas relied on Congress to authorize new programs, procure advanced weapons, and make quality-of-life improvements for servicemembers. For six decades, the NDAA has recognized the ever-changing, modern battlefield — and the soldiers we field upon it. This bill authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense, establishes defense policies, and supports military personnel. In Congress, it is our responsibility ...

A celebration today of Albert Habhab’s 100th birthday

As he moved into his 90s, Al Habhab would confide to close friends that he already had made plans to celebrate his 100th birthday with a party at the Fort Dodge Community Orchard on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. “I told Bev and Greg Baedke to reserve that date,” he would say, referring to ...

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to educate yourself about this important financial decision. According to the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA), 44 percent of consumers are only somewhat or not knowledgeable about life insurance. Life insurance pays a death benefit to your named beneficiaries when you die. It can be a safety net to avoid challenging times if a loved one who contributed earnings to a household passes away unexpectedly. The policy proceeds may be used to help cover funeral expenses, mortgage payments or ...

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 presidential nomination in their home state. It was designed to encourage consultation between the White House and senators for lifetime appointments to the federal bench, as well as U.S. attorneys and U.S. marshals. Article II of the Constitution creates a shared authority between the Senate and the ...

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 for fairness, dignity, and opportunity for everyone. As I drove back up from Des Moines, I was thinking that every year around this time, I see a lot of Labor Day imagery. Barbecues. Hands clutching hammers. And always, American flags. And I think to myself, of course the flag is there. ...