Breaking News

Local Columns

Don’t fumble

I am honored to have the opportunity to address this group of Triton graduates and loved ones here in attendance today. Thanks for allowing us the opportunity to assist you in your academic careers. We are honored that you chose Iowa Central, and we don’t take for granted that you did. My background is in education and athletics. I’m going to share with you some advice from having the privilege of working in collegiate athletics as a coach and athletic director for nearly 40 years. I have had the opportunity to learn a few things over these 40 years from a tremendously ...

Fighting for Iowa’s small businesses in Washington

Small businesses are the lifeblood of Iowa’s economy, making up more than 99 percent of all businesses and employing 82 percent of workers. These businesses mean so much more than the livelihoods they support and the jobs they create, they embody the American spirit and shape the culture of communities across our great state. After harmful Bidenflation and the previous administration’s $1.8 trillion regulatory expansion, I have good news — Main Street is roaring back under President Trump and Senate Republicans’ pro-growth policies. Access to capital is soaring with loans for ...

Representative’s blatant overreach as he ignores Iowa law

At least one member of the Iowa House appears to live by the mantra “Do as I say, not as I do” as he demands access to sensitive personal information and commands silence as he trolls for documents. The audacity of state Rep. Charley Thomson’s recent demands to a nonprofit organization should offend all, regardless of where you land on the political spectrum. Hannah Fingerhut of the Associated Press broke the news last week that the Charles City Republican, who chairs the Iowa House Government Oversight Committee, recently sent a letter to the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice ...

Insurance tips for high school and college graduates

Graduating from high school or college is a major milestone and comes with new responsibilities, including managing insurance needs. Whether driving a car, renting an apartment, or planning for your health, understanding basic insurance coverage is essential for financial protection. For cheaper car insurance it's smart to stay on your parent’s policy, if possible. However, if you need a policy, shop around for quotes and inquire about discounts for good grades, safe driving courses, and policy bundling with renters insurance. Also, understand key car insurance terms such as ...

Here’s how Congress can save millions of American jobs

Eight years ago, I worked with President Trump to enact the most significant simplification of our tax code in decades, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), also known as the Trump tax cuts. These tax cuts provided relief to every American, simplifying and reducing personal income taxes, and expanding important deductions used by small businesses across Iowa. These changes have allowed entrepreneurs to thrive and contributed to the incredible success we saw during the first Trump administration, which led to strong real wage growth for workers and the lowest unemployment rate in 50 ...

Meeting with Iowans in Webster and Hamilton counties on my 36 County Tour

On Thursday April 24th, I continued my 36 County Tour meeting with Iowans in Webster and Hamilton counties. This tour is a promise that I made to my constituents when I was first elected to Congress, pledging that I would visit all 36 counties in our district – Iowa’s 4th Congressional District – at least twice each year. To date, I have made nearly 350 individual stops, visiting farms, biofuels plants, hospitals, schools, universities, Main Street businesses, and manufacturers. I always enjoy having real, face-to-face conversations with Iowans about their policy suggestions and ...