Breaking News

Editorials

Plan to attend Pork Congress

For more than four decades, the Iowa Pork Producers Association's Iowa Pork Congress has been an event where pork producers and assorted experts gather to share views and information about an industry that has long been vital to the state's economy. The annual incarnation of this very popular gathering is in Des Moines at the Iowa Events Center today and Thursday. Organizers say it is the nation's largest winter swine trade show and conference. Once again this year, the show will feature an impressive roster of speakers and an appealing array of exhibitors. There will be in the ...

Reynolds seeks better policy dialogue

The quality or our state’s school systems is among the most important determinants of Iowa’s long-term prospects. In addition to making life richer through stimulating a love of lifelong learning, good schools have an enormous impact on economic development. When they produce graduates who have the skills and knowledge that employers need, they help make our state an ideal location for businesses to grow and an attractive venue for investment in new enterprises. Gov. Kim Reynolds has made keeping Iowa’s schools topnotch a key priority. She recognizes that state funding and ...

What’s in a window?

The buildings of our past, particularly those we deem importantly historic, are not merely reminders of the way things once were done: They are part of the fabric of our communities. That is why, in our opinion, the choice made by the congregation of a Webster City church to completely restore 38 spectacular stained glass windows to their original glory is so important. In all, 38 windows in the First Congregational United Church of Christ were removed by Cathedral Crafts Inc., of Winona, Minnesota, in June and taken back to its shop. Crews took them apart, cleaned the glass, then ...

Include charitable giving in holiday budget

It can be easy during the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season to overlook the fact that for the less fortunate among us, there will be no holiday from need. Children whose parents cannot afford those toys our youngsters think they have to receive, adults unable to find work to pay for lavish holiday feasts and senior citizens whose fixed incomes preclude much celebration at Christmas should be in our thoughts and prayers during the next few weeks. They also should be included in our Christmas season budgeting. Just a few dollars from each of us can make an extraordinary ...

Remember those in need this holiday season

Thanksgiving is upon us, and soon the Christmas season will be here. The time spent together with family over food and gift giving is something that we all associate with this time of year. But there are those for whom these holidays are just another day, but with an added sense of loneliness and hopelessness. Some are going through a hard time financially; others are far away from family. Some are isolated or homebound without anyone to check on them. We may not all have had that experience, but we can all help those who are suffering this Christmas season. Here are some ways you can ...

Grassley and Klobuchar join forces

By his example, U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley helps counter the disillusionment so many Americans express about Congress. The Iowa Republican is an important GOP leader, but he works harmoniously with many other senators — both Democrats and Republicans A good example of constructive bipartisanship is the letter he and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, just sent to President Donald Trump, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, Commissioner of Food and Drugs Scott Gottlieb, M.D., and Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Seema Verma. Grassley ...