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Editorials

Reynolds is the worst governor in my lifetime–not the worst ever

Gov. Kim Reynolds can put up her pointy-toe cowboy boots and reflect on 10 years of solid damage done under the golden dome. She might not be remembered as the worst. The Iowa History Journal ascribes that title to Gov. William L. Harding (1917-1921), who was considered for impeachment for ...

House passes Farm, Food, and National Security Act

On April 30, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, moving the nation and rural communities one step closer to a new farm bill. The bill was passed by a vote of 224-200. Fourteen Democrats joined Republicans in voting for the bill, with three ...

Older Americans who vote live longer than those who don’t

Most people know the basics of healthy living that become more important as you grow older: Eat plenty of vegetables, exercise regularly, sleep well, have a social life, limit your alcohol consumption and don’t smoke. As an economist and social psychologist who study altruism and health, ...

PIE Shouldn’t Cost Iowa Taxpayers Millions

Paying an out-of-state vendor millions of dollars to do what the State Auditor’s Office can do at a fraction of the cost – literally about five cents on the dollar – isn’t efficient: It’s a waste of your tax dollars. Iowans love pie – me included. My favorite is strawberry ...

Q&A: Salute to Small Business

Note: National Small Business Week is observed May 3 - May 9, 2026. Q: How did the Working Families Tax Cuts Act boost small business? A: This tax season delivered welcome news to small businesses across the country. Here in Iowa, small businesses make up more than 99% of businesses in our ...

Q&A: Protecting American Taxpayers Act

Q: What drives your decades-long work as a taxpayer watchdog? A: It boils down to a simple principle. Taxpayers work hard for their money. The U.S. Treasury is not a piggy bank for fraudsters to exploit and drain public assistance programs for profit. Four decades ago, I resurrected a ...

Entrepreneurship is vital to rural communities

Small businesses play a critical role in creating jobs, driving economic growth, and contributing to the overall well-being of rural communities. In many areas, they are the backbone of the local economy, providing essential goods and services. Spring offers a good reminder of the importance ...

Celebrate rural libraries this week

Libraries are a vital part of our rural communities. That’s why I invite you to celebrate the library in your small town during National Library Week, April 19-25, 2026. These book-filled buildings serve as community spaces, wi-fi hotspots, children’s imagination stations, and more. Many ...

Q&A: Government Shutdowns Fail the American People

Q: How do government shutdowns fail the American people? A: The insufferable pattern of government shutdowns stemming from a lapse in approved funding needs to stop once and for all. Since 1981, failure to enact the 12 annual appropriation bills by the end of the fiscal year has resulted in a ...