“What Cats Like”
“I’ve been reading about cats,” my husband, Peter, tells me. Peter has never had a cat before.
“Oh, yeah?”
“Salt is not good for their kidneys. We have to give Felix unsalted fish.”
Opinions
With two kids now in their early twenties, I‘ve spent a lot of time wondering if my kids will end up living in Iowa as they wrap up their education and start their careers. My husband and I spent a year away before returning to Iowa to build our lives, so I know it’s a rite of passage to try...
Q: Why did the Senate Judiciary Committee bring Big Tech executives to testify before Congress?
A: When it comes to the safety of children on the internet, parents across our country want action, answers and accountability. Moms and dads across America are raising the next generation who are...
“Enough”
My husband, Peter, and I are headed out to Mexico again, and before we do, I thought it was a good time of year to check in with some folks I care about, to see how 2024 had been treating them so far.
First, I had dinner with my oldest friend, Andrew. He told me about his mother, who...
I was recently having a discussion with my friends—a discussion that quickly morphed into a debate—regarding the ethics of AI engines such as ChatGPT/OpenAI.
Now, my feelings on Artificial Intelligence are complicated. In general, I suppose, they could be summed up by saying that IN THEORY I am...
Dear Editor,
How much longer can we wait for our elected officials to act?
Please don’t let them continue to ignore you and the mandate that Iowa voters overwhelmingly gave them in 2010.
In 2010, 63 percent of Iowa’s voters approved this constitutional amendment.
That’s a rather resounding...
Week four of the legislative session brought many people from the district to Des Moines. Tuesday was especially busy, as approximately 800 FFA students from across the state came to the Capitol to learn about state government.
It was unfortunate that during the majority of the time the students...
I’ve long believed that cutting taxes for our families, farmers, and small businesses spurs investment in our rural communities, promotes economic growth, and creates good jobs. When we let hardworking Iowans keep more of their hard-earned money, folks are encouraged to start their own enterprises...
“Still Singing”
My dad turned 90 this weekend, and we were all set to drive up north to celebrate his birthday.
He’s a hard one to buy a present for. My dad does not need more things. He likes using the things he has until they are completely worn out. He already has a line of slippers on his top...
Friday, Jan. 13, 13 girls from the Trailblazers wrestling team (seven of them from Lake Mills) took part in the Super Regional at Mason City. One girl moved on to state. Jasmine Schwartz will represent the Trailblazers at the state tournament this Thursday and Friday, Feb. 1-2, in Iowa City at...
In 1974, Iowa legislators, under the leadership of Chuck Grassley, championed a groundbreaking initiative: the creation of the Area Education Agency system (AEAs). These AEAs, a network of 15 organizations, were established through innovative legislation to provide efficient, effective and...