Iowa has proven something many states are still struggling to figure out: you don’t have to choose between public safety, accountability, and rehabilitation. You can have all three. more

According to Albert Einstein: “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.”  True Enough.  But what if that library is controlled by those with a political agenda?  People blinded by the certainty of their own beliefs.  People who presume opinions contrary to their own shouldn’t even be considered by others.  How valuable is that library?  In a world overwhelmed by Internet access, it’s odd that anyone would believe they can control the flow of ideas.  Even odder they believe themselves qualified, much less entitled, to make such decisions.  more

After spending Easter weekend with our families, the thirteenth week of session was busy as we worked through several important issues in the Iowa Senate. One of the major bills debated this week was House File 2254, which requires the Board of Regents to develop a policy prohibiting the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from including noncompete clauses in contracts with physicians. The bill applies to employment contracts between UIHC and advanced registered nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, registered nurses, and physicians that are entered into, extended, or renewed on or after the bill’s effective date. This is a huge win for rural hospitals, our health care workforce, and Iowans seeking care. We have passed several pieces of legislation in recent years to support our health care workforce, and this bill continues that effort. more

"The voucher program takes the per student funding and gives it to the parents to decide where they want to invest in their child’s education. The state is not funding private or religious schools, the parents are ..." more

"In my view, Trump’s strange and profane Easter post, along with several previous Truth Social posts, may not have been written by Donald. I believe it is possible that Vice President Vance or Stephen Miller, along with Pete Hegseth, may actually be running the White House, and I wonder what will happen to Donald when his decline becomes so apparent that he becomes a handicap to whoever is in charge ..." more

This has been an interesting – and iconic – season for Lancer Productions. But it’s also been a weird full circle. more

Sometimes you have your week all planned out. And then other things get in the way. more

April 7, 2021:  Nearly 100 people gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony for the North Scott YMCA. North Scott School Board chair Joni Dittmer presented mayor Marty O’Boyle with a $400,000 check, representing the district’s share of the cost. In addition to city officials, school board members and contractors, students Keaton Braack, Blake Tyler, Grace Veach, Rylan Feist and Alec Harris were among those flinging dirt with ceremonial shovels. more

This week was the twelfth week of session, meaning we are nearing the end of session. The remainder of session will consist of debating any remaining legislation, particularly bills coming back to us from the House after amendments, and bills coming from the Appropriations and Ways and Means committees. more

We entered this session with one issue top of mind for everyone – property taxes.  It is the most issue we hear about.  Weeks ago, House Republicans released our property tax proposal, as did the Governor and Senate Republicans.  We have been having productive conversations to move toward a final compromise.  Last week, the House passed an updated version of our proposal.  Our revised version included ideas from the other two.  The major components of the updated bill include: more

This week at the Capitol, the Legislature continued shifting its focus toward finalizing the state budget. Appropriations work is now underway, with each subcommittee chair receiving target numbers to guide spending decisions for the upcoming fiscal year. Below is an update on several key issues and bills discussed this week. more

"We elect mediocrity that feeds on itself, corrupts our infrastructure, sets a still lower standard for the future. We can’t muster up the energy to vote or demand decency and respect in education ..." more

"This post warns that the U.S. is preparing to commit war crimes by attacking civilian infrastructure and hints at the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons ..." more

The first days of spring have roused Scott County wildlife, and completing our end of the bargain, we have begun to drop them dead on the side of the road. more

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to watch the latest Pixar film, Hoppers, directed by Daniel Chong. While I’ve always been more of a fan of rival animation studio DreamWorks, Pixar still has quite a few films that I enjoy, and this was certainly one of them. more

April 2, 1986: The Eldridge Planning & Zoning Commission approved the Perris Village Apartment Complex project, which would be located on West Donahue Street between North 2nd and North 3rd streets, across from Centennial Park. The apartments would be open to senior citizens and families on a first-come, first-serve basis. Estimated rent was $190-$200 for a one-bedroom, and $225-$230 for a two-bedroom. “I really think this type of apartment complex is what Eldridge needs, and I think we’ll be under construction within in the next 30 days,” said developer Jim Granzow. more

The Iowa House of Representatives voted largely along party lines to ban the plant-based stimulant, kratom. The bill would classify kratom as a hallucinogenic Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal to possess. A first offense would be a serious misdemeanor; a second offense would be an aggravated misdemeanor, and a third offense would be a class D felony. I voted “no.” more

Spring has arrived, and the eleventh week of the legislative session marks that we have passed both funnel deadlines. With those behind us, our attention now turns to the remaining legislation eligible for consideration this session. Much of our time is now focused on floor debate and working to finalize bills for consideration in the Senate. more

A March 10, 2025, American Medical Association report indicated that 56 out of 99 Iowa counties do not have access to an obstetric facility. Iowa can now add another county to the list. On Friday, March 27, MercyOne Clinton Medical Center announced it would no longer offer labor and delivery services. Expectant mothers in Clinton and the surrounding areas, on both sides of the river, will need to travel to Dubuque (1hr, 15min), Davenport (50 min), or Silvis, Ill. (50 min) to deliver their baby. more

"The Bible says but God so loved the world that He sent His one and only son, Jesus, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Although everybody reading this will experience a physical death, they don’t have to experience a spiritual death apart from God ..." more