Over the last few weeks I have addressed school safety. I have addressed arming staff and school infrastructure both of which are important and both of which the Iowa House has passed important bills over the last few months and sent them to the Senate for passage. The last part of school safety that I haven’t really discussed because it is the more difficult part is mental health.

A man’s — or woman’s (don’t want to get any trouble here) — home is allegedly, and I do mean allegedly, their castle. That is of course unless you take an extended vacation — like say or locally heavy flock of snowbirds — then said “castle” is allegedly up for grabs. At least in certain parts of the country.

Add a warm, cozy feel to this year’s gardens with the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz. It was selected for generating a feeling of kindness and tenderness and encouraging sharing, community and collaboration. Consider including this color in your garden to convey these emotions or as a good excuse to add more plants to your landscape.

Life in a small town means everybody knows what’s going on, good or bad. Just take what happened to Dud the other day.

It was trash day, and the trash barrels were on the street waiting to be emptied into the weekly truck. Dudley Campbell was no different from his neighbors, having his cans at the curbside ready for a trip to the dump. His wife, Anita, had driven to the city to do some shopping, so Dud was home alone.

As always, spring in Iowa promises an assorted array of temperatures, sure to please everyone, almost all at once. The colder temperatures remind us that we do in fact live in Iowa and hold off the allergies and bugs for a bit; while the warmer temperatures remind us of what is to come and gets us itching to go outside! Here are a few ideas and areas where ISU Extension & Outreach can help you enjoy this spring.

Another in a recent line of films based on true stories, “Arthur the King” tells the story of historic Adventure Racing World Championship competitor Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg), who, after ending his career with an embarrassing day one out, feels the burn to go out on a better note and returns for a final chance at a first place finish in the brutal Adventure Racing World Championship.

In the wake of the tragic shooting in Perry, Iowans have demanded workable and effective school security measures. A recent poll in the Des Moines Register indicated 60% of Iowans supported the House Republican plan to thoroughly train and arm school personnel who volunteer to serve in such a capacity inside school buildings. All Democrats present for that bill voted against it.

More than a month after federal law requires, President Joe Biden finally submitted his budget proposal for fiscal year 2025 to Congress. The $7.3 trillion price tag alone is reason enough to throw this budget in the trash where the rest of Biden’s trillion-dollar spending packages should have also gone.

It’s my understanding that the SDR doesn’t print endorsements of political candidates. Criticism of them is allowed though. Why the promotion of negative but not positive discourse? I prefer that, as it’s more civil and less likely to stoke division. Also, commentaries are only allowed from incumbents. Why? I know you’ll say it’s for them to address their constituents, but it’s one of multiple ways for them to do that.

In this upcoming week most people around the world will acknowledge the time of the year associated with the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Those who claim to be a Christian celebrate this marvelous event, while many more oppose their celebration and deny such an incredulous occurrence. But let’s get one thing straight: the truth of Christianity hinges upon this one event.

The current administration's biofuel political advantage over the Trump administration is being squandered by delays in regulatory benefits for biofuel. Donald Trump's RFS waivers for refineries cost the ethanol industry 1.5 billion gallons of ethanol demand or in terms of corn demand, over 500 million bushels of lost corn demand.

Last Tuesday, Iowa U.S. 4th Congressional District GOP candidate Kevin Virgil stopped by Coffee With The Editor (above) at the Grand Avenue Community Outreach, and visited with those attending to share information and tackle questions. Grass roots politics at its finest.

This week in the Senate we continued our work on bills received from the House. This process is key to getting the bill ready for floor debate through discussion and amendment if necessary. Three of the committees I serve on, Judiciary, Commerce and Workforce, all met.

“This whole election process just doesn’t work for me,” Dud said, sipping his coffee. “There’s no way we can tell who is best for the job.”

Doc, being the senior member of the Mule Barn truck stop’s world dilemma think tank, looked kindly at Dud. “Well, haven’t you been reading what each guy stands for, Dud?”

Did you know that 81 million or 26% of U.S. adults live with a disability? Whether these conditions are due to accidents, injuries, or complications of health issues at any age, there are many of us who have to “just ADApt” to the challenges we face because of disability.