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Where is the chase and how do we cut to it?

Right now, there are councilmen who are willing to sell Marshalltown down the stream. Think about that for a moment. Thanks to the TR and other private citizens we know Mr. Mitchell blew the lid off of back-room dealings and meetings and I feel like it barely got noticed! I must be careful here as there are those with a history of harassment around these subjects - without naming names but a few younger councilmen are all for the proposed data center in our community. The former mayor has VERY close ties to Silicon Valley and is also very much in favor of a data facility. Why? Why are ...

Restore the promise

My husband turned on network television when we came in this morning but we did not watch for long. The network ran two loud, negative ads against public servants running for office and we were sickened. We turned the TV off. It is time to admit that the PACs paying for these ads do not represent the interests of most Iowans and vote for candidates that can imagine an Iowa not beholden to Big Ag. Corn farmers receive up to a third of their income from the taxpayer. Most of this corn is used to produce ethanol and livestock feed. We are paying for this misuse of taxpayer dollars with ...

Three characters meet Trump

With a major nod to the movie The Princess Bride: Three characters were ushered into the Oval Office to introduce themselves to Donald Trump. The first one said, “Hello. My name is Truth. You do not speak me! Prepare to lose.” The second one said, “Hello. My name is Law. You have ignored me! Prepare to lose.” The third one said, "Hello. My name is Power. You have abused me! Prepare to lose.” As they left, they passed dozens more in the hall waiting for their turns.

Hundreds feared dead in devastating flood

Dear Editor: “Hundreds feared dead in devastating Nepal flood” are the latest in what seem to be almost daily reports of severe climate events. Climate change is increasing the likelihood and severity of many extreme weather events, underscoring the need for much stronger preventive action. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to climate change, an existential global threat. Cattle emit large quantities of methane, a particularly potent greenhouse gas, while enormous amounts of land are devoted to grazing and growing animal feed. Reducing consumption of animal products would ...

No data centers for AI

I spent last Thursday evening at the community round table listening to and engaging in many thoughtful discussions about Data Center development concerns and possible areas of regulation. I appreciated that so many community members took the time to research and share their information, but I was frustrated that the bulk of those conversations were about how to regulate a thing that, according to a straw poll taken that night, very few people wanted to happen in our town at all. There was very little open discussion about WHY we're preparing the way for a data center at all. These ...

God’s message to the world

Before the Old Testament closed, God sent many Priests, Prophets and ordinary people to awaken the Israelites. Israel had been asleep for many centuries, refusing to keep their part of the Covenant. The book of Malachi only has four chapters: that message is for the unrepentant Jew, and for people today. God revealed Israel's past sins and wanted them to return to their previous promise. Israel doesn't realize at this point, that God will not continue to beat a dead horse. He has given them centuries to return to Him. Four hundred years will pass again as Jesus sits at the doorstep of ...