×

Columnists

Liberty for one drug lord, but a death sentence for some

There seems to be a lack of consistency — if not outright contradictions — in the president’s messaging on drug trafficking into the United States. Recent news headlines bear out the disconnect between what the president says and what he does. One thing is certain: Donald Trump’s ...

Trump’s War on Drugs could be lunacy

Since President Richard Nixon declared a “War on Drugs” in 1971, federal, state and local governments have spent an estimated $1 trillion fighting it — and losing. Donald Trump now seems fully engaged in that futile conflict, adding his own twisted brand of violence. It’s not enough ...

Welcome back, inflation!

In 2024, Donald Trump repeatedly promised that “a vote for Trump means your groceries will be cheaper.” He vowed that prices “will come down fast, with everything” starting “on Day One.” Unfortunately, prices are moving in the other direction. In fact, grocery prices have reached ...

Europe has made itself an afterthought

In the contention over the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, the Europeans are in their accustomed role — carping from the sidelines. Not only can the once-great European powers no longer dictate the fate of far-flung parts of the world, they can’t even dictate the end of a war involving a ...

Grateful to be an Iowan

Every year, Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect on God’s endless grace and blessings. I’m grateful for my loving wife of 32 years, my four wonderful kids, friends, and neighbors. I’m thankful that Iowans have placed their faith and trust in me to represent our communities in ...

Giving Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Homelessness. Crisis. Loneliness. Poverty. When you work at the Marshall County Attorney’s Office, these are the challenges you encounter every day. A critical witness can’t be located because, after couch-surfing for months, they’re now sleeping in the back of a car. A domestic abuse ...