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Feeling insecure? You may be on to something

Groundhog Day’s furry forecaster Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of wintry weather. What if we asked Phil to apply his insights to the frigid job market? He might answer the way an alarmed groundhog does, with chattering teeth, and then squeak, “Wheet! Wheet! Cold days are coming for American jobseekers, and they’ll last a lot longer than six weeks.” Economists are using the term “deep freeze” to describe the current job outlook. These are strange times. The official unemployment rate of 4.45% is not a distressing number, but the reasons behind it are worrisome. ...

One woman’s refusal: The importance of Fed Governor Lisa Cook’s stand against presidential pressure

The Supreme Court recently heard arguments that could reshape the global financial system. The case asks a deceptively simple question: Can the president fire Dr. Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, before the end of her term? But everyone watching knows the real question: Can Trump also fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell — and, by doing so, end the Fed’s independence? Dr. Cook, the first Black woman ever to serve on the Fed’s Board of Governors, faced pressure to resign last year after the Trump administration claimed that she engaged in ...

District 53 Newsletter from Rep. Dean Fisher

One of the issues I’ve heard about a lot from constituents has to do with perceived, and real, concerns about weather engineering. House File 2173 is a bill that I’ve allowed to run through the Environmental Protection committee that I chair that deals with the real part of this issue. I’ll address the real part of the issue, and the purpose of this bill first. In several states currently there are businesses engaging in cloud seeding, the practice of spreading Silver iodide, potassium iodide or dry ice into the air in order to cause precipitation. This practice is problematic in ...

‘Once upon a time’ is a place we can find again

“Where is the good news?” my son asked the other day, the kind of simple question that can only come from a child. Obvious, sensical, trusting. He still believes in our essential goodness and still wants to know about humanity’s small kindnesses and large achievements. We had been talking about doomscrolling on the way to school, our very modern addiction to pain and suffering. “People want to know what’s happening in the world — sometimes,” I had explained, unable to stop myself from adding the caveat, admitting my repulsion at current events. My children wanted ...

Sarah Root finally receives justice

One year ago, when President Trump returned to the White House, the American people gave the federal government a mandate to restore law and order, and curb the uncontrolled flow of illegal immigration. The President vowed to prioritize the American people, bring criminals to justice, and ...

Building on Iowa’s success

AAs the Iowa Legislature moves through this session, the decisions being made at the Capitol will have long-lasting implications for our communities, our workforce, and Iowa’s economic future. In the Dec. 10, 2025 article, the Times-Republican highlighted concerns raised by employers and community college leaders regarding recommendations tied to job training programs, including those connected to Iowa’s long-standing 260 initiatives. For context, 260E is tailored to new and expanding businesses looking to create jobs, and 260F is focused on upskilling current employees. These ...