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Pay attention to data center discussions

I have recently learned that the city of Marshalltown has been approached about possible data center projects being built here. It doesn't feel like a coincidence that Alliant energy has applied for and been approved to expand the Marshalltown Generating Station. It already has a 650-megawatt capacity, capable of powering approximately 500,000 homes and businesses. The expansion will increase capacity by an additional 720 megawatts. It might be reasonable to assume those increases are being made to accommodate new data centers in the region or in anticipation of a facility being built ...

Whole milk in schools

The recent decision to bring whole and 2% milk back to school lunches is a step backward for school nutrition. Many children—especially students of color—are lactose intolerant, while others simply don't need dairy to maintain a healthy diet. At a time when nutritious plant-based milks are widely available, expanding dairy options instead of embracing more inclusive choices makes little sense. School nutrition programs should reflect today's students, not yesterday's assumptions. Plant-based options better serve diverse dietary needs while also addressing the ethical concerns ...

No new data centers!

Dear editor, Data centers are a huge concern for thousands of Iowans. That’s what Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement has learned from a statewide member survey we did, along with meetings, phone calls and other conversations we’ve done over the past five months. We know data centers gobble up our water, energy and farmland. And we also know they gobble up our tax dollars to the tune of billions each year through property tax abatements, sales tax exemptions and other subsidies. The technology that data centers use may be new, but their underlying story has been around a ...

Ashley Hinson is defending family farms like mine

For five generations, my family and I have grown corn, soybeans, and hay while raising cattle and swine. I have been working on my family’s farm in Marshall County since I was a kid. I look forward to teaching my cousins how to make a career out of farming here in Iowa. With the rise of policies like Prop 12, I worry about our farm’s longevity and ability to thrive. California’s policies put a squeeze on family farms like ours. Thankfully, we have champions like Ashley Hinson fighting to pass the Save Our Bacon Act in this year’s Farm Bill. Chuck Schumer's involvement makes it ...

250 years of freedom

As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we gather as one community to express our gratitude to the veterans, service members, and military families whose courage, sacrifice, and commitment have helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. This celebration honors our nation's history, recognizes those who have served, and inspires future generations to embrace the values of service, unity, and civic responsibility. Together, we celebrate 250 years of freedom with thankful hearts and a renewed commitment to our community and our country.

What is a moratorium?

During Marshalltown's recent discussion about data centers, I noticed something unusual. People were using the word moratorium often, but not always in the same way. Some speakers described a moratorium as a temporary pause that would give the city time to study an issue and develop regulations. Others described it as a signal that Marshalltown is closed for business. Those concerns may both be worth discussing, but they are not the same thing. At its most basic level, a moratorium is a temporary pause. Communities use them when a new type of development, technology, or land use ...