Editorial roundup: The Houston Chronicle says the Feds are still blocking an independent investigation into ICE shooting death

August 4, 2026

More than two weeks after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo dead on a Houston street, the U.S. federal government stands in the way of an independent, transparent investigation. ICE hasn’t cooperated with local law enforcement, Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare told a Congressional forum in Houston on Friday. In fact, at the same time that Teare was answering representatives’ questions, his key witness was in a federal hearing about whether or not he’d even get to stay in the country. Salgado’s brother, Victor, is “by all accounts ...

IVCCD launches CDL training program in Marshalltown

August 4, 2026

Iowa Valley Community College District is putting real trucks behind its new Commercial Driver's License training program, with classes starting in Marshalltown this September. The Iowa Valley Board of Directors approved a 72-month lease for a semi-truck through MHC Truck Leasing, adding to a Peterbilt 579 tractor and Benson flatbed trailer the district purchased last month from TMC Truck Sales. Together, the equipment gives Iowa Valley Business & Community Solutions the fleet it needs to run hands-on, road-ready training for Class A CDL students. The program is built to meet federal ...

Iowa now meets federal nursing home inspection requirements, audit finds

August 4, 2026

An audit released Monday shows the state has made “substantial improvements” in efforts to inspect nursing homes and now meets federal requirements, state Auditor Rob Sand said. In 2024, the state auditor’s office found certified nursing homes in Iowa were inspected by the Iowa ...

FREE fun for kids at the Iowa State Fair

August 4, 2026

DES MOINES — From corn dogs and cotton candy to Giant Slide rides and baby animals, there's no shortage of fun for kids at the Iowa State Fair. But, the Fair is also a giant classroom. Kids can get up close with farm animals, discover where their food comes from, try hands-on activities and learn how Iowa's farmers grow the food that feeds families. With something new to discover around every corner, learning at the Fair is anything but boring. 1. Blue Ribbon Kids Club – Kids under 10 can join the Blue Ribbon Kids' Club, with weekday activities at 10 a.m. on the Fun Forest Stage and ...

Free summer photography program on the tallgrass prairie

August 4, 2026

PRAIRIE CITY — Take part in a guided walk led by photographer and volunteer Mike Cox starting at 8 a.m. on Aug. 8 at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, 9981 Pacific St., Prairie City. Feel free to bring any type of camera, including a cell phone, to discover the summer prairie. People will encounter breathtaking prairie landscapes, vibrant wildflowers, tall grasses and prairie wildlife. Cox will share photography tips tailored to every experience level, helping everyone capture the beauty of nature. Staff recommends that attendees wear pants and sturdy, closed-toed shoes, as ...

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

August 3, 2026

Marshall County Veteran Coffee and Camaraderie, VFW Post, 107 E. Meadow Lane, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (No Charge, No Sales Pitch, Do no have to be a member) E.M.E.R.G.E. (Empowering and Motivating Ex-Offenders to Reach Gainful Employment), IowaWORKS Marshalltown, 101 Iowa Ave. W, Suite 200, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Cards, Senior Citizens Center, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Storytime, Gutekunst Library, State Center, 10 a.m. to Noon Summer Skills - Geocaching, Grimes Farm and Conservation Center Shelter House, 2359 233rd St., 10 a.m. to Noon (Ages 10-15) Registration closed July 21 Senior ...