A Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper
Drinking. Bathing. Washing. Swimming. Fishing. Rafting, boating and canoeing. Through pipes, through treatment plants, through wells, through rivers and through lakes.
We’re in Iowa’s waters, and they’re in us. All of the time. We need water to live, and we need water to grow.
We have so many options to improve our water — to reduce nitrates before they impact fish, fowl and filter; to slow rivers and streams and rebuild banks; to heal watersheds for future generations and to keep Iowans here right now.
So, let’s start somewhere. Iowa House Democrats are proposing a realistic package that lifts up farmers who want to truly steward their land right now. It’s time to fully fund the monitoring sensor network that allows our Iowa Water Quality Information System to inform the entire state; triple funding for the Water Quality initiative to get riparian buffer strips and wetlands back on our land; and create an Iowa Water Quality Loan program for necessary equipment and supplies and collaborate with Iowans who want to implement best water quality practices.
We have so many reasons to improve our water: to bolster health across the state; to reduce the local costs and energy demands of filtration; and to enjoy recreation all year round.
So, why haven’t we cared for our waters? Why, as we learn, wouldn’t we do better?
Rep. Elinor A. Levin, Iowa House District 89, Iowa City
These adjectives define the state of America today. Daily, Trump and his administration embark on anti-Constitutional capers, economic madness, ally alienation, grift, lies and lawlessness. Trump’s speech at Davos was the worst ever made by an American president showing total lack of historical knowledge, disregard for treaties/allies, disdain for former American and current world leaders and outright lies on the American economy.
Americans should be abhorred at such a performance! Likewise, we should be abhorred by continued assault by ICE on American cities inflicting fatalities (murder) in the Twin Cities with officials and the President claiming victims to be terrorists or falsely accused of assault. This is not the America I grew up in or envisioned for my kids and grandchildren. In fact, polls show 71% of Americans feel the country is on the wrong path!
In a recent TV program, Professor Eddie Glaude opined that since the 1980s, Americans have been quietly building on a system of selfishness, greed and hate. This is demonstrated daily by Trump as he appears to believe that we will not acknowledge our own complacencies. We have taken our Constitutional democracy for granted leading to the Trump catastrophe, actually envisioned by our founders. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Americans learn best from catastrophe, and will learn that the help they once took for granted after disasters might be harder to come by.”
This is exactly where we stand and have a hard road ahead! J. Michael Luttig, a former federal judge, stated, “If America is to long endure, we must summon our courage, our fearlessness, our hope, our spirited sense of invulnerability to political enthrall, and, most important, our abiding faith in the divine providence of this nation. We have been given the high charge of our forebears to keep the republic they founded a quarter of a millennium ago. If we do not keep it now, we will surely lose it.”
How do we not lose it? By demanding through continual writing and flooding calls to our congressional representatives/senators; demanding change, ensuring fair elections and reclaiming their status as an equal branch of government. By joining peaceful demonstrations and boycotts. By joining groups communicating truth. By support/votes for new candidates who renounce authoritarianism, uphold our Constitutional ideals with supporting institutions, rebuild our international relations and promote sensible legislation to benefit future generations. It’s hard, but patriotism calls!
Terry B. Yarns, Spirit Lake
Ashley Hinson came to Sioux City to beg for Gov. Kim Reynolds’ support for her Senate campaign at an event at the Orpheum Theater, despite the governor holding the title for most unpopular governor in the country because of her failing record that is leaving Iowans worse off.
Under the governor’s leadership, Iowa has been ranked last in the nation in economic growth, with an economy in recession. Life has become more expensive; health care costs are out of control; and Trump’s tariffs hurt ag economies.
Too many people across Iowa feel like they’re doing everything right — they’re working hard; they’re watching their spending — and it’s still not enough to keep up with the cost of living in the state we call home.
Hinson dutifully promised to “be President Trump’s strongest ally” in the Senate, which apparently means telling Iowans ahead of Trump’s visit that they are “earning more” and “paying less.” What are Iowa farmers to make of that?
As just another DC politician, she is completely removed from the reality on the ground here. No Iowan thinks that’s true when they go to the grocery store, see the red their family farm is in month after month, or have to go to the doctor.
In seeking Gov. Reynolds’ support, Hinson is telling Iowans she’s okay with the direction of our state.
We don’t need more of the same from Hinson; we need a change from Republican leadership failures.
Karen Heidman, Sioux City
Two roads diverged in the American political landscape and Iowa’s congressional delegation, guided by Senator Chuck Grassley, chose the darker path. Grassley could have been a profile in courage.
Grassley did not choose wisely. Instead, he took the detour and sacrificed his integrity and legacy at the altar of political expediency.
Instead of setting an example as Iowa’s senior statesman, Grassley jumped on the MAGA bandwagon. He violated his Constitutional oath of office by supporting and promoting actions which undermined our democracy. His partisanship overpowered his previously respected political independence. Grassley became a cheerleader for Trump’s abuse of presidential authority while failing to protect the separation of powers and congressional oversight of the executive branch.
Imagine if Iowa’s entire congressional delegation had stood tall and had successfully led the charge to reject Trump’s 2024 nomination for a second term. Our country would be living in a better world. It is past time for Republicans to reclaim their courage and legitimacy by correcting the mistakes that are jeopardizing our nation’s future.
I am telling this with a sigh. Two roads diverged in the American political landscape. Iowa’s congressional delegation chose the darker path and that has made all the difference.
Dale Goeke, Waverly
Every American now faces a clear choice: upholding democracy and freedom under our 250-year-old U.S. Constitution or succumbing to an authoritarianism characterized by a loss of individual freedoms and a white Christian nationalist agenda.
It is my hope that clear-minded Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike will join together to oppose this direct attack by the current federal government on the people of the United States.
Furthermore, we must commit to working collectively to repair the deep damages inflicted by this administration as we look ahead toward a more just and peaceful future.
The choice is yours, America:
DEMOCRACY or DICTATORSHIP.
For the love of all things good, please make the right choice.
Shirley Vermace, Decorah
President Trump says we should study and celebrate the American Revolution.
A good place to start is the Boston Massacre of 1770. The Wikipedia page for that event reveals startling similarities between what went on then, in the streets of Boston, and today, in the streets of Minneapolis.
In 1776, (most) Americans rose up to throw off the yoke of a mad tyrant. Now, 250 years later, we are faced with the same obligation. November can’t come fast enough for most Americans.
Jim Walters, Iowa City
We’ve read about the rapid growth of data centers supporting artificial intelligence and requiring vast amounts of electricity, which strain electrical grids and increase our bills.
We need to add more supply to the grid, and to fight climate change those sources should be clean energy — primarily solar and wind power. Unfortunately, the permitting process for such projects is slowed by cumbersome requirements, interagency coordination issues and litigation risks.
The vast majority of proposed energy projects will provide clean energy because they're cheaper. In 2025 nearly 90% of newly-developed energy projects were solar or wind. We need to build clean energy projects more quickly for our health and to reduce blackouts, make energy more affordable, and help stop climate change.
Email your senators and representative in Congress (or call them at 202-224-3121) to support common-sense permitting reform that protects the public and the environment.
Gary Jump, Itasca, Ill.
Do you know what the Republican Party’s/MAGA’s playbook stipulates as the “first step” to create and, thereafter, promulgate new/modified state and national legislation?
Answer: the “playbook” clearly identifies what such maneuvers must entail; namely, initiate the majority of legal/civil change policies at the local and county levels. Why at these levels? Because, it can be strongly argued that small-town/county leadership offices have a much more significant impact/influence on politics when compared to their state/national counterparts. Indeed, local/county officeholders make decisions which affect legislation at rather higher levels of government.
Therefore, Iowans, when voting in this year’s primary/midterm state/national elections, and especially local/county elections, remember the two most important qualities possessed by any candidate who is seeking public office: their belief system (i.e., moral compass) and their political affiliation. Why? It appears that a majority of MAGA/Republican party candidates still believe in: the “Big Lie;” Covid-19 was a hoax; the Jan. 6 insurrection was committed by Democrats/Antifa; limiting voting rights; crafting new congressional districts to gain additional seats in the US House of Representatives; draconian measures/rules/laws to restrict (or totally outlaw) abortions; unverified conspiracy theories (e.g., migrants eating dogs/cats); and vaccines are dangerous/deadly.
These same MAGA/Republican candidates also believe that: illegal incursions into foreign countries do not violate U.S. and/or international law(s); unethical practices taking place within both the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security are fully justified; it is not a problem for a corrupt Department of Justice to indict innocent government officials; health care support for the majority of citizens is not needed or valued; tariffs are not a tax on consumers; and climate change and global warming are examples of junk science.
What is most shocking, however... the Republican Party’s/MAGA’s state and national legislative candidates may still support a president who is purposefully creating a dictatorship, where all functions/branches of national government will be under his direct and arbitrary control. In this latter context, the current Republican president is also contemplating abolishing this year’s midterm elections all together.
Ergo, and most importantly, when voting this year, and hopefully these elections will occur, carefully consider any candidate’s personal convictions and moral compass. Why? Their belief system usually operates in tandem with their declared party affiliation. So, a simple letter, namely, D, G, I, R affixed to their name will indicate how said candidate will best serve the future of Iowans.
Vote wisely! Democracy, as it should be conducted, is in the balance.
John M. Mishler, Harpswell, Maine
Ignorance is its own reward.
That’s what you stated in your editorial on Monday, Jan 26, 2026.
As a former Storm Laker, St. Mary's grad and BVU alumni, it amazes me how you, as a “Pulitzer Prize winner,” have so many editorials that are nothing but “negativity” and the bashing of the current administration.
Where were the negative articles bashing President Obama for a terrible health plan? Any reasonable, intelligent person knows if subsidies are required to make it work, IT WON’T WORK! Small business owners and hard working Americans are tired of paying for and taking care of people who aren’t willing to make their own effort.
I forget, the Republicans don’t have a plan, so it’s their fault “Obama Care” doesn’t work! Where are the articles bashing Obama, Bush and Biden for deporting illegals? Didn’t they deport more? I forget, it doesn’t matter, they were making America safer and President Trump is doing it all wrong, inhumanely and stepping over his authority.
Did you feel this way when INS raided IBP in the middle 90s? I didn’t see anyone throw bricks at the agents, smash their trucks or have a “peaceful protest” then. I know, because I was working night shift at Bil-Mar that night, (so I could pay for college) and my wife was the night nurse on duty at IBP when it was raided.
So yes, I understand your frustration, both parties don’t represent the common, hardworking, get your hands dirty, American. I believe we all have a lot more in common than we give ourselves credit for, but we are now programmed to hate the other side no matter what they do.
Only providing one side of a story to bash the other is not proper journalism.
So maybe you can change your articles to spread some “positivity” once in awhile!
Yes... “Ignorance is its own reward.”
Jamie White, Columbia, S.C.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, a tariff is “a schedule of duties on imports,” and a schedule is a “written list.” Again the dictionary says a duty is “a tax on imports.” Let’s take the lipstick off the pig and call it what it is. A tariff is “a list of taxes on imports,” period.
I thought Rethuglicans didn’t like taxes? Oh right that’s just the taxes on the rich who fund their re-election campaigns. They don’t want to lose their big salaries and almost free healthcare unlike you voters.
Yes, you voters who put them there, unless you’ve got Medicare that the Democrats started. We all know Rethuglicans only care about themselves and money where Democrats care for people and the greater good.
Tariffs don’t lower prices. Want proof? Go shopping. Economists tried to tell you. Trump won’t listen to economists because he thinks he’s smarter than everyone and it’s just the opposite. Who knows where the tariff money goes once the orange bully gets his hands on it. Probably to fund campaigns of people who kneel to him.
Solution: vote Democrat next November or earlier. Plato said “The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.”
Dave Haynes, Duncombe
A recent letter in the Des Moines Register about immigrants had many of the usual complaints. But this time one really caught my attention; supposedly immigrants hurt us because they “work for less than citizens or legal immigrants and drive down wages.”
To argue that poorly-paid employees are responsible for employer bias and low wages is to ignore powerful institutions that benefit from paying their employees less and their executives more. Who’s responsible when employers make distinctions among employees and pay different groups of employees differently?
The writer implies it’s the group paid the least. I beg to differ.
In my first full-time job I earned minimum wage. In the hiring process nobody told me men in the office made over twice as much for the same work. Upon learning that, I talked to some female colleagues about unionizing. They were unwilling — not because they were trying to “drive down” men’s wages but because they really needed those jobs.
Only 20 states have a minimum hourly wage higher than the Federal rate of $7.25. So companies can pay wages so low that some of their workers qualify for SNAP. Employers pay low wages because it’s legal and because Wall Street rewards them for it.
But employers could take a different approach. For instance, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is not only raising its current $15 minimum wage to $17.50 in 2027, but also linking future minimum wage increases to inflation and rental costs. And 10% of New Mexico’s population is immigrant, while Iowa’s population is only about 6% immigrant. Maybe it’s not the immigrants’ fault after all?
Sue Ravenscroft, Ames
We are Iowans — faith leaders, community advocates, and Iowans who care for our immigrant and refugee neighbors — standing in solidarity with our Minnesota neighbors and the immigrant and refugee neighbors in Iowa. We are heartbroken, alarmed, and angered by the actions of ICE in Minnesota and across the country. Our religious beliefs are not the same, but we are united by a commitment to the human dignity and worth that we all share in common, regardless of where someone comes from, what they look like, or where they live.
On Wednesday, Jan. 7, an ICE agent violated that commitment when he shot a woman, Renee Nicole Macklin Good, while she bravely stood witness to their assault on her immigrant neighbors. We say her name and honor her memory. Like so many of our fellow Americans, we grieve for her and her loved ones. And we know that this horrific incident is not an aberration. For weeks, ICE and other federal law enforcement entities have terrorized Minnesota’s immigrant communities, childcare centers, small business owners, Muslim religious leaders, and children and parents trying to go to school.
Nothing will bring back Renee Good but now is the time for responsibility and accountability. As neighbors, we urge you to:
Across the nation, communities are suffering. We have seen and felt this pain in our places of worship, schools, and across our communities. The current ICE surge directly threatens the lives of our fellow Americans. Families are afraid to leave their homes to go to the grocery store or take their children to school. Workers, regardless of citizenship status, are missing shifts because they don’t know if they’ll be grabbed waiting at the bus stop or off the street just because of how they look. Childcare centers are closing because they are receiving threats and harassment.
For many of us, our faith traditions and sacred texts call on us to act, not only in words but in deeds. For all of us, we must care for those at greatest risk, to stand up against injustice and work for the needs of our communities. Across this country we have lived through too many moments of crisis in recent years. We know what injustice looks like, and we know it means we must take action.
We write to you today urging you to recognize what is happening and to lead not just with words but with action. Use the power that the people of the United States have invested in you as a Member of Congress to call for responsibility and accountability.
Sincerely, 1,856 Iowans from urban and rural communities across our state
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