This summer has been one of many firsts for me: getting a big-girl internship, writing a published newspaper article, becoming a top-notch photographer (OK, maybe not), editing pictures and stories, and working with programs to lay out stories for print. more

OK, so maybe you aren’t quite a baby anymore. Every time I blink – you get bigger. And every time I pause for a moment, you are using bigger words (like loquacious ... what?!) and learning empathy and doing math and solving problems. So, while I know you aren’t technically a baby anymore, I’m taking a moment to reflect on what the past six years have meant to me. more

As the House gaveled out of session for its August recess, Congressman Dave Loebsack reiterated his call for the House to remain in session through August to work on the important issues facing Iowans. Loebsack called on House Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy to follow the lead of their Senate counterparts and cancel this August recess. July 26 marked the 207th day of the year, and the House has only been in session for a total of 82 days. more

On July 26 during a speech near Dubuque, Iowa, President Trump announced a $12 billion package of financial relief for farmers who have been adversely impacted by tariffs imposed on farm exports in the recent trade war. Here is what groups representing farmers had to say: more

For the past few days I have been thinking of lessons learned in childhood. How something good may emerge from diversity and challenge. How things don’t always turn out as expected. How there are angels – you just need to know where to look for them. How there is an inherent goodness in people when they lead lives filled with trust. And, finally ... to expect the unexpected. more