I was asked to speak last month at the annual conference of the National Freedom of Information Coalition. My remarks boiled down to a simple message: The public needs more information about their governments, not more secrecy from their governments. more

Editor’s note: Scott County supervisors on Nov. 7 approved these priorities of the Iowa Urban County Coalition for taxpayer-funded lobbying of state legislators during the 2025 session. The coalition is comprised of supervisors from Linn, Black Hawk, Dubuque, Johnson, and Scott counties. more

Tubbs family honored for initial pledge for bandshell fund drive more

As news reports say Donald Trump may try to bypass the Senate and its confirmation process in order to make recess appointments for some of his cabinet picks, it is worth remembering what Chuck Grassley had to say on the subject when Barack Obama was president in 2012. more

The Greeks heeded the goddess Erato to inspire artists and writers over the centuries. I think an American version of Erato lives around here and flourishes. more

Last week, Paul Pate tried to clean up his mess. more

It looks like Donald Trump is done using John Deere workers as campaign props. more

The National Weather Service recently consolidated and renamed winter weather events. Wind Chill Watch/Warning/Advisory will be consolidated into Extreme Cold Watch/Warning and Cold Weather Advisory. Hard Freeze Watch and Warning will be consolidated into Freeze Watch/Warning. more

Donald Trump has suddenly found a new cause: John Deere workers. more

The first full-time newspaper job I took after graduating college in the early 1990s resulted in the biggest disparity between what I would be paid and how hard and long I had to work in my entire career. more

State Auditor Rob Sand recently did what no statewide elected official in Iowa has done in a long time – he brought attention to problems in nursing homes. more

Bill used to occasionally chide me about the length of the stories I wrote, but something tells me he wouldn't be complaining today, because this one's about him. I don't think just a few words are going to cut it. more

Today, we are honoring the life of an extraordinary man. To many he was defined by his role in community journalism, and through his philanthropic efforts, and by his involvement in Rotary and the church. But to my sisters and me, he was Dad. Our best teacher, most dedicated coach, mentor, sounding board, our biggest cheerleader and supporter and our safest safety net. more

Our love for our Papa will always be alive. more

I’m fortunate to have known Bill Tubbs for many years, over 40 to be specific. I first knew of Bill when I was in high school, and he was the owner and editor of the NS Press.  He knew my parents and my in-laws very well and was always supportive of all things North Scott.  more

Thirty-three years ago on a snowy Friday in November, the nightmare of mass school shootings shocked Iowa like it has never been shocked before. more

I have fielded a bunch of emails, text messages and phone calls in the days since the school shooting in Winder, Georgia. more

Donald Trump likes to be the center of attention, calls people names, and is a narcissist. But ABC, CBS, NBC, and Democrats will keep you informed on that. Democrats tout candidates as nice guys, a coach and teacher. Though they say they want to put the past behind and focus on the future, we can’t ignore Harris/Walz past statements and policies. more

Not that long ago, I was you—lost, confused, scared, and willing to do almost anything to not be me. But I promise you, that will change. It will get better, and YOU deserve better. more

When I was a kid growing up in eastern Iowa during the 1970s, the school library opened up the world to me. I remember rushing through my homework during study hall, so I could get to the … more