The gerrymander is a curious species of amphibian that emerges only once a decade to feed upon unsuspecting voters. Known to be easily swayed by political interests, these fantastically contorted creatures...

Table to Table, Iowa City’s food-rescue organization, will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year. It is a milestone to be recognized, as well as a tribute to a community that has rallied around us...

Interminable weariness “A new day is needed in American politics like a new day is needed in American government,” proclaimed GOP presidential-nomination candidate Mike Huckabee at the 2008 Iowa Republican...

In another life, Bob Vander Plaats and I might have been ideological brethren, fellow tribunes and small-d democrats. It’s an odd observation for a leftist like myself to make. But Vander Plaats’...

Gov. Terry Branstad’s reluctance to release details pertaining to the development of Executive Order 69 is drawing some fire. The order, which bans the allocation of public money to projects entered...

The pupating question is emerging from under the earth, as it does every four years. Why caucus in Iowa? What makes our “fly-over” state, the stereotypical land of sweet corn and barbecue, the perfect...

YES After it was released that the University of Iowa designated over a half of a million dollars to improve its employee-classification system, many questioned the necessity of such an investment —...

Dirty, undrinkable, and contaminated are usually adjectives attributed to water in Third-World countries. Not this time. These words were used to describe the quality of water right here in Iowa this...

On Sunday, I watched the CNN documentary “Unwelcome: The Muslims Next Door” in a state of bewilderment, anger, and above all, disgust. The hourlong film explored the town of Murfreesboro, Tenn., which...

If Iowa livestock farmers and crop growers forgo safe, humane business practices, the unsavory results could end up on someone’s plate. Agricultural industries, like most, are subject to some amount...

Look out, doves — you’re under the gun. In a courageous move in these tough economic times, the Iowa Legislature, dominated by Republicans in the House, has approved a dove-hunting bill. I know;...

YES Enough with the excuses, Iowa City residents. We get it by now. You hate the environment. I’m sorry for that last paragraph, Iowa City residents. I jumped to conclusions. I made a hypothesis and...