Election Day is almost here.  June 2nd is the date for the 2026 Primary Election, and I have some information to share with you to make sure you are ready!  

Memorial Day is one of the most solemn days on our calendar. Across Iowa, families travel to cemeteries and veterans’ memorials to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. In towns across America, flags are placed beside headstones, prayers are offered, and we pause to remember those we lost in defense of our nation.

During last year’s Memorial Day service in Hampton, I stood before our community and shared a number that continues to haunt me: 17,671.

Things are, as one might imagine, incredibly busy in our office.  We are in the final countdown to the Primary Election.  In-person absentee voting is in full swing. Our Heath Care Facility Team went out to the care centers to help the residents absentee vote, yesterday; mailed absentee ballots were sent last week, and last minute preparations are happening.  

I have this old friend who I had not talked with for a while. I called him because I was curious about what his favorite sources have made him think of Thomas Massie. Through Trump’s first term, Massie was a staunch supporter of him. Dialing back excessive regulation, intrusive government, and a promise to get along with other countries aligned well with Thomas Massie’s strict constitutional principles. 

For too long, Iowa farmers, biofuel producers, fuel retailers, and the everyday working families have pushed Washington to pass common sense policy that expands consumer choice, supports rural America, and lowers prices at the pump. Now, after over a decade of gridlock, we are finally getting closer to the finish line.

As the fields of Central Iowa zoomed by on the periphery of my blurred line of sight, my eyelids heavy as anvils, I anticipated the turns of the Grinnell College van as it took a route I know now I can complete with my eyes closed.

First, I want to be very clear that I cannot take credit for this week’s article idea as it is an initiative by ISAC (The Iowa State Association of Counties) to bring awareness to the public about what Counties DO and how they support the residents.  While it wasn’t my idea, it is one that I feel very strongly and passionate about, which is why I decided to share it with you all.  

91st Iowa General Assembly Adjourns Sine Die
 
Budget bills were passed and property taxes were reformed before the gavel fell for the last time of the 2026 legislative session. The 91st Iowa General Assembly adjourned sine die on Sunday evening, May 3, after being in session for nearly 34 straight hours.
 

Dogs’ short lives are constantly proving that they are “man’s best friend.” They are loyal and obedient if their master does their part. 
 

In light of the recent transpiring of one of the most pertinent holidays in our calendar year, celebrating the very individuals who brought each of us into this world, I find it fitting to set the theme of this week’s worldly writings to exactly that: Mothers.
 

When I came to Congress, I was committed to giving farmers, producers, and working families a seat at the table and delivering results for those who make Iowa’s 4th district a strong and productive community. Serving one of the largest agricultural districts in the nation, I kept a clear goal: pass a strong, comprehensive Farm Bill that gives our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities the certainty and tools they need to be successful.

Week 16 marks the second week of legislative overtime. Although per diem pay ended and our clerks were dismissed on April 21, we cannot adjourn for the final time this legislative session until the budget bills pass.
A final agreement was reached last week with the Iowa Senate on the overall state budget target, so work continued this week on the specific details within each budget bill.

Throughout my coursework at Grinnell, I’ve stumbled upon (or rather, been kindly pushed toward) a number of wonderful insights that have completely altered the way that I view the world. One of these such insights comes in my understanding of multilingualism. In an effort to share the knowledge I’ve so gratefully been given, it is this new perspective on language that will be the express focus of this week’s column.

By now, I’m sure everyone has seen all the excitement buzzing around the Courthouse.  Last week, we had a crane on site for several days to fly in scaffolding equipment.  Crews then set the scaffolding around the clock tower and statues.  This week, restoration crews are here to repair our beautiful old gals (statues).