Iowa high school athletes face stricter grade rule debated
The Iowa State Board of Education requires athletes to pass all classes to play, with implementation slated for July but under review by the Legislature's Administrative Rules Committee. Critics seek a one year delay, while supporters argue the standard is modest and aligns with postsecondary readiness. The editorial urges statewide standards over local control and highlights the rule's fairness and motivational value.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
State Board of Education
Tom Vilsack
Campaign fund raiser with Bush headline eyed by Iowa lawmaker
A Des Moines April 11 fundraiser for Rep. Jim Nussle features President Bush as the headline donor with a $10,000 photo op. The writer questions the politics, tax implications, and perceived benefits to wealthy donors while criticizing federal budget decisions and energy costs. The letter also challenges Cedar Rapids council member Sarah Henderson’s dissenting property tax vote and questions her motives.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jim Nussle
Iowa
Bush
Des Moines
Nussle
House of Representatives
Cedar Rapids
Sarah Henderson
Henderson
Republican Committee
Public debate over Linn County flag designs
A reader criticizes political grandstanding and urges Linn County supervisors to add a third flag option. The writer favors the far right design from The Gazette photo March 28 for its bold use of space and regional symbolism referencing Grant Wood.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Linn County Supervisors
Linn County
Gazette
Grant Wood
Alternative prescriptions rise under Medicare Part D costs
James Iverson of Cedar Rapids notes that Medicare Part D options vary in price, prompting many to seek affordable prescriptions. Advertising and new drugs raise spending as people juggle over ten daily meds. lifestyle changes and generic options may reduce costs with doctor guidance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James Iverson
Cedar Rapids
Boomers Defend Their Role Against Media Stereotypes
Diane Crosby counters syndicated columnist Karen Heller’s claim that baby boomers are selfish and disreputable. Crosby cites boomer service in teaching, health care, civil rights, and philanthropy, noting boomers volunteer and give more to charity than any other age group per the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Karen Heller
Heller
Woodstock
Chronicle of Philanthropy
Diane Crosby
Cedar Rapids
Readers weigh in on illegal immigration solutions
Readers from multiple states propose varied remedies from strict border control and enforcement to guest worker plans. Suggestions include sealing borders, a wall, faster exit visas, and even limited legal migration while others stress better employer checks and comprehensive reform.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
United States
U.s.-Mexico
Gary Randall
Las Vegas
C.F. Daniel
Winter Park
Fla
Diamon Sforza
Chicago
Mexico
Alice Wagner
Columbus
Neb
Central Florida
Richard Logue
Thomas Parry Sr
Washington Area
Phil Edmunds
Boalsburg Pa
U.S
William Taylor
South Bend
Ind
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Gazette
Iraq
Dick Cheney
Donald Rumsfeld
Baghdad
Rumsfeld
Cheney
Republican Party
United Nation
Sill Carroll Freed
Tim Farkas
John Stephens
Monticello
Ark
George Bednekoff
Plano
Texas
Nancy Hampton
Sturgis
Mich
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