Inmates could work in state prison industrial plants
Iowa lawmakers consider a plan to have the Department of Social Services contract with the Iowa Development Commission to seek private firms willing to locate plants in prisons. Inmate wages would mirror state rates, with funds benefiting victims, inmate families, or prison costs. Security and moral objections exist, but supporters cite rehabilitation and broader job opportunities as merit.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
State Department of Social Services
Iowa Development Commission
Hines
Inky-pinky idea eyed to curb election day fraud
Linn county Auditor Kopel floated an inky-pinky method to deter double voting by dipping a voter’s little finger in indelible ink at the polling place. He noted it resembles older hand stamping used in venues and at a Kansas City convention, though it may not be foolproof.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Linn County
Kopel
Kansas City
F.X. Wood
Buffalo
Word Oddities Explains Expletive In Grammar
Theodore Bernstein notes two meanings of cachet and explores expletive usage in English. Irwin Greene from Florida adds a pharmacist’s quip about cadets as hollow wafers. Readers from Philadelphia discuss it and we define expletive as a filler word with Latin roots.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Irwin Greene
West Palm Beach, Fla
Energy push may erode Carter's high public support
Louis Harris reports Carter enjoys a 71 percent positive rating and 826 percent belief in his integrity while surveys show doubts on experience and image. If his energy plan raises costs and sacrifices, those negatives could rise, though broad goodwill remains a cushion. The question is whether a tough energy message will attract or erode support.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Carter
White House
Fear on Cedar Rapids streets after dark prompts reader concern
A reader reports feeling unsafe on First Avenue in Cedar Rapids during rain or after dark. The piece highlights poor visibility due to unclear lane markings and requests better street lighting and road maintenance to improve driver safety.
Courtesy on the Road in Cedar Rapids
A reader urges safer driving and more courtesy on First Avenue and beyond. The letter argues against dangerous actions and lack of turn signals, noting near accidents and calling for predictable behavior to reduce harm and improve life for others.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
First Avenue
Jailers and overcrowding in Cedar Rapids questioned
A letter to the editor argues jails are too comfortable and overcrowded. It contends prisoners receive better conditions than average Americans, starves the idea of punishment, and suggests removing amenities to reduce jail populations. The writer notes high taxpayer costs per inmate and calls for stricter treatment.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
United States
Call to ban studded tires to save roads
The writer argues studded snow tires wear road surfaces on busy interstates like I 80 between Iowa City and Coralville. They warn water in grooves makes roads slick and costs fall on drivers. Banning studs is urged to extend road life and prevent future damage from heat and wear.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa City
Coralville
Gazette Editorial Page Guidelines Add Readers’ Letters
The Gazette invites reader opinions with rules: one letter per writer every 30 days, and letters may be condensed and edited. Names may include non printed telephone numbers for authentication. content focuses on events and issues rather than personalities. No poetry.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Big Labor and the Minimum Wage Debate in 1970s
The Wall Street Journal editorial critiques President Carter's proposed 2.50 minimum wage and indexing plan, arguing labor seeks more but would bear higher costs and unemployment. It notes Meany's anger over the common situs picketing defeat and calls for either leaving the wage unchanged or repealing it for unskilled workers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George Meany
House
Congress
Mr. Meany
Also Mentioned on This Page
Guizette
State of
Iowa
House Human Resources Budget Subcommittee
Neal Hines
Nevada
Statehouse
Theodore M. Bernstein
Douglas Klapper
Louis Harris
Harris Survey
President Carter
Mr. Carter
Vinced
Walter Cronkite
Jimmy Carter
Washington, D.C
The
Wall Street Journal
Ray Marshall
Labor
Brookings
Michigan
Edward M. Gramlich
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!