Iowa's freeway 520 delay underscores funding shortfall
The 1975 to 1979 plan for four-lane freeway 520 from Dubuque to Sioux City stalls amid a severe shortfall in road construction funds. Only 40 miles of the 265-mile route are complete, and five-year postponements push northern Iowa’s east-west link further out, while I-380 progresses on schedule nearby. The piece contrasts ongoing I-380 work with the stalled freeway, noting funding and planning differences.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Dubuque
Sioux City
Highway Commission
Cedar Rapids
Waterloo
Toys branded by burger and hotel chains spark debate
Playskool launches a line tied to McDonald’s and Holiday Inn sparking critique of consumer culture in toys. Fisher-Price resists such branding, arguing toys should avoid reflecting the interstate highway jet age. Critics say adults push brands on children and pay for the privilege.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
McDonald's
Holiday Inn
Playskool Corp
Mattel
United Airlines
Fisher-Price
Time on the move watchmakers unveil blank crystal models
The piece notes a new line of watches with darkened crystal that show nothing until a button is pressed for a red digital readout. Prices range from about 200 to 3000 dollars. The author contrasts this with a simple $12.95 watch that shows time with visible hands and can be corrected by a phone call. General Features Corporation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wowzer
Dowzer
Left Lane Grind as Limit-Toting Traveler Bogs Traffic
A reader vents about slow drivers in the left lane blocking faster traffic, hoping for awareness of safer passing and smoother highways. The note reflects frustration with steady speeders causing congestion.
Gas-tax push pressures Ford from Republican leaders
Winfield Dunn of Tennessee leads GOP push for a higher gasoline tax as a tool to curb fuel use amid energy concerns. Ford resists, while tax advocates argue prices will drive conservation and shift motorists to car pools and public transit.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York
Winfield Dunn
Tennessee
Republican Governors Assn
Ford
St. Louis
Dunn
Letters reflect on wartime veteran’s depot mishap and politics
A World War I veteran’s rough depot experience highlights aging safety gaps and calls for better outside phone access and depot postings. The writer urges oil diversification, energy solutions, and peaceful policy, then launches a monthly Citizen Participation column advocating education about political involvement and Iowa Democratic processes.
Open process rhetoric in Iowa Democratic party letter
A reader criticizes wealth influence in American politics and questions the motives of Nelson Rockefeller. The letter muses on openness in party procedures, references the Iowa state constitution, and contrasts wealthy figures with public responsibility. It includes philosophical musings and personal cautions about presidential ambition and social ethics.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Democratic Party
Democratic
Mulberry Street
Des Moines
Nelson Rockefeller
Looming clash over Lamborn right to work act in new Iowa Assembly
The piece critiques state Sen. Clifton Lamborn and the new Legislature. It warns that partisan vetoes threaten any real reform and likens politics to a repetitive stage play. It notes a lack of genuine Democratic control and laments stalled progress.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Clifton Lamborn
Iowa
Franky
Johnnie
Stage
Renounce oil and ration gasoline urged in U S News
The writer argues against seizing Arab oil and warns of war with Russia and Armageddon. He condemns theft of oil, urges peace, and favors gasoline rationing as the safest course despite Arab actions. The piece links foreign policy to biblical prophecy and practical life, urging restraint.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
U.S. News and World Report
United Nations
Giants of the market threaten American food and prices
The writer blames giant corporations for rising prices and a looming economic tailspin. Citing oil, aviation, and cereal industries, they accuse firms like Standard Oil Boeing Getty Goodyear Monsanto Union Carbide Kaiser and Penn Central of land grabs and law violations. They urge stronger anti trust laws ahead of a bicentennial.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dan
Standard Oil
California
Boeing Aircraft
Oregon
Getty Oil
Goodyear
Monsanto
Union Carbide
Kaiser Aluminum
Penn Central Railroad
Also Mentioned on This Page
Che
Iowa City
Linn County
Pluyola
O’hare
Hark
By Jim Fiebig
General Features Corporation
Fiebig
Love State Traveler
By Tom Wicker
Los Angeles
Los Angeles Basin
State Kissinger
C. W. Griffin, Jr
Denville
N.J
Engineering News Record
Griffin
United States
U. S
Philadelphia
Houston
Birmingham
Kissinger
New York Times Service
Tom
Wicker
People’s Forum
Russia
Action
Democratic Party of
Mr. Rockefeller
Mr Rockefeller
Armageddon
Megiddo
Mideast
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Stabilization Board
Chrysler
Federal Trade Commission
America
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