Editorial argues for Iowa teacher competency testing bill
The Gazette urges serious consideration of a bill by Sen. Arthur Small and six colleagues requiring teachers to pass competency tests before certification. The piece argues uniform state oversight best measures ability and knowledge, while acknowledging objections about local control and test coaching. It links testing to concerns about declining student performance and basic skills among teachers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Iowa City
Arthur Small
Senate
Welfare for strikers faces proposed Iowa ban
The Iowa House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee approved a bill to withhold state supplemental assistance county relief and veterans burial benefits from strikers. Republicans supported the measure 12 to 10 while labor backed Democrats opposed. Critics warn it could slow strikes, though some say needy nonvoluntary cases could qualify. The burial-benefit exclusion drew particular ire as unjust, with critics calling it tacky.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee
Debate on scientific creationism in education spurs letters
Readers clash over teaching creationism as an alternative to evolution arguing scientific data and falsifiability support creationism, while veterans recount wartime suffering and question hero parades. The letters defend science based creationism and critique alleged neglect of its evidence.
Whale preservation essay from a young reader
A 13 year old urges nations to enact stricter whale protection laws inspired by the film A Whale for the Killing. The writer aspires to be a marine biologist and hopes to help save whales and dolphins in the future.
Reagan to use Bush as close presidential partner
The Reagan administration deepens trust with Vice President George Bush. Reagan seeks Bush as an ongoing, high level aide and counselor, akin to Mondale under Carter, with staffers also favoring a tight, collaborative dynamic at the top.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
George Bush
Reagan
Jimmy Carter
Fritz Mondale
Mr. Bush
Death penalty urged as answer to rising crime
A reader argues gun control harms law abiding citizens and favors a death penalty for crimes with weapons. They contend criminals would fear lethal punishment, and say recent notices show society remains unsafe. They blame compassionate policies for crime and call for decisive justice.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
FBI
On the Uncertainty of Science and Life's Cooperative Bond
Flora Lewis surveys Thomas and Morin on biology's challenge to Newtonian and Darwinian certainties. He credits Thomas for optimism that life hinges on cooperation, while Morin warns against technocratic individualism. The piece argues science invites humility and a shift toward partnership with nature.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lewis Thomas
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
New York
Thomas
Harvard Magazine
Einstein
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Gazette
Rhode Island
A-1
West
Germany
Kathryn Koob
Anzio Bataan
Iwo Jima
Okinawa
Cassino
North Africa
Ray
Roscoe Drummond
Los Angeles Times Syndicate
Bush
White House
Flora Lewis
New York Times Service
Walter Lippmann
Newton
Darwin
Edgar Morin
Sartre
Morin
Ghd
He. L
THE
United
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