Agribusiness mergers spark debate over USDA power
The Gazette notes proposed legislation by Sen. Grassley and Sen. Daschle to let USDA block or divest agribusiness mergers and regulate farm practices. Supporters say it protects small producers. critics fear an overextended federal role and duplication of DOJ FTC authority.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Justice Department
Iowa
Charles Grassley
Tom Daschle
D-S.d
USDA
Associated Press
E. Michael Myers
The
Gazette
Washington
Grassley
Myers
Clinton
Federal Trade Commission
U.S. Agriculture Department
Doing the right thing in a world of apocalyptic kindness
The author reflects on acts of generosity around kidney donation and organ transplant stories as signs of the apocalypse. She recalls emails praising her loyalty to her boyfriend and notes such compassion feels rare amid negative news. The piece questions whether decent acts are truly unusual.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Johnsmartin.net
John
Cindy
New Jersey
Britney Spears
Our Earth as cathedral and call to care for life
An essay reflecting on Earth Day’s meaning and humanity’s impact on nature. A speaker recalls a turtle death on Iowa’s highways, questions vanity and consumption, and honors environmental work by Russ Bennett, a prairie ecologist and consultant.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Russ Bennett
Rural River Junction
Johnson County
Iowa Association For Integrated
Comment on Limbaugh joke about Elian Gonzalez saga
A reader condemns Rush Limbaugh for a cruel joke about Janet Reno and the Elian Gonzalez case. The letter notes the host’s tone trivializes a serious issue and mentions Parkinson’s disease symptoms to argue for respectful discussion.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rush Limbaugh
Elian Gonzalez
Janet Reno
Limbaugh
Why schools should not run child care in district
A reader challenges an editorial supporting school based child care. The letter argues space shortages would be eased if 12 classrooms were freed and questions subsidies such as rent, startup grants, and lunch rebates. It cites district and county figures on children and asks why schools stay involved amid private providers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Gazette
Franklin Middle School toilets need major plumbing fix
A group of Cedar Rapids students from Franklin Middle School describe filthy unsanitary bathrooms with old plumbing. They report toilets that flush poorly or flood, doors that don’t close, and floors that stay wet, calling for new plumbing though funding is tight.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Franklin Middle School
Franklin
Cedar Rapids Community
Cedar Rapids Honors Trash Amnesty Week Efforts
Residents praise amnesty week for curbside cleanup and thank sanitation crews for their hard work. The note laments waste dumped on curbs and the hidden costs of discarded items, urging continued city support for cleanup efforts in Parlor City.
The Gazette Letters Policy Note
The Gazette states a 300 word limit for letters and requires name street address and daytime phone. Only name and hometown will be published. Submissions should be sent to The Gazette Box 511 Cedar Rapids IA 52406 or by FAX or email.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
the Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
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Elian
Sam
Branch Davidians
David Koresh
Oll Gates
St. Luke's Hospital
Abby Rosenthal
Rachael Stadlen
Lauren Pipkin
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