Decades of drug price inflation have reached a fever pitch that finally has lawmakers in both political parties itching for action. But, as is often the case in Washington, good intentions don't always equate to good ideas or outcomes. The government's drug price controls enacted last year in ...

When I was elected to serve Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, I promised that I would be a strong voice for our families, farmers, and rural main streets and equally transparent with and accessible to the people I represent. By officially completing my ...

EDITOR’S NOTE: 10 years have passed since the originator of this Messenger Spotlight column, Editor Walter B. Stevens, passed away. His Spotlight legacy has been continued by his son, who salutes the legacy of his dad.) When I told my Dad that I was taking a buyout from The ...

It’s customary this time of year for newspapers everywhere to write glowing editorials about the virtue of shopping local. After all, throughout the year, local businesses support the ability of local journalists to deliver local news, and we hope you will support them. Local news is ...

I have the privilege of serving as the honorary chairperson for this year’s United Way campaign. First State Bank has been a long-time supporter of United Way and the important work it is doing to help so many underprivileged youth and families in our community. I also appreciate the fact ...

Diabetes impacts more than 35 million Americans, which is why it is important for our team at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center to recognize National Diabetes Month each November. Diabetes ­— a chronic long-lasting health condition affecting how the body turns food into ...