Duty-to-assist proposal raises questions

While we appreciate the fundamental goal inherent in a proposal by City Councilman Aaron Rochester for the city to pass some kind of duty-to-assist law, we believe the council made the right call on Monday in holding off on the idea.

Nov 19, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Confident Buffett, Gates inspire confidence in others

Psychology, it seems to us, will play a part in how the nation recovers from recession. In other words, if Americans collectively believe the economy is getting better and put that sense of hope to work in their daily lives in terms of spending and investing, they will help speed recovery…

Nov 15, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

King wedding decision: It was a family matter

Not surprisingly, the Journal's front-page story on Tuesday about 5th District Rep. Steve King missing his son's wedding in order to cast his vote on House health care legislation created somewhat of a stir. Rarely does King speak or act and not generate response, both negative and positive.

Nov 11, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Expect a big crowd for Sarah Palin

Here's a little friendly advice for the folks who manage Sioux City's Barnes & Noble bookstore at the Southern Hills Mall: Make sure you plan for a big - and we mean big - turnout for the Sarah Palin book signing on Dec. 6.

Nov 10, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Double-digit unemployment: A jolt to nation's psyche

Friday's sobering announcement of double-digit unemployment ended still another roller coaster week of news about America's economy.

Nov 08, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Union County skirmish: A sign of unfairness

Union County's Board of Commissioners was wise to accept the prudent advice of State's Attorney Jerry Miller on Tuesday and back off on recent county efforts to force Hyperion foes to take down anti-refinery signs.

Nov 05, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Envelope contains $66, a note ... and a symbolic reminder

One can't help but smile appreciatively at the simple demonstration of concern and generosity represented by an anonymous donation of $66 to the state of South Dakota.

Nov 03, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Let your voice be heard in Tuesday's election

Through literature, advertising, face-to-face visits, interviews, speeches and public forums, the five remaining candidates for City Council have waged an informative, enthused - and respectful - campaign for three open seats.

Nov 01, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

More budget challenges await Iowa

With all of state government focused so intently on cutting the budget for this fiscal year, the challenges facing Iowa for the next fiscal year probably aren't something anyone wants to talk about just yet.

Oct 30, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Legislative branch must do its part to save money

Following the lead of Gov. Chet Culver, leaders in the Iowa Legislature have agreed to immediately implement a 10 percent reduction in the budget of the legislative branch of state government.

Oct 28, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

A new, but familiar name appears ready to enter Senate race

If you follow politics in Iowa, you might be having flashbacks to the 1980s these days.

Oct 27, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Our choices: Padgett, Rixner, Radig

From this year's field of five candidates for three open City Council seats, the men who in our view are best-suited to meet the city's daunting challenges and take advantage of its potential opportunities are Tom Padgett, Jim Rixner and Keith Radig. Today the Journal endorses their candi…

Oct 25, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

OUR OPINION: Iowans would be better served by special session

By Journal editorial board

We understand this train already has left the station, so to speak, but the more we read about and consider the potential fallout from and the negative reaction to Gov. Chet Culver's 10 percent across-the-board, $600 million reduction in the state budget for this fiscal year, the more we …

Oct 21, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Council members have a right to candidate views, too

After being approached by Councilman Jim Rixner, Mayor Mike Hobart on Wednesday of last week sent an e-mail to 20 friends from his personal e-mail account seeking monetary contributions to Rixner's re-election campaign ... but he didn't want anyone to interpret that step as an endorsement…

Oct 20, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

OUR OPINION: It's time for a decision from Terry Branstad

He didn't formally announce his candidacy on Friday as some media (including the Journal) reported he would, but with his retirement as president of Des Moines University and a planned tour of the state, Terry Branstad would seem to have taken two more steps forward in what is a puzzlingl…

Oct 18, 2009 | 6:00 am | Loading…

And some criticism is deserved, Mr. President

We had to chuckle a little at the answer President Obama gave to a question posed to him by a young boy at a town hall meeting in New Orleans on Thursday.

Oct 16, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

School infrastructure tax continues to prove its value

A discussion at Monday's Sioux City Board of Education meeting served as an important reminder to patrons and taxpayers of how big construction projects can continue within the district despite difficult economic times, thanks to the invaluable sales tax for school infrastructure.

Oct 14, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Have a good flight

Each time another group of Siouxland World War II veterans gather together for an Honor Flight, we again are compelled to pay tribute to this wonderful program.

Oct 13, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

Obama's selection for Nobel honor is puzzling

Our reaction to the news on Friday that President Obama was awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize probably was no different than the reaction of most Americans (maybe even Obama himself).

Oct 11, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…