Iowa
Opinion | Should Iowa or South Carolina Go First?
To the Editor:
Re “Democrats to Iowa: Get Misplaced!,” by Artwork Cullen (Opinion visitor essay, Dec. 12):
Perhaps, simply possibly, Mr. Cullen is revealing extra about the issue with Iowa than something in regards to the Democratic Occasion when he complains that the Democrats’ proposed new main schedule is about as much as “dump the Iowa caucuses into the ditch.”
It does no such factor, in fact; it merely deprives the Hawkeye State of its assured gatekeeper standing on the head of the road. Mr. Cullen’s self-righteous huffing that “discarding Iowa will not be a good way to fix fences in rural America” appears to counsel that he feels that in some way his state is learn out of the Union if it isn’t allowed to talk first when presidential main season rolls round.
New Hampshire, which holds the very first primaries, has an analogous angle. Neither state’s place on the electoral calendar was inscribed in stone, however you’d by no means comprehend it from their champions’ zealotry on this situation.
Personally, I’d favor to see the order of the primaries and caucuses reshuffled earlier than each presidential election. That approach, at the least Iowa could be at or close to the entrance at the least a number of the time, however one of many smaller, whitest states within the nation wouldn’t get to fireplace the race’s beginning gun each time. Absolutely Iowans can discover one thing else about their state to be happy with.
Eric B. Lipps
Staten Island
To the Editor:
Artwork Cullen’s critique of the Democratic Nationwide Committee’s proposal to place South Carolina forward of Iowa on the nominating calendar is misguided. Democrats haven’t dumped “the Iowa caucuses right into a ditch.” Quite, they’re contemplating main with a state with voter rolls that higher symbolize Democratic voters and the nation as an entire.
Mr. Cullen argues that variety has an opportunity in Iowa, citing Barack Obama’s victory over Hillary Clinton on the caucus. However an overwhelmingly white voters selecting a various candidate will not be the identical as a various voters having its say within the course of.
Rural states like Iowa have challenges, however they don’t want symbolic assist like holding the Iowa caucus first. As a substitute, they want actual options, such because the Inflation Discount Act, which offers subsidies for renewable vitality tasks that may carry financial vitality to rural areas.
John Horsch
Oakland, Calif.
To the Editor:
Artwork Cullen’s essay was remarkably self-serving. Iowa goes first by custom, which provides a rural, largely white state outsized significance.
I get that Iowans need to maintain onto their place, however why ought to the remainder of the nation take cues from this one state? It’s time to maintain nationwide primaries, all on the identical day. Let everybody within the nation vote, on the similar time. This has the facet advantage of shortening the ridiculously lengthy main season.
Katherine Jo Glaves
Seattle
People and Wildlife: The Messages Are Combined
To the Editor:
Re “My Mom Has Two Sons: Me and a Squirrel” (Op-Doc, nytimes.com, Dec. 5):
What a pleasure to get up to such a young video of a lady responding to an deserted new child creature in her yard. Her son, Tom Krawczyk, is a gifted videographer whose apparent professionalism captured each his mom’s humanity and her concern for a wild animal’s future.
Presently of yr, particularly this yr, it’s a balm to witness such a poignant gem as this, reminding me of all that’s contemporary and good on this planet and that this kind of intimate connection, wherever we discover it, is the last word therapeutic.
Marjorie Herman
Hamilton, N.J.
To the Editor:
I used to be pissed off by the blended messaging in The Instances about how you can finest take care of wildlife. The Dec. 5 Op-Doc a couple of girl elevating a new child squirrel as a member of the family is heartwarming, however sadly has the potential to noticeably mislead viewers.
It counters the wonderful recommendation present in a chunk by Margaret Renkl (“Wildlife Rescue Heals the Human Coronary heart,” Opinion visitor essay, Dec. 7) in regards to the significance of wildlife rehabilitation facilities.
The accountable — and authorized — factor to do when encountering orphaned or injured wildlife is to put the animal with an authorized wildlife rehabilitator.
Dwelling-raised animals can undergo from dietary deficiencies or just could not survive a well-meaning novice’s assist. Animals that change into acclimated to people have been recognized to assault their caregivers or strangers who don’t perceive their pure behaviors.
Their instinctual response to potential predators may additionally be compromised. (On this video, the squirrel was pals with a cat.) Probably the most compassionate response is to place an animal’s care into the arms of somebody who has the tutorial coaching to finest assist their survival.
Kim Bailey
Nashville
The author is a retired metro parks naturalist.
To the Editor:
Re “Wildlife Rescue Heals the Human Coronary heart”:
Though it was heartwarming to learn in regards to the usually heroic efforts of wildlife rehabilitators in serving to injured and orphaned animals, I can’t assist fascinated with all of the ways in which different, much less compassionate people intentionally inflict hurt and torture on our wildlife.
The indiscriminate trapping and snaring of wolves, the barbaric wildlife-killing contests that also happen in lots of states and all types of leisure trophy searching mirror an indifference to the struggling of our nonhuman kinfolk, who like us worth their lives, attempt to deal with their households and have each proper to share this earth with us.
Mary Anne Ericson
Portland, Ore.
The Many years-Lengthy Wrestle for Reasonably priced Little one Care
To the Editor:
Re “The Little one Care Disaster Has Been ‘Pressing’ Since ’86. Simply Ask Cosmo,” by Jessica Grose (Opinion, nytimes.com, Dec. 7):
I learn Ms. Grose’s glorious article with a way of déjà vu — the extra issues change, the extra they keep the identical.
In 1982, a bunch of pals and I began a day care middle on the Higher West Aspect as a result of there have been few choices for full-time working dad and mom.
We managed to obtain assist from a non-public basis to assist us arrange the little middle, secured area in a rundown synagogue, and based one of many first Jewish all-day youngster care facilities in New York Metropolis. We named it Yaldaynu, Hebrew for “our youngsters.” (I’m happy to say it’s nonetheless working.)
It’s unhappy that 40 years later, my daughter, a kind of first kids, and now a mom, nonetheless doesn’t have high quality, reasonably priced day care choices for her daughter.
When will the U.S. do what a lot of the remainder of the West does and supply high quality reasonably priced youngster care for his or her residents? Why is that this not even on the agenda of pressing our nation is going through?
Now’s the time for Cosmo, which ran a canopy story on this situation in 1986, to place it again on the quilt, and for politicians, companies and nonprofits to take motion.
Jeanne B. Kes
Albuquerque
Indianola, Iowa — Santa Claus isn’t driving a sleigh this year in Indianola, Iowa — and instead of presents, he’s bringing joy and light, decorating every house on his block for the upcoming holiday season.
John Reichart, 74, loves Christmas but there’s something else he loves more: His wife of 53 years, Joan. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago, and since then, the Marine veteran has made it his mission to keep making her memories.
“If it wasn’t for my wife, I don’t know if I would’ve done it,” Reichart said. “But she wanted Christmas, so I’d give it to her. I’d do anything to make her happy.”
Now there are tons of extra hands on his project, helping set up lights, decorations and more. A steady stream of admirers are also coming to check out the holiday cheer.
“I think the whole neighborhood feels very blessed to have him in this neighborhood,” one neighbor said.
“It’s moving,” added one spectator. “That’s what Christmas is all about.”
Reichart said he can’t see himself stopping the tradition now.
“As long as she’s OK,” he said. “And even if she would pass, I’m gonna do it in her memory as long as I can do it.”
Joan said that she’s loved the holiday spirit her husband has brought to the neighborhood.
“I didn’t know what to think,” Joan said. “But I’m glad he did it. I love him.”
To thank Reichart and celebrate Joan, his neighbors have set up a P.O. box to receive Christmas cards. They’ll give the cards to Reichart to read them to his wife.
CBS News is inviting viewers to send cards. To mail a card to the Reicharts, address it to this P.O. box:
John Reichart
C/O Frank Ewurs
P.O. Box 133
Indianola, Iowa, 50125
Nebraska heads to Iowa City on Friday for the annual Black Friday matchup against the Hawkeyes. At 6-5, the Huskers are bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. Iowa comes into the game at 7-4, having won three out of their last four. Of the two teams’ mutual opponents, Iowa lost to Ohio State 35-7, beat Wisconsin 42-10, and lost to UCLA 20-17.
On behalf of the Common Fan podcast, here are three keys to victory for the Huskers, and two keys to victory for all the fellow Common Fans.
NEBRASKA’S KEYS TO VICTORY
Stop (or Slow Down) Kaleb Johnson. After having an atrocious offense last season, Iowa is back to being respectable on the offensive side of the ball, especially when it comes to the run game. The Hawkeyes boast the #13 rushing offense in the nation. Starter Kaleb Johnson has rushed for 1,492 yards and 21 touchdowns this season, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He is legitimately one of the best backs in the country. What’s more, Iowa is on their fourth starting quarterback of the season. While there have been some rumblings this week that Cade McNamara and/or Brendan Sullivan–both of whom have started games under center this year–would play on Friday, it sounds like Jackson Stratton will be the guy. Stratton attempted a total of 14 passes last weekend against Maryland, completing 10 for 76 yards. Considering the strength of Nebraska’s defense has been stopping the run all season long, this matchup should favor the Huskers. But it’s Iowa, so who knows. If the Big Red can contain Iowa’s run game, I like their chances to win the game.
More of That Offense, Please. Iowa teams of recent years have been known for great defense. Not just great defense – they have had some elite defensive units. This year’s Hawkeye defense is perhaps not quite as dominant as what we’ve seen in recent years, but they’re still very good. They come into the game ranked #17 nationally in total defense, #12 in scoring defense, and #26 in rushing defense. They have been susceptible to giving up the big play, and currently rank #41 in opponent yards per play, after finishing the 2023 season at #1 in that category.
What will we see out of Nebraska’s offensive unit this week? Are we going to see the squad that had its way with Wisconsin? Or will we see the unit that struggled to move the ball for most of the year? If new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen can sprinkle a little more magic on the Nebraska offense, perhaps they can get out to a lead and take Iowa out of their comfort zone.
Make Special Teams Special. Another defining characteristic of Iowa teams in recent years has been outstanding special teams play. On the other side of the equation, all Common Fans know that Nebraska’s special teams play has struggled for most of this season. That said, against Wisconsin, Jacorey Barney had a 45 yard kickoff return to set up Nebraska’s first scoring drive, and place kicker John Hohl was 3-for-3 on field goals. Progress.
Can someone make a game changing play against the Hawkeyes? Can the Huskers at least make sure special teams doesn’t hurt them on Friday?
COMMON FAN KEYS
Soak It In. This is painful to say, but it’s the first time in eight years that Nebraska will be playing Iowa with bowl eligibility already secured. Husker fans don’t have to hold our breath, stressing that the team’s postseason fate rides on this game. I’d love nothing more than to see the Big Red pick up where they left off against Wisconsin, come out and pummel the Hawkeyes. But whatever happens, this isn’t the end of the road for the Huskers.
At least for me, the Iowa game has emerged as a great Thanksgiving weekend tradition. Iowa is the closest thing we have to a rival since joining the Big Ten. Embrace it. Enjoy it. We’re going bowling this year, no matter what happens against Iowa. So load up with some leftover turkey and mashed potatoes, maybe an extra piece of pie, and enjoy the ride, Husker fans.
Going to Kinnick? Common Fan Podcast co-host Matty O was in the house for the Wisconsin game, and after the win, pulled the trigger on tickets for the Black Friday battle against Iowa. He and his son will be making the trek to Iowa City on Friday. That’s the impact of beating the Badgers, getting to bowl eligibility, and starting to believe in this program again.
Are any other Common Fans out there going to be in the house? Hats off to anyone representing the Big Red in enemy territory. And, if you are going to be there on Friday, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email to commonfangbr@gmail.com or hit us up on social media (@commonfangbr on X) to share your experience. Send pictures, stories, smart remarks…whatever you’ve got! Let’s go 1-0 this week and beat those Hawkeyes!
As always, GBR for LIFE.
MORE: Nick Handley Show: Iowa Football Preview with the Des Moines Register’s Chad Leistikow
MORE: Nebraska Football Commit Christian Jones Makes Final Visit Before Signing
MORE: Nebraska Football Recruiting: Lamarcus Barber Recaps Visit, Names Huskers Top Choice
MORE: 2026 Wide Receiver Blaise LaVista Details Nebraska Football Recruiting Visit
MORE: 2027 OT Reece Mallinger Details Nebraska Football Visit
Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.
LOS ANGELES – Senior Michelle Urquhart set Iowa’s single-season service aces record in the Hawkeyes’ 3-1 loss to UCLA on Wednesday night at Pauley Pavilion. Iowa drops to 10-21 overall and 4-15 in the Big Ten.
Urquhart needed two aces to surpass the single-season rally scoring era record set by Becky Walters in 2010. With the third set tied at 10-10, Urquhart dropped in a soft serve to secure her 42nd ace on the season.
The senior from Virginia Beach, Virginia, also recorded a double-double, registering 13 kills and 12 digs. Freshman Dominique Phills and sophomore Hannah Whittingstall were in double-figures with 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Phills was a spark off the bench, drilling five kills in the opening set.
Senior libero Joy Galles notched a career high in digs, finishing with 24. She neared a double-double, tallying eight assists.
MATCH SUMMARY
SET ONE (UCLA, 25-23)
After trading points early on, the Hawkeyes strung together three consecutive points to take a 5-3 lead, courtesy of a kill and ace from Urquhart. UCLA answered with a run, pushing ahead 13-8. Phills was a spark off the bench, helping Iowa pull within two on several occasions. The Hawkeyes rallied all the way back in the opener, tying the set at 23-23 before the Bruins capitalized on back-to-back kills to win the set. UCLA had only one attacking error in the first set, while Iowa had seven.
SET TWO (UCLA, 25-11)
Despite gaining momentum at the end of the first set, Iowa fell behind 9-1 to begin the second. A timeout slowed the Bruins’ progress, but they gained early control of the set. Iowa chipped away in the middle of the set on terminations from Phills and UCLA errors. UCLA ended the set on a 5-0 run.
SET THREE (IOWA, 25-23)
Iowa quickly regrouped for a competitive set in the third. A kill from Whittingstall and ace from freshman Jenna Meitzler kept the pressure on UCLA early. Urquhart notched her record-setting ace, breaking a 10-10 tie in the third set. The teams headed into the media timeout with UCLA leading, 15-14. It wasn’t until late in the set before Iowa pulled away, using a 3-0 run to go up by two at 20-18, courtesy of kills from freshman Malu Garcia and Phills. After a UCLA timeout fueled back-to-back points for the Bruins, Iowa sealed the set with a kill from Whittingstall and error from UCLA.
Mickey’s record-setting ace! 💛#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/PlUu17YR2R
— Iowa Volleyball (@IowaVolleyball) November 28, 2024
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗲𝘀 👑
With Michelle’s second ace tonight, she has set the program record for service aces in a season during the rally scoring era (42).#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/fimM7XstTc
— Iowa Volleyball (@IowaVolleyball) November 28, 2024
SET FOUR (UCLA, 25-15)
UCLA recovered and regained momentum, leading 6-2 to begin set four. A pair of kills from Urquhart and a termination from Garcia brought Iowa back within one at 7-6. The Hawkeyes stayed within striking distance but could not take the lead in the set. The Bruins used a run in the middle of the set to take control. A block from senior Anna Davis and Garcia stopped the run at 19-13. UCLA finished the set on a 5-1 run to win the match.
UP NEXT: Iowa heads across town for its season finale, battling No. 20 USC on Friday evening. First serve is set for 9 p.m. (CT) from the Galen Center. The match will be broadcast on B1G+ and the Hawkeye Radio Network.
4 planes collide in 2 separate tarmac crashes at Boston Logan Airport just hours apart: ‘Chaotic mess’
Nearly 10,000 runners hit Denver streets for the annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot
Seattle Mariners Lose Another Prominent Coach in Offseason Shuffle
Thankfulness abounds at Thanksgiving dinner for those who may not have a home for the holidays
Critically missing Milwaukee woman; Silver Alert issued
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Maps Pinpoint Where Democrats Lost Ground Since 2020 in 11 Big Cities
Biden thankful for smooth transition of power, urges Trump to 'rethink' tariffs on Canada and Mexico
Nato cyber expert says Russian interference growing across Europe
Mexico President Downplays Risk Of Trade War With Trump
What is Evacuation Day? The forgotten holiday that predates Thanksgiving
-
Science1 week agoTrump nominates Dr. Oz to head Medicare and Medicaid and help take on 'illness industrial complex'
-
Health6 days agoHoliday gatherings can lead to stress eating: Try these 5 tips to control it
-
Health3 days agoCheekyMD Offers Needle-Free GLP-1s | Woman's World
-
Science3 days agoDespite warnings from bird flu experts, it's business as usual in California dairy country
-
Technology2 days agoLost access? Here’s how to reclaim your Facebook account
-
Science1 week agoAlameda County child believed to be latest case of bird flu; source unknown
-
Sports1 week agoBehind Comcast's big TV deal: a bleak picture for once mighty cable industry
-
Entertainment22 hours agoReview: A tense household becomes a metaphor for Iran's divisions in 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig'