Readers sound off on Iowa issues: April 28, 2026
Do you support Iowa raising the two-lane speed limit from 55 to 60 miles per hour?
- “No! Speeders are already rampant and an increase will make accidents much worse.” — B. Booth
- “When I was a kid, the speed limit in Iowa was 70 mph, and that was at a time when cars had bias tires, drum brakes, no air bags, and virtually none had shoulder belts (not that anyone would have used them anyway).
I have contested for years that Iowa’s 55 mph speed limit was artificially low in order to raise revenues. The proof of this is when the Legislature passed the ‘Right To Speed’ law many years ago whereby one could get up to three tickets a year within 10 mph of 55 without a hit on your license (but insurance companies still dinged you even though they claimed that wouldn’t happen). What other law has a built-in legal provision for breaking it as long as you cough up tribute?
Law enforcement agencies seem to have plenty of resources to set speed traps (to raise revenues and increase the odds of stealing private property by using civil asset forfeiture), but ironically claim that they don’t have the resources to test the tens of thousands of untested rape kits sitting in evidence lockers nationwide.” — Jim H. - “It is insane to me that we are, at no small expense, putting in exit ramps along U.S. Highway 218 to remove dangerous at-grade intersections, and then we’re going to turn every two-lane highway in the state into a more dangerous version of that since there’s no second lane to dodge slowing/turning traffic.
People are going to die because of this change, and it will be directly on the heads of the legislators doing this. I’m not surprised our part-time Legislature has commuter brain, but it sucks that this feels like they want to get between home and Des Moines thirty seconds faster. Also: Love to burn more fuel during an energy crisis! Idiots.” — Alan S. - “Who hasn’t crested a steep hill going 60+ on a two-lane Iowa highway and suddenly been confronted with the back end of a combine harvester changing fields? I don’t care how many new safety features new cars have, a Tesla is going to end up recycled right then and there just like my ‘59 Ford Fairlane station wagon. It’s a silly change in the law, which makes it perfect for our Republican legislature and governor.” — Bill R., Iowa City
Problems in Atlantic schools:
- “For years, my son Xavier attended elementary school in Atlantic, Iowa—first at Schuler Elementary School, and later at the building serving older elementary and middle‑grade students. What began as routine communication from school staff evolved into a troubling pattern: one‑sided reporting, questionable restraint practices, gender‑based disparities, and a lack of transparency that ultimately led me to withdraw my son from the district.
When Xavier was in early elementary school, I received calls two to three times a week. These calls always came at the end of the school day, never during the incidents themselves. Staff would report that Xavier had been ‘disruptive,’ ’emotional,’ or ‘misbehaving,’ yet by the time I arrived, he was calm. …
One day, I arrived at the school and walked into the principal’s office to find two adult staff members physically restraining my son. Each woman—significantly larger than Xavier—had their arms locked around his arms and legs, with their legs wrapped around his lower body. The scene resembled a submission hold more than a child‑safety technique. When I questioned what I was seeing, staff told me the restraint was a ‘DHS‑approved hold.’ … But what I witnessed did not look controlled, therapeutic, or de‑escalating. It looked like excessive force being used on a small, overwhelmed child. Instead of calming him, the restraint escalated his distress.
When I raised concerns, I was told he was ‘a problem.’ Instead of reevaluating their approach, the school placed him on an IEP—a label that followed him for years and was later used to deny him enrollment in K‑12 online schooling.
By fourth grade, Xavier was in a small class of six students with a teacher who was supposed to be trained to support children with behavioral needs. Yet communication became even more limited. Instead of speaking to me directly, the teacher sent home hourly behavior sheets. …
On Xavier’s final day at the school, he came home with a behavior sheet claiming he had been ’emotional all day.’ What the sheet did not mention was the real reason for his distress: Another student—older, larger, and in the same mixed‑grade class — told Xavier: ‘I will k*ll you.’ This was reportedly over a stepped‑on shoe. Xavier was terrified. The teacher did not report the threat. It was not documented. It was not addressed. …
My son deserved better. Every child does. Atlantic, Iowa’s schools have many dedicated educators—but the system, as I experienced it, failed my son repeatedly. I hope that by sharing this account, other parents will feel empowered to ask questions, demand transparency, and advocate fiercely for their children.” — Shawn G.
Iowa State softball wins:
- “I am not sure if you put articles like this in your emails, but I have a granddaughter who plays for Iowa State club softball. The team has made it to regionals in Kansas City and [played] Air Force from Colorado. (NOTE: ISU did not advance.) Just want to share with Iowa that this is a cool sport for college students to partake in.” — Bev D.
Reader feedback:
- “Love the newsletter. But your headline about Rob Sand ‘dropping’ his weed plan can be completely misread. This might have been clearer to say he released his weed plan or posted his weed plan. Thanks for all you do.” — Sue B., Iowa City
No Kings Clinton:
- “I also attended the Maquoketa peaceful rally with 140 in attendance. I elected to go to small rural communities to support them.” — Tammy M.
