Beto O’Rourke participates in Climate Panel in Des Moines

By Jeffrey Weiss

DES MOINES - Presidential candidate Beto O' Rourke headlined a panel of Iowans at the Des Moines Public Library, for a roundtable discussion on the topic of climate change.   This panel took place on the day of a new report by the United Nations detailing the possible extinction of several species, including the closest relatives of homo sapiens (chimpanzees).

Tax Day 2019 Events in Des Moines

by Virginia Wadsley

Tax Day, April 15, 2019.  A coalition of Des Moines area Peace and Justice organizations sponsored a petition demanding a change of priorities for our tax dollars.  The petition was delivered to the offices of Senators Charles Grassley and Joni Ernst following a rally at the Federal Building that addressed each of the points in the petition.

           Demonstration in front of Federal Building before delivering petition.(Sheller/ IPN)

Palm Sunday Procession for Peace and Prayer Service in Des Moines April 14, 2019

By Christine Sheller

Sunny, relatively warm weather ushered in Palm Sunday 2019, as approximately 150 individuals gathered for the Annual Palm Sunday Procession for Peace and Prayer Service at the Central Presbyterian Church on Grand Avenue in Des Moines.

Good news for women: Jesus!

By Christine Sheller

Feminism and women’s studies has been good for raising awareness of equality of women, but it is interesting that if we go back to the New Testament, Jesus was a proponent of respect for women two thousand years ago. 

Dr. James Zogby speaks in Des Moines on Peace in the Middle East

By Christine Sheller

In the evening of March 13, 2019, Middle East Peace Education Coalition, based in Des Moines, hosted Dr. James Zogby.  (Taken from info in invite to event) – “Dr. James Zogby has been a strong voice for a just US policy in the Middle East for over 40 years. He has worked with several US administrations, most recently in the Obama administration on the US Commission on International Religious Freedom."

What is the Green New Deal? What are the main points and do they offer solutions?

By Christine Sheller

On February 28, 2019, Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) introduced the Green New Deal resolution.  It contains goals, aspirations, and specifics of their idea, environmentally and economically in a more specific way than previously.  It is close to an “official” Green New Deal.

Hunger Quiz

Hunger Quiz

 (answers at bottom of quiz)

Gleaned from resources shared by Growing Hope Globally, formerly Foods Resource Bank.

1.       One in every ______ people goes to bed hungry each night. 

Around the world, 842 million people do not have enough of the food they need to live an active, healthy life.  People suffering from chronic hunger are plagued with recurring illness, developmental disabilities and low productivity.  They are often forced to use all their limited physical and financial resources just to put food on the table. 

Opinion: On Capitalism

By Darrell Mitchell

Ever since, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has assumed office as a Democrat socialist, from the state of New York, she has been under attack by the capitalist in this country.

DAPL Lion Underestimates Iowa Lambs

By Ed Fallon

First printed for Bold Iowa; Reprinted with permission

For those who feel Big Oil always gets its way, think again. In a battle of Lamb vs. Lion (read on and you’ll see what I mean), the little guy and gal just accomplished something impressive.

South Texas Family Detention Center volunteers speak in Washington, IA

By Roger Farmer
First printed for JPOG (Just Peace Outreach Group) near Washington, IA.  Reprinted with permission


On Sunday afternoon, December 23, 2018, a small group gathered in the offices of Jacqueline Arreola LLC, Independent Insurance Agent, Washington, Iowa, to hear a report from Joseph Lyons and Crystal Anderson about their work as volunteer translator and social worker at the South Texas Family Residential Center operated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE).