@thomasrodonnell.bsky.social
Attended the #veteransday🇺🇸 program at VBC schools. Shane Begley, ex-Marinel, cited the 14 qualities of leadership, esp. integrity; empty table for POWs and MIA; 2 of my fave vets, Diane Carr & Dick Breckenridge. Also: Winn Starnes, Bob Waugh, Dale House, Larry Shipley & others. Well done, soldiers.
November 11, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Attended the #veteransday🇺🇸 program at VBC schools. Shane Begley, ex-Marinel, cited the 14 qualities of leadership, esp. integrity; empty table for POWs and MIA; 2 of my fave vets, Diane Carr & Dick Breckenridge. Also: Winn Starnes, Bob Waugh, Dale House, Larry Shipley & others. Well done, soldiers.
Remembering my dad, Gus O'Donnell (WWII, New Guinea) & other vets in my family: @iowawoman.bsky.social @iowadave68.bsky.social Dan O'Donnell & my many nephews. I know from their stories & lives that military duty is life-changing. We're grateful for all they've done and continue doing #veteransday
November 11, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Remembering my dad, Gus O'Donnell (WWII, New Guinea) & other vets in my family: @iowawoman.bsky.social @iowadave68.bsky.social Dan O'Donnell & my many nephews. I know from their stories & lives that military duty is life-changing. We're grateful for all they've done and continue doing #veteransday
Pix from the Miller-Meeks event in Keo: An audience from across the district, eager to join a rare town hall; with reps Adam Zabner and Elinor Levin; and constituents outside the venue. 3M may have thought appearing here would bring a sympathetic, mostly Republican audience. She miscalculated.#ia01
November 11, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Pix from the Miller-Meeks event in Keo: An audience from across the district, eager to join a rare town hall; with reps Adam Zabner and Elinor Levin; and constituents outside the venue. 3M may have thought appearing here would bring a sympathetic, mostly Republican audience. She miscalculated.#ia01
Paula and I enjoyed the @iademocrats Liberty & Justice dinner in Des Moines last night. Our Van Bure County award winners we're recognized, we saw old friends and super volunteers Dave Langer and Donna Richard Langer, and checked in with @iowasendems leader Janice Weiner. Much energy!
November 10, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Paula and I enjoyed the @iademocrats Liberty & Justice dinner in Des Moines last night. Our Van Bure County award winners we're recognized, we saw old friends and super volunteers Dave Langer and Donna Richard Langer, and checked in with @iowasendems leader Janice Weiner. Much energy!
The devil is donning a parka. This is at least the second time 3M has been in VBC in recent weeks. Could it be the No Kings rally and other signs of discontent in this strongly Republican county have her worried?
November 9, 2025 at 6:07 PM
The devil is donning a parka. This is at least the second time 3M has been in VBC in recent weeks. Could it be the No Kings rally and other signs of discontent in this strongly Republican county have her worried?
#Pancake breakfast this morning for the community club in Douds, a hamlet determined to stay vital. Longtime owners of Moore's Grocery and the Lunchbox Cafe were honored for service to the town. Enjoyed seeing three VBC anchors, Bob Pedrick and Jon Finney, and Bob's dsughter-in-law Gwen.
November 8, 2025 at 5:53 PM
#Pancake breakfast this morning for the community club in Douds, a hamlet determined to stay vital. Longtime owners of Moore's Grocery and the Lunchbox Cafe were honored for service to the town. Enjoyed seeing three VBC anchors, Bob Pedrick and Jon Finney, and Bob's dsughter-in-law Gwen.
The annual soup supper to support the Villages Folk School always draws a crowd to Bentonsport's Stone House community center. It's consistently delicious and you can leave with beautiful art pieces. Sorely missed: the late Betty Printy's homemade bread. #folkart
November 8, 2025 at 2:31 AM
The annual soup supper to support the Villages Folk School always draws a crowd to Bentonsport's Stone House community center. It's consistently delicious and you can leave with beautiful art pieces. Sorely missed: the late Betty Printy's homemade bread. #folkart
We joined the Andrews family & friends today for their annual Hog Walk, marking their ancestors' annual trek herding pigs to market from the farm to Bonaparte. The full route is 13 miles. Our bodies permitted us to cover about 7. We were among a group that paused in a machine shed to don rain gear.
November 1, 2025 at 10:04 PM
We joined the Andrews family & friends today for their annual Hog Walk, marking their ancestors' annual trek herding pigs to market from the farm to Bonaparte. The full route is 13 miles. Our bodies permitted us to cover about 7. We were among a group that paused in a machine shed to don rain gear.
This is our favorite of the trees on our property: almost perfectly conical, a strong, straight trunk, and on fire every Fall. We have another maple on the south side and many oaks. Nothing else is as beautiful. #autumnleaves
November 1, 2025 at 1:08 AM
This is our favorite of the trees on our property: almost perfectly conical, a strong, straight trunk, and on fire every Fall. We have another maple on the south side and many oaks. Nothing else is as beautiful. #autumnleaves
If you missed Saturday's #education forum with @iowahousedems.bsky.social you can still register your views here. It's long, but you can skip questions if they don't apply or don't interest you.
actionnetwork.org/surveys/educ...
actionnetwork.org/surveys/educ...
Education Forum Survey
What would you like to see from legislators to address Iowa's education needs?
actionnetwork.org
October 31, 2025 at 9:38 PM
If you missed Saturday's #education forum with @iowahousedems.bsky.social you can still register your views here. It's long, but you can skip questions if they don't apply or don't interest you.
actionnetwork.org/surveys/educ...
actionnetwork.org/surveys/educ...
Took time over the weekend and yesterday to clear the beds and tuck in the asparagus for the winter. I let them get wild but it cleared well. Of course, in Spring I'll have to deal with millions of grass seeds left behind. ... #homegardening🌱
October 29, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Took time over the weekend and yesterday to clear the beds and tuck in the asparagus for the winter. I let them get wild but it cleared well. Of course, in Spring I'll have to deal with millions of grass seeds left behind. ... #homegardening🌱
Drove to Ottumwa yesterday for a listening post with IA House #education reps Mary Madison Heather Matson and Eric Gjerde. An illuminating discussion with several people devoted to regaining Iowa's top spot in school quality.
October 26, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Drove to Ottumwa yesterday for a listening post with IA House #education reps Mary Madison Heather Matson and Eric Gjerde. An illuminating discussion with several people devoted to regaining Iowa's top spot in school quality.
Scenes from #nokings Saturday: Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam, a colorful Eric Weston, and more than 50 people on the Keosauqua bridge. Then off to #nokingsfairfieldia , where I emceed a stellar speaker set. More than 400 attended. Keep fighting for democracy!
October 18, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Scenes from #nokings Saturday: Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam, a colorful Eric Weston, and more than 50 people on the Keosauqua bridge. Then off to #nokingsfairfieldia , where I emceed a stellar speaker set. More than 400 attended. Keep fighting for democracy!
Today I made my once-every-21-days trip to Keosauqua's Roost coin laundry, a cozy place to clean your clothes. Some day, and for now I can only dream, we'll have our own washer and dryer ... At least the finished product looks good in the car ...
October 18, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Today I made my once-every-21-days trip to Keosauqua's Roost coin laundry, a cozy place to clean your clothes. Some day, and for now I can only dream, we'll have our own washer and dryer ... At least the finished product looks good in the car ...
It's official: Keosauqua will host a #nokings rally on Saturday. Go here to register. Please share. Invite a friend. See you there! www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...
NO KINGS Keosauqua · No Kings
**In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.**
Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Bo...
www.mobilize.us
October 16, 2025 at 2:26 AM
It's official: Keosauqua will host a #nokings rally on Saturday. Go here to register. Please share. Invite a friend. See you there! www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...
Watching Van Buren County Schools board work through plans to rearrange resources to efficiently and effectively educate students. These folks are wrestling with tough decisions - ones that won't satisfy everyone. Their diligence and dedication are impressive.
October 16, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Watching Van Buren County Schools board work through plans to rearrange resources to efficiently and effectively educate students. These folks are wrestling with tough decisions - ones that won't satisfy everyone. Their diligence and dedication are impressive.
Scenes from VBC #scenicdrivefestival With three of 13 siblings including @jodiodonnell.bsky.social at the Vernon school; Keo queen Twyla Peacock with Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty (Doug and Suzy Pool); carrying the banner with Gwen Pedrick and Diane Carr; Ernie Dicks and Deb Finney. Fun times!
October 11, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Scenes from VBC #scenicdrivefestival With three of 13 siblings including @jodiodonnell.bsky.social at the Vernon school; Keo queen Twyla Peacock with Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty (Doug and Suzy Pool); carrying the banner with Gwen Pedrick and Diane Carr; Ernie Dicks and Deb Finney. Fun times!
Surprise: When you cut tax rates, you get ... fewer tax dollars. Republican government is putting us in a hole and damaging our capacity to weather a downturn - like the one coming for farmers. Please share if you agree.
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/06/i...
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/06/i...
Iowa state revenue fell 8.1% in fiscal year 2025, nonpartisan agency report finds • Iowa Capital Dispatch
While Republicans expected a shortfall due to income tax cuts implemented in 2024, revenues fell nearly by $200 million more than predicted.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
October 7, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Surprise: When you cut tax rates, you get ... fewer tax dollars. Republican government is putting us in a hole and damaging our capacity to weather a downturn - like the one coming for farmers. Please share if you agree.
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/06/i...
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/06/i...
This is the real #shutdown issue, not false claims of undocumented people receiving health insurance. Democrats can't trust Trump & GOP to negotiate on extending #aca credits. Millions will see premiums explode. Please share if you agree.
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/03/r...
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/03/r...
Renewal of health subsidies backed by big majorities in poll, including Trump voters • Iowa Capital Dispatch
The vast majority of Americans want Congress to renew the Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits, according to a poll released Friday.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
October 6, 2025 at 3:56 PM
This is the real #shutdown issue, not false claims of undocumented people receiving health insurance. Democrats can't trust Trump & GOP to negotiate on extending #aca credits. Millions will see premiums explode. Please share if you agree.
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/03/r...
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/03/r...
Republicans want to blame Democrats for the #shutdown, saying Dems want to give free healthcare to undocumented people. This @usatoday piece refutes that. The GOP owns this closure. Please share if you agree.
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
October 5, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Republicans want to blame Democrats for the #shutdown, saying Dems want to give free healthcare to undocumented people. This @usatoday piece refutes that. The GOP owns this closure. Please share if you agree.
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
This is why people say the Trump administration is #fascist. The only reason to march and float a paramilitary force through downtown Chicago is to intimidate. Making people fear their government is un-American. Please share if you agree.
www.tspr.org/illinois-pub...
www.tspr.org/illinois-pub...
Feds march into downtown Chicago; top border agent says people are arrested based on ‘how they look’
Immigration agents wearing tactical gear and carrying long guns made arrests in downtown Chicago and the River North neighborhood Sunday. “This is not making anybody safer — it’s a show of intimidatio...
www.tspr.org
October 2, 2025 at 5:15 PM
This is why people say the Trump administration is #fascist. The only reason to march and float a paramilitary force through downtown Chicago is to intimidate. Making people fear their government is un-American. Please share if you agree.
www.tspr.org/illinois-pub...
www.tspr.org/illinois-pub...
Looks like a great year for #woollybear caterpillars. I spotted two while walking from the garage to the house today. Watch for them crossing a road near you.
iowascienceinterface.com/2018/09/23/t...
iowascienceinterface.com/2018/09/23/t...
The woollybear boogie: a fall trek of Lilliputian proportions
If you drive the little-traveled county blacktops of rural Iowa, as I do, you’re sure to notice a slow (and sometimes not-so-slow) march at this time of year. They’re easy to spot in the distance: …
iowascienceinterface.com
October 2, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Looks like a great year for #woollybear caterpillars. I spotted two while walking from the garage to the house today. Watch for them crossing a road near you.
iowascienceinterface.com/2018/09/23/t...
iowascienceinterface.com/2018/09/23/t...
A great time with the Henry County Dems, where I caught up with @levinforiowa.bsky.social Speakers Nate Willems, @terrellforcongress.bsky.social plus @ryanpeterman.bsky.social @taylorwettachforcongress.com and Kasey Conrad roused the audience. All after seeing @robsandia.bsky.social in Keosauqua!
September 30, 2025 at 2:07 AM
A great time with the Henry County Dems, where I caught up with @levinforiowa.bsky.social Speakers Nate Willems, @terrellforcongress.bsky.social plus @ryanpeterman.bsky.social @taylorwettachforcongress.com and Kasey Conrad roused the audience. All after seeing @robsandia.bsky.social in Keosauqua!
We made it into @politico.com ! We enjoyed speaking with @shiakapos.bsky.social and Ashley Parker of @theatlantic.com. It was a fun night thanks to Rep. Sean Bagniewski and his army of helpers. www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
Rahm Emanuel road-tests populist message in Iowa while ‘thinking’ about 2028
At a Democratic fish fry in Des Moines, the former Chicago mayor hones in on economic fairness, education and fatigue with the status quo.
www.politico.com
September 29, 2025 at 2:29 AM
We made it into @politico.com ! We enjoyed speaking with @shiakapos.bsky.social and Ashley Parker of @theatlantic.com. It was a fun night thanks to Rep. Sean Bagniewski and his army of helpers. www.politico.com/news/2025/09...