h digitalfootprint web 728x90

The Elbert Files

DSC 6869

The Elbert Files: Smoke and mirrors

The truth about the $2 billion tax cut package approved by Iowa lawmakers a couple of weeks ago is that much of it is smoke and mirrors and is unlikely to occur in the time …

DSC 6869

The Elbert Files:Trump’s breadcrumbs

“Rudy Giuliani figured it out,” said a familiar voice. I was approaching Terrace Hill on my afternoon walk last week when my friend K.C. suddenly appeared, as he often does, when I least expected him.…

DSC 6869

The Elbert Files: Iowa’s iconic goldfinch

When the Iowa General Assembly claimed the eastern goldfinch as the state songbird 85 years ago, no one knew what the future held.

The vote honoring the goldfinch was taken on March 22, 1933, during …

DSC 6869

The Elbert Files: Feeling crushed by life?

If things are so good, why does it often feel so bad?

I think you know what I mean. 

Hardly a day goes by when we don’t hear good news: Des Moines is the best …

DSC 6869

The Elbert Files: How resilience works

I bought a copy of Andrew Zolli’s book, “Resilience: Why Things Bounce Back,” in anticipation of his appearance next week in the Tomorrow Plan Speaker Series at the State Historical Building. 

“Resilience” explores the question: …

DSC 6869

The Elbert Files: Transportation in Iowa

It’s unfortunate that Gov. Kim Reynolds acted so quickly a couple weeks ago to stifle talk about turning Interstate 80 into a toll road.

I understand why she did it. Most Iowans don’t like toll …

DSC 6869

The Elbert Files: Our four worst trade mistakes

The trade war President Donald Trump launched with China by boosting tariffs on steel and aluminum is troubling for several reasons, including the potential for blowback on Iowa.

China’s proposals to boost import duties on …

DSC 6869

The Elbert Files: Advice with attitude

If you need a gift for a soon-to-be graduate, or just want something interesting and fun to read on an airplane, I have a suggestion.

Local manners maven Callista Gould has a new book called …

DSC 6869

The Elbert Files: Sales tax vote payback

I told a neighbor recently that I was thinking about boycotting businesses in the seven Des Moines suburbs that were responsible for the March 6 defeat of the local sales tax.

The tax seemed like …

DSC 6869

The Elbert Files: A billion-dollar backfire

The billion-dollar tax cut approved by the Iowa Senate last month will backfire if it, or anything like it, becomes law, according to one of Iowa’s most knowledgeable tax experts. 

Mike Lipsman was the top …