"Wasting resources, capital, and income on stuff nobody really needs," Charles Hugh Smith wrote in 2017, "is a monumental disaster on multiple fronts. Rather than establish incentives to conserve and invest wisely, our system glorifies waste and the destruction of income and capital, as if burning time, capital, resources, and wealth on stuff nobody needs is strengthening the economy."

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (November 12, 2019) — Poetry Out Loud, a free high-school program which encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through analysis, memorization, and recitation, is now open to Illinois high school students. This program helps high-school students master public-speaking skills, build self-confidence, learn of their literary heritage, and compete for more than $100,000 in awards.

PELLA, IOWA (November 12, 2019) — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will present "Conversations on Clean Water in Iowa" at Tuesday, 11AM, November 19, in the Recital Hall of Cox-Snow Music Center on the Central College campus.

As Ag Sec, Naig is focused on water-quality, land-stewardship, and advocating for healthy soil and water. Sec Naig led the implementation of Iowa's nutrient-reduction strategy and continues to build momentum on water-quality.

IOWA CITY, IOWA (November 12, 2019) — NextGen Iowa will host a Mock Caucus this week at Kirkwood Community College. Young voters will be more important than ever in the 2020 election, and NextGen Iowa is recognizing that by educating, engaging, and mobilizing young people across the state at mock caucuses.