In early November, French president Emmanuel Macron complained that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization  (NATO) is experiencing "brain death" as its member states go their own ways, with "no coordination whatsoever of strategic decision-making." US president Donald Trump's reply: "Nobody needs NATO more than France." The two continued their duel over NATO's future at an early December meeting of the alliance's members in London.

JOHNSTON, IOWA (December 2, 2019) — As Iowa Public Television concludes the yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary, the statewide public-television network is changing its name to better position it for the future. Executive Director and General Manager Molly Phillips announced today that, beginning January 1, 2020, Iowa Public Television will become Iowa PBS. Likewise, the Friends organization which raises funds for the network will now become Friends of Iowa PBS Foundation.

On November 15, US president Donald Trump pardoned two US Army officers accused of war crimes (one convicted, the other awaiting trial).

A political writer's annual Thanksgiving column can be easy to write, or incredibly difficult to put together. It can also be inspiring or banal. The two are probably connected. It's always a difficult one for me; its quality is a matter of your opinion. But hey, Turkey Day is just around the corner and it's time to talk about being thankful. Please bear with.