Welcome to the Friday mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.

It is quite relevant, Brent, and I thank you for sending it. I appreciate the “convesassion.” - Shane

“I like self-checkout for the convenience (Self-checkout kiosks, Oct. 23, 2023). We are fortunate in small-town Iowa to have these. I was in a Walmart recently where the police sat at the checkouts and checked every bag. It was in a low-income area of the community, and it was evident the people were annoyed, but used to, the procedure. I would never want that to happen here.” - Pete

It’s unfortunate that security is even needed. Thou shall not steal seems so simple. - Shane

“I go to stores to be served by them, not to serve them (Self-checkout kiosks, Oct. 23, 2023). If they want me to do their work, put me on the payroll.” - Bill

So I guess I won’t be seeing you at the grill-your-own-steak places? - Shane

Your Clear Mortgage forecast

Rain chances linger through the morning commute today, then colder air starts to move into Iowa. We may see some light rain late Saturday afternoon and evening, and then we may see some flurries or a mix Sunday afternoon. Chilly as we move toward November.

For help with preapprovals or refinancing, get in touch with Carrie at carrie.mortgage.

FROM KCCI: 33-year-old Iowa cold case reignited after police pull missing man's car from Mississippi River

DUBUQUE, Iowa — A vehicle fished out of the Mississippi River on Iowa's eastern border turned out to be related to a decades-old cold case. Dubuque police responded on Oct. 12 to a report of a submerged vehicle in the Mississippi River. The vehicle they pulled out was identified as a 1981 Mercury Zephyr belonging to Paul Joseph Knockel, a man who was reported missing in Dubuque on Nov. 25, 1990. ... READ MORE FROM KCCI

FROM WHO-TV: Genetic counselor helps Iowans detect cancer risk

DES MOINES, Iowa – WHO 13’s Calyn Thompson sits down with Anne Frankl, a genetic counselor with Mission Cancer + Blood. In her role, Frankl looks at how genetic mutations play a role in a person’s risk of developing cancer. ... READ MORE FROM WHO-TV

FROM WOI-DT Local 5: An empowering effort: Local artist making accessible art for blind Iowans

DES MOINES, Iowa — Local 5 first introduced you to artist Jill Wells’ art at King Elementary with her 3D tactile mural that gives children with sensory sensitivity the chance to experience art in a first of its kind way. Now, the Harkin Institute is honoring Wells for her work to make art accessible.....READ MORE FROM WOI-DT Local 5

New Zealand dairy farmers are feeling a sting with China's dragging economy cutting into dairy imports. Twenty percent year to date (Wall Street Journal).

Food halls are growing rapidly in the U.S. suburbs. Wall Street Journal reports the U.S. has 360 now and 120 more are opening by the end of 2024. Closely related to food courts, food halls contain a choice of many cuisines in a shared dining room. Unlike food courts, they usually eschew national chain brands. WSJ says they are hot now because the burbs have a lunch clientele, not just night time, since COVID increased the numbers who work from home.

Omaha's Inner Rail Food Hall, in the former Ak-Sar-Ben race track, has eight local, mostly ethnic vendors with room for expansion. I was reminded of old inner city markets in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Boston more than of mall food courts. (The developer is from Philly.) In Des Moines metro, food courts are disappearing at Valley West and Merle Hay malls.

Leachmon's Pit Stop BBQ, a superb family operation, has a sign up saying they are moving to NE 14th Street with no timeline announced.                                                                                           

- Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com