Explore every episode of the podcast On Iowa Politics Podcast

This week on the podcast, Chuck Grassley’s post-election town hall and his thoughts on Signalgate, a couple of interesting legislative forums in Western Iowa and an Iowa Sheriff’s Facebook post has caused quite the kerfuffle.

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the podcast, we remember Jack Kibbie, a former Iowa legislator who served as Iowa Senate President. Plus, we talk through a drama-rich county party leadership election and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s return to Iowa.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Columnist Todd Dorman, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal.

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the show, the latest wrinkle in the story of the Lutheran Services charity and Gov. Kim Reynolds. Plus, a tenuous legal partnership between the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and Iowa Auditor’s Office, the unfortunate displacement of a refugee family in Iowa, and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson pledges to hold town halls.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Columnist Todd Dorman, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal.

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, the Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau discusses the first funnel deadline of the 2025 legislative session.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton and Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff.

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

We begin this week with the Republican-backed legislation that would remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. It was without a doubt a momentous week at the Iowa Capitol, and it peaked on Thursday when the bill was debated on the floor of both chambers. I said this in the On Iowa Politics newsletter: the spectacle that day rivals any of the other biggest days I’ve covered in my 14 years on the statehouse beat.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Columnist Todd Dorman, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal.

This episode was produced by Gazette Digital Content Manager Becky Lutgen Gardner.

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after meeting the day’s deadlines. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, becky.gardner@thegazette.com

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the show, Gov. Kim Reynolds may have accidentally announced her re-election campaign, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks is getting a primary rematch, and legislative proposals to ditch the outdoors and recreation trust fund and remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Columnist Todd Dorman and Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times.

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the show, Iowa’s version of the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law is back in the courts and the Legislature, Middle East tensions come to the Iowa Capitol, and Gov. Kim Reynolds talks DOGE and Lutheran Services. 

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Columnist Todd Dorman, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal. 

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the show, the pesticide tort reform bill is back, Iowa House Republicans’ higher education committee is in full swing, and, we talk about the Cedar Rapids casino news.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff and Gazette Columnist Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the podcast, what don’t we have? A special election. Western Iowa police and church leaders on immigration. Ticket bots and Swifties! Branstad v. Socialists. And, of course, a casino moratorium. 

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Columnist Todd Dorman, Sarah Watson of the Quad-City Times and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal. 

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to re-create the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the podcast, we talk about 2024 fundraising numbers for Iowa politicians and the upcoming special election for the Iowa Legislature. Plus, get your weekly dose of Iowa Legislature updates. 

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Columnist Todd Dorman, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal. 

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

Pints and Politics is a year-round gathering featuring The Gazette and special guests from across the state across all party lines. National, state, and local issues are covered, with opportunities to comment on the latest headlines.

Attendees participate in audience polls, submit questions, and enjoy time with some of their favorite reporters, columnists, and guests!

This event on January 16 at The Olympic Southside Theater in Cedar Rapids included Todd Dorman, Althea Cole, and Tom Barton.

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to re-create the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week in the podcast, the legislative session opens and Gov. Reynolds delivers her Condition of the State address, state lawmakers consider a casino moratorium, and Joni Ernst has made up her mind on Pete Hegseth.

The Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy hosted this episode. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Columnist Todd Dorman, and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal.

Gazette Digital Content Manager Becky Lutgen Gardner produced this episode.

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to re-create the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the podcast, we preview the legislative session and talk about Rita Hart being re-elected as Iowa Democrats’ state leader and an Iowa man joining a lawsuit against the federal government for $50 billion.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Columnist Todd Dorman, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal. 

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to re-create the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the podcast, remembering Jim Leach, introducing Iowa’s new lieutenant governor, Donald Trump sues the Des Moines Register, and the Satanic Temple of Iowa considers a lawsuit after being denied a display at the Iowa Capitol. 

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette columnist Todd Dorman, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal. 

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, Iowa’s Joni Ernst is center stage in the drama over President-elect Trump’s Department of Defense nominee, what Trump’s deportation plans could look like in Iowa, and Area Education Agency discussions are heating up again.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal. 

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, we speculate on who Gov. Kim Reynolds will pick as her new lieutenant. Plus, the 2024 general election results are certified and Republican incumbent Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks came out of the recount in the 1st Congressional District victorious.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, an Iowan is the new U.S. ambassador to NATO, Iowa Democrats talk about where the party goes from here and the latest in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. 

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Gazette columnist Todd Dorman and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week, we will discuss leadership elections in both Congress and the Iowa Legislature, and the latest news from the Iowa 1st Congressional District election results.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Gazette columnist Todd Dorman, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, we debrief the 2024 Election. 

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, there’s a whole lot going on with voting in Iowa these days. Plus, we’ll talk to Gazette columnist Todd Dorman about newspaper endorsements, and, of course, we give our hottest takes and predictions for the Nov. 5 election.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Gazette columnist Todd Dorman, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week, a debate in the 1st District, a preview of the 4th District, and the possibility of noncitizens voting illegally in who knows which districts.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Gazette columnist Todd Dorman, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, half of Iowa’s Congressional campaigns are tossups, Rep. Ashley Hinson and Sarah Corkery debate, and we detail a donor’s ties to Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ Davenport home.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Gazette columnist Todd Dorman and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast we tune into a session at the 2024 Iowa Ideas conference: Addressing long-term care challenges in Iowa. Iowa Ideas is a free, virtual conference that was hosted by The Gazette on Oct. 10 and 11. Find session replays at iowaideas.com.

A panelist had some microphone issues during this session. For the best viewing experience, view this in the video format on YouTube with closed captioning turned on. https://www.youtube.com/@gazetteonline

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy, moderated by Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, and produced by Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, Gov. Kim Reynolds sheds some light on her timeline to choose a new lieutenant governor, some Congressional fundraising numbers worth noting, and it was bon voyage to most traffic cameras in Iowa.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Gazette columnist Todd Dorman, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

In this episode of On Iowa Politics, we break down the latest Iowa Poll results showing a record high of Iowans supporting abortion rights and opposition to the new state law restricting abortions at six weeks.

We also hear Sen. Chuck Grassley’s response to the recent report on the first assassination attempt on former President Trump.

Lastly, we discuss the legal battle over Iowa’s new immigration law, which is currently being reviewed by a Federal appeals court. Join Erin Murphy, Tom Barton, Sarah Watson, and Jared McNett for an in-depth analysis of these important issues.

CORRECTION: At 2:15 during the podcast, it was misstated that optimism was the most cited feeling among 62% of Democrats. Optimism was the most cited feeling among all respondents, rising to 62% up from 49%. This was driven by a change in mood for Democrats. 

This week, a new Iowa Poll is a real talker, a shadow group appears to be organizing Republican spoiler candidates — including in Iowa, and IVF legislation becomes the latest political football in Congress.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, the Iowa Supreme Court determines Libertarians’ ballot fates, Republican state lawmakers take carbon capture pipelines to court, and questions about Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ residence are raised to a Congressional ethics committee.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, Iowa needs a new lieutenant governor, Libertarians make their case in court, and a Western Iowa pastor has some thoughts about Donald Trump.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, Libertarian Congressional candidates get the ol’ ballot boot, a Republican nominating convention goes all the way wrong, and Republican disharmony in the state’s most Republican Congressional District.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, the Democratic National Convention is in full swing, and an odd turn of events as Iowa Republicans attempt to nominate a statehouse candidate.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal.

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, candidates get up on their soapbox at the Iowa State Fair, Republicans challenge Libertarians’ candidacies, and an appeals court ruling on Iowa’s books in schools law.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Gazette columnist Todd Dorman, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on On Iowa Politics: Kamala Harris selects her running mate, Iowa Republicans launch attacks on the new Democratic ticket, and a 20-foot-tall inflatable IUD tours Iowa.

This episode was hosted by Gazette Deputy Des Moines Bureau Chief Tom Barton and features Gazette Cedar Rapids government reporter Marissa Payne, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal. The Gazette’s Bailey Cichon produced this episode.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Bo2iVg4CF3Q

Comments: tom.barton@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

This week on the podcast, a potential Kamala Harris running mate speaks in Iowa and Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley investigating the assassination attempt on former President Trump. 

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.

On this week’s episode, all the Iowa-centric fallout from the presidential election shakeup, questions of the bill for the state’s private school funding program, and official word on when new abortion restrictions will go into effect. 

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

On this week’s episode, the aftermath of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, Iowans at the Republican National Convention, John Deere ditches DEI, and the Waylon Brown mystery is solved. 

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. 

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

Welcome to the Friday, July 12, episode of On Iowa Politics. This week on the podcast, the latest on disaster recovery efforts in Iowa, a surprise suspension of a statehouse re-election campaign, and Iowa Democrats' response to the calls for Biden to drop out.

This week:

Erin Murphy, the Des Moines Bureau Chief for The Gazette in Cedar Rapids.

Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton.

Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough.

Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times.

Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal.

On this week’s episode, severe flooding in Western Iowa, a carbon capture pipeline gets approval from Iowa regulators, and the Iowa Supreme Court ruling on abortion.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “Spotlight" by ChiSongWriter ft. Alicia Moneé.

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

On this week’s episode, Nebraska’s governor visits Siouxland, we return to the courtroom — this time over hemp products, conservatives talk clean energy, Democrats hold their state convention, and the bird flu keeps causing trouble in Northwest Iowa.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “I See You” by Silence ft. Riley Mobz.

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com

On this week’s podcast, we’ll talk about federal court hearings over a pair of new state laws, Iowa Republicans weigh in on another criminal conviction in presidential circles, and the bird flu is jumping species.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “Victory Lap” by Tone Da Boss. 

On this week’s podcast, we talk about Tuesday’s primary election results and the verdict in Trump's hush money trial.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “Free” by Tone Da Boss. 

On this week’s pre-primary edition of the On Iowa Politics podcast, previewing the Iowa primary, looking at fundraising in Iowa’s statehouse campaigns, and the one-year anniversary of the downtown Davenport building collapse.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton and Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “I See You” by Silence ft. Riley Mobz. 

On this week’s podcast, Gov. Kim Reynolds puts the final touches on the 2024 legislative session and the latest on Randy Feenstra’s Republican Primary.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “Spotlight" by ChiSongWriter ft. Alicia Moneé.

On this week’s podcast, Iowa’s Attorney General in the Big Apple, government transparency advocates warn the governor about a bill on her desk, and early voting is underway in Iowa’s June 4 primary.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “Free” by Tone Da Boss.

On this week’s podcast, Iowa’s new state immigration law is headed to the courts, a few more looks back at the legislative session, and this past weekend’s Republican Party of Iowa state convention.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “Spotlight" by ChiSongWriter ft. Alicia Moneé.

On this week’s podcast, protests across Iowa over the war in Israel and Gaza, and over a new state immigration law, Todd Dorman’s interview with Iowa Democratic Party chairwoman Rita Hart, plus Riley Gaines in Iowa joins the call for defining 

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Sarah Watson of the Quad City, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “I See You” by Silence ft. Riley Mobz.

The Gazette's Pints & Politics with Iowa Public Radio on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The event took place at Big Grove Brewery in Cedar Rapids with special quests Adam B Sullivan and Liam Halawith. Hosts include The Gazette's Erin Jordan and IPR's Ben Kieffer.

On this week's episode we take one last look in the rearview mirror at the 2024 legislative session. We'll talk about traffic cameras in the Quad Cities. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson discusses aid to Ukraine and her recent visit with the Ukrainian president.

• Lawmakers struggle to reach agreement on new bills, including hands-free driving bill.
• Law enforcement and safety advocates have been pushing for a hands-free driving bill to crack down on distracted driving.
• Despite overwhelming Senate support, the bill was held up in the House due to libertarian concerns about individual rights.
• Opposition to hands-free driving bill largely unheard of, with insurance industry and representatives speaking in support.

• Governor Reynolds seeks more control over judicial appointments.
• Erin Murphy expects more of the same in the relationship between the House and Senate Republicans, with big bills still getting passed despite disagreements.
• Some House Republicans praised House Democrats for their working relationship, while criticizing Senate Republicans for their behavior.

• The challenges of passing bills in the Iowa legislature, including the House and Senate's differing opinions and the public's lack of awareness.
• Sarah Watson reports on the Quad Cities' data collection and reporting efforts for automated traffic enforcement cameras, with a 70% reduction in crashes observed in some intersections.
• Focus on LeClaire, Iowa's traffic camera revenue, which is significant for a town of about 4,000 people. The city issued 62,000 violations and collected 50,000 of those, with a baseline of $50 per violation.

• Congresswoman Ashley Hinson visited Ukraine and met with US military officials, anti-corruption officials, and Agriculture officials to discuss America's interest in arming Ukraine.
• Former President Trump shifts tone on Ukraine aid, agrees with sentiments of US lawmaker.

• Sarah Schultz and Jake Rowley hold press conference to provide updates on David Schultz's disappearance.
• Body of David Schultz, a truck driver, found laying face up in a field one and a half miles from where his semi was abandoned.
• Authorities have not yet found any suspected foul play in the death of the unnamed person.
• Authorities are tight-lipped about the case, and it may be some time before they release medical examination results.

On this week’s episode, the state legislators adjourn the 2024 session, highlights from the end of session and RFK Jr. visits Iowa.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Sarah Watson of the Quad City, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “Garlic Hemming Sauce” by Jeremy Jacobs.

On the podcast this week: The future of abortion access in Iowa, Reynolds puts the kibosh on an AEA bill redo, traffic camera restrictions get a green light, and a slap on the wrist for Iowa woman convicted of voter fraud.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Sarah Watson of the Quad City, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “Free” by Tone Da Boss.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Sarah Watson of the Quad City, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “I See You” by Silence ft. Riley Mobz.