Laura Belin, author of the blog Bleeding Heartland, updates you on developments in Iowa government, hosted by Spencer Dirks. An in-depth look at each week’s legislative actions, the governor, public agencies, and important events, as lawmakers act on matters that affect you and your family. 

Latest Episodes

Below-the-radar news from Congress; Iowa legislature's opening day

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with news from Congress: Zach Nunn votes to extend health insurance subsidies, Mariannette Miller-Meeks votes to override Trump's v...

Senate race TV ad, special election takeaways, Iowa legislative preview

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with Iowa political reaction to the U.S. attack in Venezuela and whether this could become a 2026 campaign issue. On the campaign f...

Looking back on Iowa politics in 2025

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with some news from the Republican primary campaign for governor and a quick preview of the December 30 special election in Iowa Se...

Congress wraps for 2025, governor flips on summer food aid

Laura Belin and Dennis Hart cover the week in Iowa politics, starting with the latest news about the Iowa National Guard members recently killed or wounded in Syria. T...

Divisions among Iowans in Congress, legislative campaign news

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with the tragedy in Syria, where two Iowa National Guard members were killed and three wounded in an ambush over the weekend. As th...

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