KHOI's Capitol Week

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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

Iowa angles on Kirk assassination; Polk County Steak Fry highlights; DOGE recommendations

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with Iowa news related to Charlie Kirk's assassination: controversy over social media posts by some educators, a Johnson County off...

/ 29:52/E244

Ernst out, Hinson in; new Congressional candidates; Democratic town halls

Laura Belin and George A. Clark (filling in for Spencer Dirks) dug into Iowa's latest political reshuffle: Joni Ernst's exit and Ashley Hinson's Senate campaign launch...

/ 29:53/E243

Ernst retirement watch, Sioux City special, Nate Boulton comeback

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with reporting that Senator Joni Ernst won't seek re-election in 2026, other potential GOP candidates for U.S. Senate, and the firs...

/ 29:52/E242

New candidates, Dems weigh caucus future, a high-stakes special election

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with more new candidate announcements: another Republican running for governor and two more Democrats running for Congress. They di...

/ 29:51/E241

Turek in, Scholten out; lots more 2026 campaign news

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with State Representative Josh Turek, the fifth Iowa Democrat to announce for U.S. Senate; less than a week later, State Representa...

/ 29:50/E240
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