Sherman declares for governor; Iowa challenges anti-discrimination law
Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks start with 2026 election news: who is newly declared candidate Brad Sherman, and what are his chances in a Republican primary against Governor Kim Reynolds? Other topics covered: the candidates running in an Iowa House special election and legislative action related to school funding, other education policies, a pro-Israel resolution, hands-free driving, CO2 pipelines, frivolous lawsuits, and ticket bots. Laura and Spencer also dug into the Texas-based lawsuit the state of Iowa joined, which seeks to declare a longstanding federal anti-discrimination law unconstitutional and unenforceable. Finally, they discussed the recent federal court hearing on Iowa's 2023 law that included a K-12 school book ban and "don't say gay/trans" provisions for grades K-6.
Creators and Guests
Host
Laura Belin
Laura Belin has been called “probably the hardest-working — and perhaps the best — political reporter in the state” and “one of the best investigative reporters in the state.”
Host
Spencer Dirks
Spencer Dirks is a lifelong Iowan and has been the program director at KNIA/KRLS Radio in Knoxville for 15+ years. He also co-hosts a podcast called Iowa Revolution with Dr. Robert Leonard.
