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 vetoes, pesticide immunity dropped from a government funding bill, Ashley Hinson defends ICE, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst stick with the president on Venezuela. They covered the Iowa legislature's return from many angles: political and demographic changes since last year, key deadlines for the legislature's work, Senate Republicans' property tax bill, House Republicans' "tough on crime" proposals, the new Senate leader punishing rebels through committee assignments, and key remarks from top Democrats in both chambers. Finally, they discussed Kari Lake's prospects as a candidate in Iowa after she bought property in Davenport, and Ernst's endorsement of Hinson for Senate.
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.
