School book ban blocked, Iowa sheriff sued, Wahls vs. Ernst?
Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the week's top Iowa politics stories, starting with U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Locher blocking enforcement of Iowa's school book ban. Other topics covered include Attorney General Brenna Bird's unprecedented lawsuit against a county sheriff, reaction from Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to "Signalgate," and Democratic State Senator Zach Wahls as a potential challenger to Ernst in 2026. They also discussed Iowa legislative work in many areas: property tax reform, immunity for pesticide manufacturers, hands-free driving, the governor's energy bill (the Trump administration opposes one part of it), paid parental leave, Medicaid work requirements, restrictions on eminent domain for CO2 pipelines, school chaplains, and severe penalties for those who cause another person's death from fentanyl.
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.
