Iowa angles on Iran war; governor's race and legislative news
Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with news related to the war against Iran: two Iowa soldiers killed and returned to U.S. soil, the Iowa delegation's votes and comments about the president's war powers, Governor Kim Reynolds' comments about the military campaign, and the Iowa National Guard stating that commanders do not speak in religious terms about military operations. In 2026 campaign news: Zach Nunn announced and postponed a fundraiser with Pete Hegseth, Randy Feenstra placed a huge ad buy, Feenstra and Rob Sand filed nominating papers, with Sand's campaign setting an Iowa record. The second half of the program focused on legislative news: health updates on two state senators, Iowa Senate subcommittees on property taxes, the House and Senate passing more bills targeting transgender Iowans, a House bill repealing affirmative action programs and bias training for police, the latest news on the House Republican crime package, and the demise of the "Charlie Kirk bill."
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.
