More trial balloons, legislative session ends, court rules on "don't say gay/trans"
Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks recapped an extremely busy week in Iowa politics, starting with Randy Feenstra's moves toward running for governor, a hint about Brenna Bird's ambitions, monster fundraising and a high-profile endorsement for Rob Sand, and the GOP legislator who may run for Feenstra's seat in Congress. They spent much of the show on the closing days of the Iowa legislature's 2025 session: what happened with the state budget, a wild Iowa Senate debate on eminent domain, wins and losses for Governor Kim Reynolds, and a deal (finally!) on spending Iowa's opioid settlement funds. They also discussed a federal court ruling that partially blocked the state from enforcing restrictions on addressing gender identity and sexual orientation in 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.
