E-Verify, 2026 polls, a Libertarian for Senate, Grassley on "Arctic Frost," RIP Claire Celsi
Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks began with more fallout from ICE detaining the superintendent of Iowa's largest school district: Governor Kim Reynolds ordered the use of E-Verify across state government, why past legislation on E-Verify stalled in the Iowa House, reporting on the former superintendent steering contracts to a firm where he had a consulting gig, and internal polls gauging the controversy's impact on a school bond referendum and the 2026 Democratic primary for Senate. Other topics covered: a poll that Randy Feenstra's campaign may have commissioned, a Libertarian's case for his U.S. Senate bid, Mariannette Miller-Meeks' viral comment about town halls, Joni Ernst's claim to identify $2 trillion in potential government savings, the confirmation of three Iowans to federal government positions, the scandal Chuck Grassley portrays as worse than Watergate, and thoughts on the passing of Democratic State Senator Claire Celsi.
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.
