In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson tackle a theme that is becoming impossible to ignore in Iowa: local and state government continue spending aggressively while taxpayers are told to “tighten their belts.” Using several real-world examples straight from recent headlines, the hosts walk through how cities, counties, and state agencies keep subsidizing private developments under the banner of “economic growth”—even when those projects fail.

Chris and John begin with the collapse of Johnston’s troubled Ignite Sports Complex, which received millions in tax incentives before defaulting. They move on to the stalled “Bombers” golf-entertainment project on Merle Hay Road—another taxpayer-backed venture now sitting as an empty lot despite over $5 million in government support. The pattern repeats across the metro: whether it’s hockey arenas, soccer stadiums, or mall redevelopments, government repeatedly throws money at projects that the free market either cannot or will not sustain.

The hosts argue that these failures aren’t isolated—they’re symptoms of a much deeper issue. At a time when Iowa families face high inflation and local governments insist they “can’t afford” essential services without higher taxes, taxpayers see their dollars handed to wealthy developers, consultants, and entertainment ventures. This disconnect, they say, explains much of the public frustration driving property tax reform efforts and Governor Reynolds’ statewide tour on government efficiency.

The conversation closes with an unfiltered critique of the mindset behind these incentives: officials claim they are “pro-growth,” but Chris pushes back, noting that genuine growth comes from a healthy free market—not from government acting as an investment banker with taxpayer money. As he puts it, if Iowans are expected to do more with less, so should their governments.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson cover everything from the latest developments in the 2026 Iowa governor’s race to the broader political shifts shaping both Iowa and national politics. With new candidates entering the race and familiar names making their bids official, the hosts analyze how the field is taking shape and what it means for Republican voters.

The conversation opens with the announcement of Congressman Randy Feenstra’s official campaign launch and newcomer Zach Lahn’s populist-leaning entry into the race. Chris and John discuss how both are positioning themselves — Feenstra emphasizing his record on tax reform and Lahn focusing on “Iowa First” and small-town preservation. They explore emerging themes like property rights, health care affordability, and foreign land ownership, noting that these issues reveal the shifting priorities within Iowa’s conservative movement.

Beyond the campaign trail, the hosts examine a recent Des Moines Register report highlighting the loss of more than 200,000 registered Democrats in Iowa over the past 15 years. They frame this as part of a broader realignment in American politics, where working-class voters in the Midwest have steadily moved toward the Republican Party. The discussion contrasts these demographic changes with suburban shifts in the opposite direction, explaining how Iowa’s political map continues to evolve.

The episode also touches on civility in politics — sparked by a recent town hall event featuring Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks — and the rising tension between public accountability and political grandstanding. The hosts close with a candid discussion of national tariff policy, including Donald Trump’s proposal to send $2,000 rebate checks funded by tariffs, which both Chris and John sharply criticize as misguided economics that fails to reduce spending or debt.

The show ends on a lighter note as the hosts share trivia, debate presidential rankings, and defend the enduring legacy of Ronald Reagan.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and Sarah Curry break down the results of Iowa’s November local elections, where billions in local debt and dozens of bond measures were on the line. From record-breaking approval totals in Des Moines to a wave of rejections across rural Iowa, the results reveal a complex picture of how taxpayers view government spending at the local level.

Sarah shares her statewide analysis of more than $1.7 billion in proposed bonds, noting that just over $1 billion was approved — driven heavily by the historic $260 million Des Moines Public Schools bond. Meanwhile, over half of all bond proposals across Iowa failed, reflecting a growing skepticism toward new debt and long-term property tax commitments.

The discussion highlights some of the biggest stories: the Dallas County Courthouse proposal, a “repeat offender” that failed for the second time; the Cedar Rapids and Dubuque school bonds, both scaled-down but still unsuccessful; and smaller cities where just a few dozen voters decided multi-million-dollar questions. Chris and Sarah emphasize how low turnout — often under 20% — gives a handful of votes the power to raise property taxes for decades.

The episode closes with a look ahead. The hosts urge Iowans to stay engaged after election night, monitoring how approved projects are implemented and holding local officials accountable for how bond dollars are spent. As Sarah puts it, “Debt equals spending,” and informed taxpayers must stay vigilant if they want lasting relief from rising property taxes.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into two big stories shaping Iowa’s political and fiscal landscape: Randy Feenstra’s official entry into the 2026 governor’s race and Iowa’s sharp rise in national tax competitiveness rankings.

The conversation opens with Feenstra’s long-anticipated announcement. Chris and John break down what the move means for the Republican field, why Feenstra is considered the frontrunner, and how his campaign message of “America First for Iowa” could play out on the state level. They question what the slogan really means in policy terms and whether Iowa voters will see it as substance or branding.

The hosts then turn to the Tax Foundation’s new State Business Tax Climate Index, where Iowa jumped from 20th to 17th in overall tax competitiveness — a major improvement from its 44th-place ranking just a few years ago. Chris and John explain what that ranking means, how Iowa’s flat tax continues to boost the state’s position, and where more work is needed — particularly on property taxes.

As the episode unfolds, the discussion moves from rankings to reform. The hosts preview property tax debates coming in the 2026 legislative session and emphasize Governor Kim Reynolds’ continued push to apply the same fiscal discipline that delivered Iowa’s flat tax to local governments. They also highlight the ongoing need for efficiency and consolidation among Iowa’s 99 counties and local entities to reduce costs for taxpayers.

The episode closes with a spirited exchange about South Dakota’s new property tax task force and why the key to lasting relief isn’t tinkering with formulas — it’s cutting government spending. As always, Chris and John remind listeners that the solution to Iowa’s tax challenges begins and ends with responsible budgeting and smaller government.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow welcomes Sarah Curry back to the show for an in-depth look at local government bond elections across Iowa. From small-town school projects to multimillion-dollar city referenda, Sarah explains why these votes matter, how they quietly drive up property taxes, and what taxpayers can do to stay informed.

Sarah shares her experience compiling the only statewide reporting of bond elections, describing the labor-intensive process of contacting all 99 county auditors to identify every bond proposal on Iowa’s November ballot. With $1.5 billion in new borrowing up for approval, the hosts break down how these long-term debts shape local tax bills for decades.

The conversation tackles “mission creep” in local government—where school and city projects expand beyond essential needs into luxury facilities like sports complexes and pools. Chris and Sarah call for better voter engagement, noting that only a fraction of residents participate in decisions that can raise property taxes for 20 years or more.

They also discuss the need for stronger transparency rules and better coordination among local governments to prevent overlapping tax increases. The episode ends with practical advice for Iowans: know what’s on your ballot, ask questions, and understand that debt equals spending. Informed voters are the first line of defense against runaway local taxation.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson take a wide-ranging look at Iowa and national politics — from upcoming state budget projections to the philosophical foundations of American government. The discussion opens with a lighthearted studio moment before moving quickly into updates on the 2026 Iowa governor’s race and key fundraising developments across Iowa’s congressional districts.

Chris and John highlight the uncertainty still surrounding the Republican primary for governor, with talk of a potential self-funded candidate preparing to enter the race. They also review the latest fundraising numbers, noting that strong totals reflect Iowa’s continuing momentum for conservative candidates who emphasize fiscal responsibility and government restraint.

The conversation shifts to the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) and the economic outlook for Iowa. With some reports suggesting that Iowa is among the states flirting with recession, the hosts break down what to watch for in the next revenue projection. They also preview how those numbers could shape legislative priorities, including ongoing debates about tariffs, farm aid, and the national government shutdown’s ripple effects on Iowa’s economy.

The final half of the episode pivots from policy to philosophy. Chris and John dissect recent academic essays calling for the elimination of U.S. states and the creation of a “unitary” national government. They trace this argument back to the progressive movement of the early 20th century, exposing how the call for centralized power runs counter to the Constitution’s design of federalism and individual liberty. The hosts end with a strong defense of limited government, natural rights, and the Founders’ vision for enduring freedom.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into the latest ITR Foundation poll, offering fresh insight into how Iowans feel about taxes, spending, education, and the state’s political environment. With overwhelming bipartisan support for constitutional limits on raising taxes and capping property tax growth, the poll makes clear that taxpayers want stronger protections — and they want them now.

The conversation also takes a serious turn with the shocking story of Des Moines school superintendent Ian Roberts, who was detained by federal agents under a long-standing deportation order. Chris and John walk through the facts of the case, raise questions about how Roberts was ever hired to lead Iowa’s largest school district, and criticize the evasive responses of Democratic leaders. For Iowans, the scandal isn’t just about immigration — it’s about accountability in education and government.

From there, the hosts return to the numbers: the poll shows Iowa Republicans remain in a strong position heading into 2026, with a +10 point generic ballot advantage even in what should be a difficult midterm environment for the party in power. Education Savings Accounts continue to gain support as more families see their benefits firsthand, while property tax reform remains a political winner that cuts across party lines.

The episode closes with a thoughtful exchange on tariffs and trade, showing how conservative views on economic policy are shifting in the Trump era. Chris and John weigh the populist push for tariffs against Iowa’s agricultural reliance on global markets, highlighting both risks and opportunities. It’s a conversation that shows how national debates directly impact Iowa families and businesses.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson cover a full roundup of Iowa political developments as fall elections approach. They open with a trivia challenge before diving into what’s on the minds of voters, policymakers, and taxpayers across the state.

The discussion highlights the upcoming release of the ITR Foundation poll, which will gauge the political environment, issue positions, and image ratings of Iowa leaders. Chris and John preview why this data matters—not just for campaigns, but for understanding whether Iowa taxpayers remain aligned with conservative policies like tax relief and limited government.

They then turn to the recent leadership shake-up in the Iowa Senate, where Mike Klimesh was chosen as Majority Leader following Jack Whitver’s retirement. The hosts emphasize the importance of leadership unity and how internal divisions—such as debates over carbon pipelines—could shape the caucus’s effectiveness in delivering for taxpayers.

The episode also explores the crowded race for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, the impact of Representative Mike Sexton’s resignation and upcoming special election, and how Democrats are attempting to leverage special election wins to claim momentum. Chris and John push back on overstated narratives, arguing that the real driver in these contests is organization and turnout.

Finally, they address local elections and ballot issues, including bond referenda and troubling reports of candidates being left off ballots due to filing errors. They call for reforms to increase transparency, protect ballot access, and give taxpayers more time and information when local governments propose major spending projects. The conversation closes with a reflection on the legacy of ITR’s founder, David Stanley, and his enduring focus on government spending as the central issue for taxpayers.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson reflect on a season of transition in Iowa politics. The conversation begins with the sad news of State Senator Claire Celsi entering hospice care, followed by the major announcement that Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver will not seek reelection. Chris and John take time to honor Whitver’s service and leadership, calling it the end of an era for Iowa conservatives.

They describe Whitver as one of the most consequential leaders in Iowa’s history, whose partnership with Governor Kim Reynolds helped deliver transformational tax reform, prudent budgeting, and a new era of fiscal conservatism. Whitver’s ability to communicate clearly, lead a caucus, and raise the resources necessary to secure and expand a Republican majority is highlighted as a central reason for Iowa’s recent wave of conservative victories.

The discussion then shifts to John Hendrickson’s new role on the advisory board of the Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa. Chris and John share their excitement about the center’s mission: encouraging civic education, free speech, and a return to teaching the Constitution and America’s founding principles. They emphasize that these initiatives are not partisan but essential for a healthy democracy and a well-rounded education.

The episode wraps up with listener feedback on a recent discussion about Christian martyrs in American history, including reactions to bold statements made on the show. As always, Chris and John remind listeners that ITR Live exists to defend ideas, encourage thoughtful debate, and keep taxpayers at the center of Iowa’s policy discussions.

This episode of ITR Live takes a somber turn as Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson reflect on the shocking assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. The conversation aims to consider what Kirk’s life, influence, and death mean for Iowa, the conservative movement, and the future of free speech in America.

Chris and John discuss Kirk’s outsized role in shaping conservative politics, especially through his founding of Turning Point USA and his ability to connect with high school and college students. More than a commentator, Kirk became a mentor and counselor to members of Congress, activists, and young conservatives nationwide. His willingness to debate opponents and elevate the exchange of ideas stood in stark contrast to the culture of shouting down and silencing that dominates too many campuses.

The conversation also addresses the troubling normalization of political violence. Chris and John warn that rhetoric portraying opponents as “Nazis” or “fascists” fuels a dangerous culture where some begin to see violence as an acceptable political tool. They call on leaders from both parties to reject this trend and recommit to the free exchange of ideas as the cornerstone of democracy.

Finally, the episode looks at Kirk’s faith, his Christian witness, and the legacy he leaves behind. For Chris and John, the path forward is not a call to arms, but a call to speak boldly and gracefully in defense of ideas. They challenge listeners to honor Kirk’s legacy by recommitting to civil debate, protecting free speech, and strengthening the conservative movement for future generations.