This episode of the ITR Live Podcast is a stirring examination of trending issues with Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson. Join us as we dive headfirst into John's imminent induction into the densely packed, fast-paced world of Twitter. Driven by his eagle-eyed attention for Tucker Carlson's monologues, and a small twist by Twitter's changed policy, he prepares himself for an exciting journey into this platform.

Then, we pivot attention to the giant leap in applications for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) in Iowa. When Governor Reynolds suggested Iowa families wanted ESAs, the swell in applications can only be described as an enthusiastic endorsement of improved education opportunities.

John and Chris go in-depth over a growing concern with foreign ownership of American agricultural land. Specifically, China, through various entities and investors, owns between 200,000 to 300,000 acres of agricultural land. This issue raises questions about national security and the potential for espionage.

Get ready for a whirlwind tour of the Iowa political landscape in this

ITR is the voice of the taxpayer at the Capitol when spending decisions are made with your tax dollars. These spending decisions are not just in appropriations for programs and services, but also in offering generous tax credits and exemptions to specific interests. ITR Live takes a fresh look at some of the lucrative tax credits offered to Iowa businesses. Are these credits really necessary? Do these credits help the average Iowa taxpayer?

ITR Live also revisits the scare tactics used by local governments any time that are faced with the prospect of having to make do with fewer of your property tax dollars than they want to confiscate. Iowa property tax payers have begun to see through the false claims of cuts to police and fire services.

While the world was watching and waiting for news on the missing Ocean's Gate Titanic expedition, you might have missed some interesting news on Hunter Biden's ongoing legal trouble. Why is there not more attention being paid to the Biden family's alleged relationship with Chinese Communist Party espionage operations?

Equally interesting is John's look Iowa's budget leadership compared to other blue states. Will Iowa continue to lead the nation in tax reform?

Read more: https://itrfoundation.org/another-banner-year-for-state-tax-cuts-will-iowa-continue-to-lead-in-2024/

John and Chris are safe and sound in ITR Live's Studio 130, thankful that they are not lost at sea trapped in a metal tube 13,000 feet below the ocean surface with only 3 days worth of oxygen. Instead, they take a trip through what happening in the news.

Former House Speaker Paul Ryan says he doesn't want to fight on social issues, but instead wants to focus on the federal debt and poverty. What does that really mean?

A huge scandal in Warren County where the Republican Board of Supervisors appointed a Republican as County Auditor, passing over the hand-picked Democrat successor. Hunter Biden gets a sweetheart plea deal, avoiding not only prison time, but also any real scrutiny over his wide-ranging malfeasance. Finally, the Iowa Supreme Court continues it's assault on independence of the Iowa legislature.

ITR Live has a new regular series: John Hendrickson's spotlight on conservative issues. In this inaugural episode, John showcases new pieces for his political memorabilia collection, including a signed copy of the platform from Pat Buchanan's 1996 Presidential campaign. Several planks made Buchanan unique in that race such as "America First" and "Economic Nationalism." Did those ideas originate with Pat Buchanan, and if not, where did they come from? Is the concept of economic nationalism something that exists outside of the political mainstream, or was it simply brushed aside by the orthodox opinions of the major parties? John has answers to all of that and more.

John and Chris have an update on the Trump indictment, is this fair, and where do we go from here? John also brings his long-awaited look at the remarkable difference between Iowa and his native state of Minnesota. Iowa is following the red-state model, and has been dubbed at times the "Florida of the North." Minnesota on the other hand had become what John calls "Cold California" with a track record of liberal policies that rival any other blue state in the country.

You can read John's article here: https://www.realclearpolicy.com/articles/2023/06/13/iowa_vs_minnesota_neighboring_states_show_different_futures_for_america_940304.html

Former President Donald Trump had been indicted on federal charges surrounding the handing of classified documents. Does this first ever action toward a former President help or hurt Trump, and what does it mean for the future of our politics in this country? The crew has strong feelings about the use of the police power of the state to selectively attack political opponents. However, if the evidence of these crimes truly merits this unprecedented action, then the Department of Justice owes it to the American people to show us why. Either way, this is a moment in our politics from which we cannot simply move on. Times have changed.

“Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely ... I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.” - General Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Commander Allied Forces, June 6th, 1944

This episode of ITR Live not only remembers the greatest amphibious invasion in human history, we also check in on the Presidential race and talk about sports cards. Tim Scott, Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis and Bo Jackson are all part of this fun-filled, action-packed episode.