Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks cover the week in Iowa politics, starting with the the Harris/Trump race in Iowa and weekend fundraisers for Attorney General Brenna Bird and U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson. They also caught up on some Congressional action this summer and Senator Chuck Grassley's latest comments on Secret Service failures. Other topics covered include a Libertarian who may run for U.S. Senate in 2026, Olympic athletes with Iowa connections, GOP comments on the Olympic boxing controversy, and news about an Iowan who filed an important transgender rights lawsuit five years ago.

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks cover Iowa's top political news stories. They began with the near-total abortion ban now being enforced: details on the law's restrictions and vague exceptions, and how it will affect pregnant Iowans and health care providers. Other topics discussed include political reaction to the abortion ban, remarks by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and State Auditor Rob Sand at a big Democratic fundraiser, Libertarian candidates filing in three Iowa Congressional districts, the latest news related to Iowa's school voucher program, and Governor Kim Reynolds tapping American Rescue Plan funds for victim assistance programs.

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the top Iowa political stories from the week, starting with reaction to President Joe Biden's decision to stand down as the Democratic nominee and the possible impact on down-ballot races. Other topics discussed: Attorney General Brenna Bird's prime-time speech at the Republican National Convention, how a rift with team Trump could affect Senator Joni Ernst's future prospects, strong Democratic fundraising in two Iowa Congressional races, and the legal state of play surrounding Iowa's near-total abortion ban and a proposed carbon pipeline.

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the top Iowa political stories from the week, starting with reaction to the assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. Also covered: Iowa GOP state chair Jeff Kaufmann formally nominated Trump at the Republican National Convention, two of Iowa's RNC delegates dissented from the platform plank on abortion, two Iowa Democrats called for Joe Biden to step aside as the presidential nominee, details on the state's comprehensive flood recovery effort, and an account of State Auditor Rob Sand's recent town hall meeting in Osceola.  

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the abrupt departure of Iowa Senate Commerce Committee chair Waylon Brown, weeks after his hard-fought primary win. Other topics covered include a new leadership role for U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a recap of some state laws that took effect this month, an update on flood cleanup in northwest Iowa, and State Representative J.D. Scholten stepping back on the mound.

Laura Belin and Dennis Hart dig into the Iowa Supreme Court's most important ruling of the year and the fallout from the decision, which will allow the state to enforce a near-total abortion ban. Other topics covered include the Iowa Utilities Board's approval of a proposed carbon pipeline, the state's flood response, reaction to the first Joe Biden/Donald Trump debate, and Governor Kim Reynolds going to bat for small businesses fined for child labor violations. 

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks lead with the state's response to massive flooding across northwest Iowa, in some areas surpassing 1993 levels. Other topics discussed: Attorney General Brenna Bird launches a cold case unit and joins another legal effort to help Donald Trump, beverage makers file federal lawsuit over Iowa law on hemp consumables, a national Democratic group targets seven Iowa House and Senate races, and notable findings from the latest Iowa Poll by Selzer & Co for the Des Moines Register and Mediacom.

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks start with news from the federal courts related to Iowa's Texas-like immigration law and last year's school book ban and "don't say gay/trans" teaching restrictions. Other topics discussed include a new Des Moines Register Iowa Poll on the presidential race, Libertarian candidates running in three of Iowa's Congressional districts, and surprising comments from U.S. Senator Joni Ernst about Donald Trump's stance toward Ukraine.

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the noteworthy results from Iowa's June 4 primary elections and what they mean for November's races for Congress and the Iowa legislature. Other topics discussed include the candidate who has a good chance of becoming Iowa's first transgender state lawmaker, and a federal court hearing on two lawsuits challenging a new immigration law, which makes "illegal re-entry" a state crime.

Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the Iowa political reaction to former President Donald Trump's conviction in New York City and preview more than a dozen noteworthy Republican or Democratic races ahead of the June 4 primary. Other topics covered include Attorney General Brenna Bird's reversal on reimbursing sexual assault victims for emergency contraception costs, and state policy on summer meals for kids who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches.