Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss Governor Kim Reynolds' final bill signings for 2024 and the one bill she vetoed. Other topics covered include: new funding for charter schools and projects to combat the opioid epidemic, new information on Attorney General Brenna Bird's trip to attend Donald Trump's criminal trial, new research on how Iowa's school voucher policy affected private school tuition, and a look at the June 4 primaries in Iowa's U.S. House districts.

Laura Belin and George A. Clark discuss the two lawsuits filed to block Iowa's new immigration law, as well as the multi-state lawsuit the state joined to challenge the Biden administration's latest Title IX rule. Other topics covered include Attorney General Brenna Bird's surprise appearance at Donald Trump's criminal trial, new state laws that particularly affect mothers, and good news/bad news related to the heavy rain across Iowa this spring.

Laura Belin and Mike Murphy discuss a role reversal, as the federal government is poised to sue Iowa over a new immigration law. (Attorney General Brenna Bird has joined numerous multi-state lawsuits challenging Biden administration policies.) Other topics covered include important bills Governor Kim Reynolds signed last week, Iowa's unsuccessful bid for a major federal grant, and a state Supreme Court ruling with a connection to Laura.

Laura Belin talks with Mike Murphy about some policies added to budget bills in the final days of the Iowa legislature's 2024 session, as well as notable bills that didn't make it to the governor's desk. (Some may return next year.) Other topics covered include a look at fundraising in Iowa's four U.S. House races, and environmental groups petitioning the U.S. EPA to step in to protect Iowans' drinking water.

Laura Belin and Dennis Hart cover last week's happenings in the Iowa legislature, which adjourned for the year at 4:23 am on Saturday, April 20. They also discuss highlights from the 2024 legislative session and the latest news on a federal lawsuit over one of last year's major education laws. Finally, Laura and Dennis reminisce about their three-plus years working together, as Dennis steps back from co-hosting this show. Laura will be back on KHOI next Monday evening.

Laura Belin and Dennis Hart discuss the Iowa Supreme Court's oral arguments on whether to allow the state to enforce a near-total abortion ban. The rest of the show focuses on legislative news: the state House or Senate gave final approval to a proposed constitutional amendment and bills on traffic cameras, arming school staff, food labeling, and more. Laura and Dennis also talked about some important bills Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law last week.

Laura Belin and Dennis Hart discuss another busy week in the Iowa legislature, as the 2024 session moves into its final weeks. Topics discussed include administrative rules linked to Iowa's near-total abortion ban (which is still blocked by court order), House Republicans hoping to revisit funding for Area Education Agencies, and bills approved on hemp consumables, food labeling, immunity for pesticide manufacturers, postpartum Medicaid coverage, and more.

No fake April Fool's stories here: Laura Belin and Dennis Hart deliver real news from the Iowa statehouse, marked by final action to overhaul Area Education Agencies and movement for proposals on eminent domain, a constitutional amendment on taxes, Gadsden flag license plates, and more. Also in the mix: a rare House Oversight Committee meeting, and State Auditor Rob Sand spars with Attorney General Brenna Bird.

Laura Belin and Dennis Hart dig in on the biggest political story from last week: the state Senate and House passing competing versions of bills to overhaul Iowa's Area Education Agencies. The changes could impact tens of thousands of children, and the controversy has generated massive public interest. Laura and Dennis also discussed other notable legislative news, findings from the Iowa Poll for the Des Moines Register and Mediacom, and earmarks secured by Iowa's members of Congress.

Laura Belin and Dennis Hart discuss some breaking news—the Iowa Senate approved a plan to overhaul Area Education Agencies—and that bill's prospects in the Iowa House. They spent most of the program sorting through the fallout from last week's "funnel" deadline for bills not related to taxes or spending. Which important proposals remain alive? Which ones appear to be out of contention? And what the heck is the "unfinished business" calendar, where leaders have parked dozens of bills that didn't make it through the second funnel?