On Iowa Politics Podcast

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week, we tune into a session from The Gazette’s 10th annual Iowa Ideas conference that convenes a panel to discuss water quality in Iowa. Iowa Ideas is The Gazette's statewide, virtual conference that brings together perspectives from across the state to discuss the topics impacting Iowans most and offer solutions to continue driving Iowa forward.

Interested in watching replays from the Iowa Ideas conference? Find a full list here.

We will return to our regular On Iowa Politics podcast programming next week.

This episode was hosted by Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and produced by Gazette Deputy Digital Content Manager Bailey Cichon.

Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy sat down with Democratic Iowa Gubernatorial Nominee Rob Sand on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 for the latest installment of a series of 1:1 interviews with political and government leaders in Iowa. This episode was produced by Gazette Deputy Digital Content Manager Bailey Cichon.

View past installments of the series:

• Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley
• Iowa Rep. J.D. Scholten
• Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week, we discuss a big vote in the U.S. House, Vice President JD Vance visiting Western Iowa and more.

This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and produced by Gazette Deputy Digital Content Manager Bailey Cichon. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Hailey Peck, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

Read the articles talked about in this episode:

(3:59) JD Vance to headline Republican midterm rally in Council Bluffs

(13:08) Miller-Meeks, Nunn break with Trump, vote to curb U.S. war powers in Iran

(22:42) In Scott County, Zach Lahn asks Republicans to rally around water quality as a 'pro-life issue'

(28:27) Exclusive: Documents show Salix mayor, council knew of possible data center project early on

(34:37) Miller-Meeks, Bohannan to debate in battleground Iowa U.S. House Race

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week, we talk about upcoming debates and potential running mate issues in Iowa’s gubernatorial election, and we’ll recall 9/11.

This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and produced by Gazette Deputy Digital Content Manager Bailey Cichon. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

(0:50) Iowa’s fall debate calendar is filling up. One major race is missing.

(10:37) Wulf’s baggage is weighing down Lahn’s campaign

Lenders, farmers accuse Lt. Gov candidate Derek Wulf of theft, fraud

Iowa Lt. Gov. candidate Wulf addresses personal finances at conservative group’s meeting

(23:25) How did The Sioux City Journal cover Sept. 11, 2001?

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week, we’ll discuss Iowa Farm Bureau’s endorsements – and lack thereof – and talk about our team’s bountiful coverage from the campaign trail.

This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and produced by Gazette Deputy Digital Content Manager Bailey Cichon. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Hailey Peck, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read the articles mentioned in the episode:

(1:59) Iowa Farm Bureau endorsements skip governor’s race

(10:17) Bird, McGowan cautious but optimistic during Sioux City GOP fundraiser

(15:34) Democrat running for Iowa Treasurer wants to bolster IPERS, push for financial policies

(22:28) Joe Mitchell warns of threat from left at Cedar Rapids rally

(31:39) Iowa Democratic candidates make their cases at Polk County Steak Fry fundraiser

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week, we discuss Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and the $17.1 billion-dollar multistage settlement with Meta over child safety. Plus, data centers are back in the news yet again.

This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and produced by Gazette Deputy Digital Content Manager Bailey Cichon. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Hailey Peck, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read the articles discussed in this episode:

(2:24) Salix City Council denies one-year data center moratorium

Sioux City Council broaches data center discussion Tuesday

(7:52) Iowa Attorney General: Meta settlement 'a massive win for keeping kids safe'

(14:19) Opinion: ‘Save Our Bacon Act’ won’t save rural Iowa

(22:27) Opinion: As election approaches, Republicans looking for points from less than ideal hand

(33:37) Hailey Peck: Five things I learned from my first Iowa State Fair

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

With various meats on a stick and butter-drenched ice creams now clogging our arteries, this week we’re going to talk about candidates at the State Fair, the entire Trump administration in Iowa, another community talking data centers, and the world’s most famous vacuum.

This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and produced by Gazette Deputy Digital Content Manager Bailey Cichon. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal.

Read the articles featured in this episode:

(2:59) Chuck Grassley receives 'replacement vacuum' for 'Beth' from Sioux City staffer

(9:03) In Rock Island, environmental, consumer groups advocate for state data center regulations

(14:33) Salix City Council data center meeting delayed due to 'threats'

(17:06) State Fair and Trump administration coverage

Pints & Politics is a year-round gathering featuring The Gazette and special guests from across the state and party lines. National, state, and local issues are covered, with opportunities to zone in on the latest headlines.

Attendees participate in audience polls, submit questions, and enjoy time with some of their favorite journalists, columnists, and guests! This beloved event and lively conversation invite attendees to learn more about the issues impacting their community.

The Gazette and Presenting Sponsor Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors hosted this Pints & Politics event on August 13, 2026.

This event was held at CSPS in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Special guest was University of Iowa political science professor Tim Hagle. This event’s panel included The Gazette’s Todd Dorman, Deputy Des Moines Bureau Chief Tom Barton, and The Gazette's Executive Editor Zack Kucharski, who moderated the session.

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

With the annual Iowa State Fair underway, this week we’re going to talk about Josh Turek’s campaign, the latest from Libertarians, and Todd Dorman’s latest love letter to the DNC.

This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and produced by Gazette Deputy Digital Content Manager Bailey Cichon. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read the articles featured in this episode:

(2:00) NATO Ambassador: Europe's military spending 'biggest foreign policy victory' of Trump's second term https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_24af6d07-8c4e-4404-95ba-80d2c10412a2.html

(7:38) Busch Light, NASCAR and politics: Turek takes Senate campaign to Iowa Speedway

https://www.thegazette.com/news/elections/josh-turek-takes-us-senate-campaign-to-nascar-race-in-iowa/article_4d57204a-d3f3-4193-9245-08e6509320fe.html

(24:16) The Democratic National Committee is drunk with power

https://www.thegazette.com/opinion/the-democratic-national-committee-is-drunk-with-power/article_ddf5775a-d9cc-4949-8238-e25a776118fc.html

(33:09) Libertarians’ ‘Hail Mary’ ballot move likely another fumble

https://www.thegazette.com/opinion/libertarians-hail-mary-ballot-move-likely-another-fumble/article_1c228221-5f74-4cf9-bfdc-b43a8849536a.html

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week, we discuss the Iowa courts upholding their decision to leave libertarian candidates off the ballot and the Iowa Democratic caucus being left out of early voting once again.

This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and produced by Southeast Iowa Union Producer Peter Kamp. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Hailey Peck, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.