This week's episode covers more news breaking about Rep. Steve King, and Sen. Joni Ernst's revelations about her divorce and past.

Rep. Steve King is in the news, Sen. Joni Ernst tell-all

Iowa political reporters and columnists meet weekly to discuss the latest news and analyze what's happening in Iowa politics. Think in-depth updates from the Iowa Legislature and the campaign trail. This podcast is recorded and produced by The Gazette in Cedar Rapids and features journalists from news organizations across the state.

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On this week's episode we take one last look in the rearview mirror at the 2024 legislative session. We'll talk about traffic cameras in the Quad Cities. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson discusses aid to Ukraine and her recent visit with the Ukrainian president.Iowa legislation, including hands-free driving bill and distracted driving concerns.Lawmakers struggle to reach agreement on new bills, including hands-free driving bill.Law enforcement and safety advocates have been pushing for a hands-free driving bill to crack down on distracted driving.Despite overwhelming Senate support, the bill was held up in the House due to libertarian concerns about individual rights.Opposition to hands-free driving bill largely unheard of, with insurance industry and representatives speaking in support.
Iowa politics, judicial appointments, and legislative relationships.Governor Reynolds seeks more control over judicial appointments.Erin Murphy expects more of the same in the relationship between the House and Senate Republicans, with big bills still getting passed despite disagreements.Some House Republicans praised House Democrats for their working relationship, while criticizing Senate Republicans for their behavior.
Traffic cameras in LeClaire, Iowa, and their revenue impact.The challenges of passing bills in the Iowa legislature, including the House and Senate's differing opinions and the public's lack of awareness.Sarah Watson reports on the Quad Cities' data collection and reporting efforts for automated traffic enforcement cameras, with a 70% reduction in crashes observed in some intersections.Focus on LeClaire, Iowa's traffic camera revenue, which is significant for a town of about 4,000 people. The city issued 62,000 violations and collected 50,000 of those, with a baseline of $50 per violation.
US aid to Ukraine and meeting with Ukrainian officials.Congresswoman Ashley Hinson visited Ukraine and met with US military officials, anti-corruption officials, and Agriculture officials to discuss America's interest in arming Ukraine.Former President Trump shifts tone on Ukraine aid, agrees with sentiments of US lawmaker.
Truck driver's death, investigation, and updates.Sarah Schultz and Jake Rowley hold press conference to provide updates on David Schultz's disappearance.Body of David Schultz, a truck driver, found laying face up in a field one and a half miles from where his semi was abandoned.Authorities have not yet found any suspected foul play in the death of the unnamed person.Authorities are tight-lipped about the case, and it may be some time before they release medical examination results.


Iowa Legislature wrap up for 2024

On this week’s episode, the state legislators adjourn the 2024 session, highlights from the end of session and RFK Jr. visits Iowa. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Sarah Watson of the Quad City, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman. This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “Garlic Hemming Sauce” by Jeremy Jacobs.

2024 Legislative Session closes, plus RFK Jr. visits Iowa

On the podcast this week: The future of abortion access in Iowa, Reynolds puts the kibosh on an AEA bill redo, traffic camera restrictions get a green light, and a slap on the wrist for Iowa woman convicted of voter fraud. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Sarah Watson of the Quad City, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman. This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “Free” by Tone Da Boss.

The future of abortion access in Iowa, an AEA bill redo, traffic camera restrictions green lit

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Sarah Watson of the Quad City, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman. This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “I See You” by Silence ft. Riley Mobz.

On Iowa Politics Podcast: consumable hemp products, meat alternative labeling and a visit from the U.S. Surgeon General

On this week's episode, AEAs' final legislative chapter, emergency contraception and the AG's office, Davenport officials face questions from state lawmakers, 2024 statehouse elections, and a couple of candidates' dispute go to a state board. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Sarah Watson of the Quad City, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman. This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon. Intro music is “Chillin’ with Jeris” by Copperhead. Outro music is “Victory Lap” by Tone Da Boss.

Rep. Steve King is in the news, Sen. Joni Ernst tell-all

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