The Fallon Forum

Maria Filippone and her daughter, Glori Dei Filippone join Ed in the studio to discuss Glori's role in a series of lawsuits filed by young people against various levels of government for inaction on air quality and climate change. Also, we discuss whether a leader will emerge in the Republican party to tackle the climate issue.

The State's chief economic development official, Debbie Durham, spent nearly $75,000 of taxpayer money last fiscal year traveling around the world. A lot of that involved first-class flights and five-star hotels. Also, Frankie Meeink talks about his new documentary, "Is This Heaven?" Heather Ryan joins us, and we discuss the controversy over dangerous dogs, one of Heather's "pet" issues.

Rev Cheryl Thomas with Iowans for Gun Safety discusses the stalled gun background-check legislation in the U.S. Senate. Ed is critical of public subsidies for Facebook, discusses the preferential treatment for Lake Delhi, and the problem with regulating dangerous dogs. Also, Nakisha Phillips joins us with only 5 weeks to go before her due date.

Sgt Jason Halifax with the Des Moines Police Department and Janet Abens with the Polk County Sherrif's Office join Ed to discuss high-speed chases. Ed's not a fan, especially after witnessing one tear through his backyard and a neighbor's play area years ago. We also discuss Facebook's new data center in Altoona, and the $35 million in public money that will help create a mere 31 jobs. Sandra Sanchez with American Friends Service Committee joins us to discuss Senator Grassley's increasingly indefensible positions on immigration and gun control. And Max Wellman talks about his music and the Des Moines Performing Arts' rank as 9th in the world in tickets sales recently.

Ed says Earth Day should be a way of life, and that as a nation, our collective environmental footprint has made America the Sasquatch among nations. Steve Cannon joins us to talk about the Million Dollar Marathon. And Dr. Tony Ingraffea of Cornell University discusses fracking.

Ed talks with Richard Maynard of the Repertory Theater of Iowa about their upcoming show "That Championship Season". Also, Donna Red Wing joins Ed to discuss State Sen. Guth's comments on homosexuality and marriage equality. And immigration lawyer Lori Chesser joins Ed to talk U.S. immigration policy.

Joseph Glazebrook discusses questions of law relevant to the bombings in Boston on Monday. We also discuss Steve King's use of the tragedy to advance his radical agenda on immigration. Ed talks about the Iowa Senate's support for funding for Iowa's food banks, which most Senate Republicans opposed.

In addition to talking with Des Moines Water Works' Bill Stowe about drought, the recent rains, and related matters, Ed discusses the explosions at the Boston Marathon yesterday with Jacob Kaemmer, one Iowan who was there.

Michael Libbie joins Ed to discuss Pres. Obama's budget, which has garnered ample criticism from both the right and the left. Michael and Ed also discuss the political landscape in Iowa, including concerns about some political operatives picking their successors to try to avoid a primary. Ed discusses new research showing that Arctic summer ice may be totally gone within 10-30 years. And we also evaluate the comparative value of local businesses over big retailers.