Podcasts about 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 on the podcast, what don't we have? A special election. Western Iowa police and church leaders on immigration. Ticket bots and Swifties! Branstad v. Socialists. And, of course, a casino moratorium. 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 Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Columnist Todd Dorman, Sarah Watson of the Quad-City Times and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal. This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

Ambassador Terry Branstad was the first U.S. state governor to host Xi Jinping in 1985, so he carries the unique distinction of being called an “old friend” by the Chinese leader as well as a friend to President Donald Trump. Branstad highlights how “for a trade deal to be good, it needs to be a win-win for both sides,” and he shares more insights about the future of trade and its effects on the agricultural industry in this episode. To hear even more, attend the ARA Conference and Expo, Dec. 3 to 5 in Houston where Branstad will be giving a fireside chat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Geiger was at the Iowa Hunger Summit yesterday and had the chance to talk with Ambassadors Terry Branstad and Kenneth Quinn about the creation of the summit and the importance of collaborating on ending hunger in a non-partisan effort. Iowa State University Extension Field Agronomist Gentry Sorenson in North Central Iowa gives us some info on drought conditions in his area with some areas moving into D3 Extreme Drought. He also says next week could be the start of combines rolling more frequently in that area. Don Roose from US Commodities ends this week of The Big Show with a market update as grains remain pretty quiet.

TrackingFootball.com, founded by Mark Branstad, is the only scouting service available that gives access to verified data on key athletic performance statistics, like track and field data. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ontrackandfield/message

Trial reset for one Fairfield teen accused of killing Spanish teacherYesterday, a judge agreed to reset the first-degree murder trial for one of the two Fairfield teens accused of killing their Spanish teacher in 2021.Christine Branstad, the lawyer for Willard Noble Chaiden Miller, now 17, asked that the March 20 trial be continued and the prosecution agreed to the new date of April 21, according to court documents. The new date will allow both sides to address pretrial issues and “allow for a more efficient trial,” Branstad said in her motion.Eighth Judicial District Judge Shawn Showers ruled jury selection will begin April 21 and testimony will start April 24 in Pottawattamie County District Court in Council Bluffs. The trial was moved from Jefferson County because of pretrial publicity.Mercy Iowa City retained ‘performance improvement' consultantMercy Iowa City Hospital in recent months had to retain a “strategic and operational performance improvement” consultant after breaching debt coverage obligations, according to a disclosure the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board posted Tuesday.The 194-bed Iowa City hospital — one of 23 affiliated with the MercyOne network — retained Insight Health Partners to meet a “consultant requirement” because “income available for debt services of the obligated group is less than 110 percent of the maximum annual debt service requirement.”Mercy Iowa City officials told The Gazette on Wednesday the hospital engaged Insight Health over the summer “to help Mercy Iowa City complete an assessment of financial and strategic operations, and their work was completed months ago.”Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis planning trips to Iowa this monthThe top two leading contenders in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination are headed to Iowa.Former President Donald Trump will stop in Davenport March 13, a first foray to the leadoff caucus state since announcing his 2024 White House campaign.Trump will deliver remarks on his “America First” education policy at the Adler Theater.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is flirting with an expected 2024 White House bid, will make his Iowa debut with a pair of events March 10.DeSantis will be joined by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who will host a discussion with him in both Des Moines and Davenport, an aide familiar with event details confirmed.

This is Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette digital news desk and I'm here with your update for Wednesday, January 25.A little snow is coming to the middle of your week. According to the National Weather Service there will be snow likely Wednesday morning, mainly between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the Cedar Rapids area. There always may be pockets of fog before 8 a.m. Besides that it will be cloudy, with a high near 32 degrees. There will be a 60 percent chance of snow during the day, with 1 to 2 inches possible, and a 50 percent chance of snow during the evening, with less than an inch of additional snow predicted to fall.Surrounded by school choice advocates and private school students, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an expansive private school education assistance bill into law Tuesday, just hours after Republican lawmakers delivered her top legislative priority after three years of trying.All public school students and thousands of private school students will become eligible to receive a nearly $7,600 education savings account per year to pay for tuition and other expenses at a private school. The program is expected to cost $107 million in the first year and by 2027, when phased in, will cost $345 million.It was the first bill of the three-week-old legislative session to be signed into law, after a flurry of activity over the last two weeks to fast track it to Reynolds' desk.Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad will take over as president of the World Food Prize Foundation, considered the preeminent award for global agriculture.Branstad, the longest-serving governor in Iowa's history and former ambassador to China, said he's hoping to raise the visibility of the organization and continue to fund research into the quantity and quality of agriculture.The organization gives an annual $250,000 award to an individual for their “achievements in improving the quality, quantity, and availability of food in the world,” according to a press release. Cynthia Rosenzweig, an American agronomist, received the award in 2022.A boys' basketball game between Fairfield and Iowa City High at Fairfield ended early Monday night after an on-floor altercation, with ensuing allegations being made of a “racially charged” comment directed toward City High's head coach during the game by a game official.City High Principal John Bacon and Iowa City Community School District Superintendent Matt Denger sent an email to staff, students and families at the school Tuesday that was shared with The Gazette in support of Little Hawks Coach Brennan Swayzer.Swayzer, who is Black, was ejected from the game in the second half after the alleged comment was made, as was a Little Hawks fan.With two minutes remaining in the edgy game and Fairfield ahead 77-63, a foul was called on City High's Evan Lampe on an out-of-bounds play underneath the City High basket, with Lampe proceeding to shove the player he fouled, Fairfield's Tate Allen, to the ground and then appearing to push him again when Allen was on the ground.Benches cleared, and the teams were sent to their respective locker rooms after order was restored. City High then decided it did not want to complete the game due to the hostile situation, and was securely escorted to its bus for the drive home.

This week the guys are joined by two of the finest employees at TPC Twin Cities - Director of Instruction David Branstad and making a return appearance is the head golf professional Adam Chandler to recap last week's 3M Open.

Article Four of the United States Constitution outlines the relationship between the various states, as well as the relationship between each state and the United States federal government. It also empowers Congress to admit new states and administer the territories and other federal lands. The Full Faith and Credit Clause requires states to extend "full faith and credit" to the public acts, records and court proceedings of other states. The Supreme Court has held that this clause prevents states from reopening cases which have been conclusively decided by the courts of another state. The Privileges and Immunities Clause requires interstate protection of "privileges and immunities," preventing each state from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory manner. The Extradition Clause requires that fugitives from justice be extradited on the demand of executive authority of the state from which they flee. Since the 1987 case of Puerto Rico v Branstad, federal courts may also use the Extradition Clause to require the extradition of fugitives. The Fugitive Slave Clause requires the return of fugitive slaves; this clause has not been repealed, but it was rendered moot by the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery. The Admissions Clause grants Congress the authority to admit new states, but forbids the creation of new states from parts of existing states without the consent of the affected states. The Supreme Court has held that the Constitution requires all states to be admitted on an equal footing, though the Admissions Clause does not expressly include this requirement. The Property Clause grants Congress the power to make laws for the territories and other federal lands. The Guarantee Clause mandates that United States guarantee that all states have a "republican form of government," though it does not define this term. Article Four also requires the United States to protect each state from invasion, and, at the request of a state, from "domestic violence." --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This is Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette digital news desk and I'm here with your update for Friday, December 10. Friday's weather will continue our up and down variety we've had lately. According to the National Weather Service there will be a high of 41 degrees in the Cedar Rapids area with a chance for rain mainly coming after 3 p.m. Then Friday night, snow will become a possibility along with the rain, with a low near 31 degrees. Snow accumulation of less than a half inch is predicted. Fifteen months after a University of Iowa student https://www.thegazette.com/higher-education/iowa-city-police-took-sex-assault-report-connected-with-university-of-iowa-fiji-fraternity/ (told investigators she was sexually assaulted) by a pair of fraternity brothers who shared video and pictures of the attack on social media, Iowa City police have arrested one of the accused men on a harassment charge. Carson Douglas Steffen, 20, of North Liberty, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree harassment, an aggravated misdemeanor, which generally is punishable by up to two years in jail and a fine potentially in the thousands of dollars. UI student Makena Solberg asserted in an October lawsuit that on Sept. 4 to 5, 2020, she was sexually assaulted in the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity — called FIJI — operating at the University of Iowa. The criminal count against Steffen does not charge him with a sexual assault, but rather says that about 3:30 a.m. Sept. 5, 2020, he sent “a photo to multiple persons on Snapchat” of the victim “engaged in a sex act with another male.” Although the alleged assault occurred last fall, news of the https://www.thegazette.com/higher-education/iowa-city-police-took-sex-assault-report-connected-with-university-of-iowa-fiji-fraternity/ (lagging police response) and absence of charges prompted days of protests, https://www.thegazette.com/higher-education/university-of-iowa-fiji-protests-caused-200k-in-damage-displaced-28/ (including one inciting thousands and extensive damage to the FIJI house.) Omicron, the newest variant of the novel coronavirus, has been detected in an Iowa resident, state public health officials say. The state's first case of the COVID-19 variant was detected in an unvaccinated individual under the age of 18 who lives in Black Hawk County, the State Hygienic Lab confirmed on Thursday. The unidentified individual remains asymptomatic at this time. The case was the result of travel exposure, and was detected after the family sought testing based on public health recommendations, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. The individual, as well as the family, is in isolation, state officials say. Though it's still unclear whether omicron is more dangerous than delta or other variants, experts say initial data shows it is likely more transmissible and has the ability to spread to individuals quickly, potentially avoiding some levels of immunity. This, along with already surging COVID-19 numbers, led area hospitals Thursday to plead with Iowans to both seek vaccination if they haven't gotten it already, and to get a booster shot if they completed their vaccine regimen more than 6 months ago. Pfizer released info this week that the booster shot should help protect against the omicron variant, although more research still is needed to see how it interacts with vaccinated people. One of the teens charged with killing the Spanish language teacher at Fairfield High School last month is asking a judge to move his case to juvenile court, where he would face a lesser sentence if convicted. Christine Branstad, the defense attorney for Willard Chaiden Miller, who is charged as an adult with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, is asking the court for a reverse waiver — moving Miller's case from adult court to juvenile court. She said because Miller is 16 years old, a transfer to juvenile court is appropriate according to Iowa law. Branstad, in a request... Support this podcast

The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad did not illegally discriminate or retaliate against a gay state official — overturning a landmark $1.5 million jury verdict. The court on Wednesday found a lack of evidence to show Branstad, a former U.S. ambassador to China, discriminated against then-Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner Chris Godfrey because of his sexual orientation. Godfrey, a native of Sioux City, was widely known as openly gay, but justices say there is no proof Branstad was aware of Godfrey's sexual orientation before asking him to resign and slashing his salary when Godfrey refused. The ruling overturned a 2019 verdict that found Branstad, a Republican, violated the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Jurors had awarded Godfrey, a Democrat, $1.5 million in damages. Godfrey currently works for the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. as a chief judge working on federal workers' compensation disputes. The Des Moines Register reported the

This is Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette digital news desk and I'm here with your update for Saturday April 17 and Sunday April 18. For weather we are looking at, overall, a pretty pleasant weekend to get out and do things. According to the National Weather Service, on Saturday it will be partly sunny with a high near 58 degrees in the Cedar Rapids area, with a wind speed of 5 to 10 mph. On Sunday, the wind will remain at the same speed, the skies will again be partly sunny, and the high will finally creep back up to 60 degrees. The rhttps://www.thegazette.com/government-politics/cedar-rapids-seeks-39-5m-in-state-aid-for-transformational-downtown-projects/ (equest by the City of Cedar Rapids for $39.5 million in aid )to fuel “transformational” downtown developments is among the six proposals in Iowa that remain eligible to potentially receive millions in state tax incentives. The Iowa Economic Development Authority on Friday narrowed down the proposals from Iowa communities to down to six from a pool of 10 competing for a total $100 million awarded through its Reinvestment District program. The program “reinvests” sales and hotel-motel tax revenues to cities for use in developments that boost the quality of life and create or enhance recreational opportunities, with the idea of attracting people from outside the region to visit. Cedar Rapids' proposal, which envisions more than $261 million in investments overall, is the largest of all the community proposals. Any funding awarded to Cedar Rapids would support cornerstone downtown developments that have struggled to get off the ground. The city's proposal encompasses the proposed mixed-use https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/government/optimistic-cedar-rapids-council-advances-entertainment-project-on-land-once-meant-for-casino-20200623 (First and First West) development featuring a Big Grove microbrewery; https://www.thegazette.com/IowaIdeas/stories/guaranty-bank-block-development-talks-resume-with-cedar-rapids-officials-20200907 (Marriott hotels) at the Guaranty Bank Building and Old World Theater site; and a https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/business/steve-emerson-high-rise-development-downtown-cedar-rapids-20190815 (high-rise) near the Paramount Theatre. It also includes an Eighth Avenue SW pump station, Fourth Avenue SE plaza and a https://www.thegazette.com/news/study-cedar-rapids-could-attract-visitors-with-white-water-course-and-recreation-options-on-river/ (5-in-1 Dam) bypass channel. According to the Associated Press, authorities said Friday they arrested an Iowa man who attempted to grab the service weapon from a police officer in the middle of the attack on the U.S. Capitol in January. Kyle Young, 37, of Redfield, was arrested Wednesday along with Albuquerque Head, 41, of Kingsport, Tenn. Both are accused of assaulting a Washington, D.C., cop who was dragged down the steps of the Capitol, electrocuted and beaten unconscious by the mob. Young is among a group accused in the incident that now faces a slew of assault and disorderly conduct charges. Having spent most of his first term on Iowa's Board of Regents as its president, https://www.thegazette.com/higher-education/physician-and-political-ally-of-bruce-rastetter-appointed-to-board-of-regents/ (Michael Richards) could stay in the leadership role through 2027 with his reappointment Friday to another six-year term. Richards first was appointed to the board in May 2016 by his https://www.thegazette.com/government-politics/branstad-defends-meeting-richards-before-regents-vacancy-was-public/ (friend, then-Gov. Terry Branstad), to fill the unexpired term of Mary Andringa, who resigned after just a year. Branstad's successor, Gov. Kim Reynolds, renewed this appointment on Friday. Richards' initial appointment was set to expire April 30, when president pro-tem Patty Cownie's term also will expire. Gov. Reynolds did not reappoint Cownie. This briefing is sponsored in part by Corridor Careers. Are...

EPISODE TOPIC: 75 HARD and the development of mental toughness. This is more important that you think. GUEST: Kaylee Branstad (click here to follow her on Instagram) Quote from Guest: "This program literally saved my life." References: The 75 Hard program is a life and mental toughness program. It is not a fitness challenge to learn more about @Andy Frisella and the 75 Hard Program click here. Admin Note: I do not charge you to listen to this, all I ask is that you share this with one friend minimum and give this podcast a 5 star review if it made you think, brought you value, or brought a smile to your face. I love each and every one of you for the support and I support you and your goals in return. Keep kicking ass. Side note: If you are interested finally taking charge of your fitness/weight-loss goals, please CLICK HERE and let's talk. Don't forget you can ask me a question which I will record in a future podcast by heading over to my website by CLICKING HERE. With Regards, Michael Vorpahl RATIO: FFL Coach "Initiate First Contact" Follow me on Instagram (@ratio.ffl). --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ratio-ffl/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ratio-ffl/support

Terry Branstad holds the record for longest-serving governor in the United States. During his time in Iowa, he was able to see the emergence of biofuels, global trade and the rise of agriculture. A meeting with a Chinese delegation allowed for two men to meet and eventually cross paths again as Xi Jing Ping as President of China and Branstad as U.S. Ambassador to that country.

The topic: Former Iowa Governor and U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad has a history of about 40 years with China, most notably his recent service in Beijing where he led negotiations on everything from the trade war to nuclear tensions with North Korea. Branstad's unique perspective on U.S.-China relations is based on decades of promoting economic, cultural, and civic ties while representing the agricultural state of Iowa. This Iowa farm boy ended up with a career capstone that included high-level negotiations between two superpowers on controversial issues (including national security, human rights, and the pandemic) and close personal ties with the leadership in both the U.S. and China. Our guest: Branstad, 74, is not only a farm boy but also an attorney and the longest-serving governor in American history. In 2017, President Donald Trump appointed him U.S. ambassador to China. Branstad offered unique personal credentials beyond Iowa's robust agricultural trade with China: The governor in 1985 welcomed a young Xi Jinping to Iowa when the future Chinese president was a provincial official leading a routine trade delegation. That inauspicious connection years later would qualify Branstad as an “old friend” to the powerful leader of an emerging superpower. Branstad served a little more than three years in Beijing, returning in the autumn of 2020 ahead of the American presidential election. Episode transcript: https://link.medium.com/UqRTk1CEZdb The series: David Skidmore and Kyle Munson produced this podcast series in conjunction with Skidmore's Spring 2021 U.S.-China international relations course at Drake University. Your hosts: David Skidmore is a Professor of Political Science at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he has taught since 1989. Skidmore's teaching and research focuses on U.S. foreign policy and U.S.-China relations. During the 1996-97 academic year, he taught at the Johns Hopkins-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies in Nanjing, China. He also served as a Fulbright Scholar based at the University of Hong Kong in 2010-2011. He is past Director of the Principal Financial Group Center for Global Citizenship (2002-2017) and the Nelson Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs (2012-2017), both at Drake University. Skidmore is author, co-author or editor of six books including a monograph titled The Unilateralist Temptation in American Foreign Policy (Routledge, 2011), and has published numerous articles or chapters in various academic journals and books. His most recent research focuses on China's Belt and Road Initiative. His editorial writing has appeared in Fortune, U.S. News and World Report, Salon, The Conversation, the Diplomat, Global Times and the Des Moines Register. Kyle Munson is a journalist, writer, podcaster, and content strategist who currently works in content marketing and financial services. He previously spent 24 years with The Des Moines Register/Gannett in a variety of roles, including eight years as columnist. In 2017 he was awarded a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting to report on U.S.-China relations early in the Trump administration as Amb. Terry Branstad began his tenure in Beijing. That resulted in the project “Iowa in the Heart of China.” Munson also reported on Chinese President Xi Jinping's 2012 visit to Iowa. He has volunteered and served as a board member with Iowa Sister States, a nonprofit dedicated to citizen diplomacy. He currently chairs the board of the Western Iowa Journalism Foundation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/uschina/message

When President Trump abruptly reversed an order penalizing the Chinese telecom company ZTE for selling to North Korea and Iran in 2018, it confused almost everyone. Why was the get-tough-on-China-president suddenly caving to their demands? As The Intercept’s Lee Fang and Mara Hvistendahl found out, the story behind Trump’s move on ZTE sheds new light on the role of lobbyists and foreign interests at the highest levels of his administration’s decision-making. And it involves a figure most Americans, even in his home state, have never heard of: Eric Branstad, son of former Iowa governor Terry Branstad. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Two advisors to President Trump passed through for a local Republican Party Back the Blue event Join us today as Dr. Bob Leonard goes “In Depth” with Eric Branstad, son of former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, and

Thanks for tuning into this episode. This is the very first episode with many more to come. In this episode I have guest Kaylee Branstad who shares similar views but also different views on things like maturity, mindset, perspective, and overall self development. Specifically how "Self-improvement is not the same thing as being selfish." Sit back, relax, pay attention if you are driving on the road and enjoy. If you have questions you want answered on a future podcast please send them to ratio.ffl@gmail.com addressing them to Michael or you can message me on Twitter, username: @michaelrvorpahl. Please follow my social media accounts on twitter, facebook (you can find me at Michael Ross Vorpahl), and snapchat: @michaelvorpahl. Please show your support to Kaylee by following her on Instagram: @Kaylee.Branstad. She is inspiring on so many levels. Should you want fitness or nutritional questions answer or are in need of a personal trainer/nutrition coach please reach out as well. I believe in an acronym call K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid, not that you're stupid but we are silly for making things harder than we have to make them. It's probably not your fault thought because there are so many marketing ploys out there that have led you astray without you even knowing. Sorry to say that but I am not sorry for telling you the truth. If you want to have someone who isn't to going bullshit you on anything this is the podcast for you. If you want someone to sugar coat things, this isn't the spot for you. Plus if you still want things sugar coated then you aren't ready to be in charge of every aspect of your life anyway. Come back when you are though; my arms/door are always open to help as many people who are ready to be helped. Thank you for tuning in and please don't forget to share with a friend. If you are interested in having me be your fitness/weight-loss coach in order to live #TheRATIOFFLLife please Click Here and let's talk. With Regards, Michael Vorpahl RATIO : FFL League of Champions Coach *Please don't forget to subscribe and give that 5 star rating if this made you think, laugh, gave you value, or challenge your though process with a new perspective. Follow me on Instagram (@ratio.ffl) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ratio-ffl/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ratio-ffl/support

The number of Iowans hospitalized with COVID-19 increased overnight as the state added 667 new positive cases and seven additional deaths, including three more in Woodbury County reported on Tuesday night, for a total of 67 people. More than 87,500 Iowans have tested positive for the disease, with 77% recovered. Thirteen counties are above a 14-day positivity rate of 15%. Lyon is top in the state with almost 29% with Sioux falling to second with almost 28%. Woodbury County is down to 15%. Any county with the 15% rate or high does meet the threshold to apply for virtual learning only with the state. Two test Iowa clinics are opening up in Orange City and Sioux City to expand testing in Sioux County. Information from the IDPH: Starting today (Tuesday), testing will be available at the Orange City Area Health System Occupational Health and Physical Therapy Clinic, located at 1000 Lincoln Circle SE. Testing will be conducted Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. A second Test Iowa

How the United States deals with China over the next decade will have major consequences for both countries -- and the world. Terry Branstad, the top American diplomat in Beijing, was an early supporter of President Trump and among his first diplomatic choices. Now he's preparing to leave his post. Branstad joins Nick Schifrin to discuss why he sees the administration's China policy as a success. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

On this week’s On Iowa Politics Podcast: This week: Branstad’s back, Big 10 return, and the full Grassley On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to re-create the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. This week’s show is hosted by The Gazette’s James Lynch and features Gazette opinion editor Todd Dorman. The show was produced by Stephen M. Colbert and music heard on the podcast is courtesy of Copperhead and Natalie Brown.

Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, the U.S. Ambassador to China, will step down early next month. This will end a three-year tenure marked by a trade war and increasingly bitter relations between the world’s two largest economies. The U.S. Embassy in Beijing says Branstad confirmed his decision in a phone call with President Donald Trump last week. It did not give a reason for his departure. Trade relations soured under Trump, and other disputes followed over technology, human rights and the response to the coronavirus pandemic. Branstad became embroiled in a recent controversy when China’s official People’s Daily newspaper rejected an opinion piece by him. South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg's office says he had not been drinking before he was involved in a deadly car crash. His spokesman says Ravnsborg was driving from a Republican fundraiser in Redfield, South Dakota, to his home in Pierre on Saturday night when he was involved in the crash. Ravnsborg immediately called

Eric Branstad was the Iowa State Director for President Donald Trump's 2016 bid for office. He worked alongside Corey Lewandowski, Rudy Guiliani, Senator Joni Ernst, and his own father, former Governor Terry Branstad, to build a unified coalition in Iowa and a rabidly enthusiastic base. And then Trump asked him to do the same thing in Wisconsin, with just months left to go.

There is a lot happening in the world of agriculture but this week we are postponing #TechTuesday for some updates from Ambassador Branstad and Secretary Pompeo's visit in Iowa.

We heard a lot about Millennials and their impact in the 2016 election. Mostly the focus has been on the Sanders and Clinton campaigns. But the director of Donald Trump’s Iowa campaigns in the caucuses and general election says Millennials came out for Trump too, and they weren’t your stereotypical Millennials. Eric Branstad is just a couple of years too old to be called a Millennial, but he was thinking about them — a lot — during the campaigns.

Dave Kochel has been a republican strategist for decades, helping GOP candidates from Branstad to Bush - Jeb Bush. He’s fought plenty of battles but none like the one he faced in the midst of the Iowa Caucus campaign in 2015 when he got the news he had cancer. Here’s a one-on-one interview as Kochel talks about the big fight.

This is Special English. I'm Ryan Price in Beijing. Here is the news.The United States Senate has voted 82-13 to approve the Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to be the new U.S. Ambassador to China.In a statement after the confirmation, Branstad said he looks forward to working with leaders of both countries for the mutual benefit of the rest of the world.He said that never in his wildest dreams did he think that a boy from a small farm in Leland, Iowa, would one day have the opportunity to represent his country on the world stage, working closely with one of the world&`&s most influential countries and one of America&`&s largest trading partners.Seventy-year-old Branstad is the longest-serving governor in the United States. He has nurtured a close relationship with China and has visited China multiple times.He served as the governor of Iowa from 1983 to 1999, and again since 2011. He was nominated by U.S. President Donald Trump to be the next U.S. ambassador to China in December last year.During his confirmation hearing earlier this month, Branstad said that if confirmed, he would work to "positively influence" the U.S.-China relationship.He said that as Governor of Iowa, he saw first-hand the importance of a positive and healthy trade relationship between the two countries.This is Special English.With housing prices and sales stagnating in China&`&s major cities following tough property controls, smaller cities are starting to join in.Property sales were restricted in several second and third-tier cities, as speculators shift their attention to these areas. Around 30 cities have introduced sales restrictions to different extents.In Baoding city in north China&`&s Hebei Province, certain properties are subject to a 10-year lock-up before they can be resold.In Jiaxing city in east China&`&s Zhejiang Province, non-residents will not be able to resell houses within two years of buying them.With such restrictions, speculators who use to borrow money to invest may have to reconsider, as it now takes much longer for the houses to generate returns and pay back the loans.Analysts say smaller cities have become the main battleground as China strives to contain housing price as they rises through restrictions on purchases and increased minimum down payments.In Beijing, the down payment ratio for second homes has raised to 60 percent in mid-March, a measure considered "unprecedented".You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. A new study has found that the rare but spectacular eruptions of super volcanoes can cause massive destruction and affect climate patterns on a global scale for decades.In addition, the super eruption sites may experience ongoing, albeit smaller eruptions for tens of thousands of years after.In the study published recently in the journal Nature Communications, Oregon State University researchers said they were able to link recent eruptions at Mt. Sinabung in northern Sumatra in Indonesia, to the last eruption on Earth of a super volcano 74,000 years ago at the Toba Caldera some 40 kilometers away.This is the first time that researchers have been able to pinpoint what happens following the eruption of a super volcano. To qualify as a super volcano, the eruption must reach at least magnitude 8, which means the measured deposits for that eruption are greater than 1,000 cubic kilometers.When Toba erupted, it emitted a volume of magma 28,000 times greater than that of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It was so massive, it is thought to have created a volcanic winter on Earth lasting years, and possibly triggering a bottleneck in human evolution.This is Special English.A study led by the University of Washington indicates that neighborhoods with greater poverty and disorganization may play a greater role in the problem of drinking in the availability of bars and stores that sell hard liquor.The findings were based on local neighborhood data and published online in the Journal of Urban Health. It suggests that while socioeconomics are more powerful environmental factors than even access to the substance itself, improving a neighborhood&`&s quality of life can yield a range of benefits.In examining the combination of multiple neighborhood factors on alcohol use, researchers turned to an ongoing study the university has followed for decades, by interviewing more than 500 of the adult participants.The researchers found that residents of neighborhoods primarily characterized by high poverty and disorganization tended to drink twice as much in a typical week as those in other types of neighborhoods. Binge-drinking, generally defined as more than four drinks at a time for women, five for men, occurred in these high-poverty, highly disorganized communities about four times as frequently as in other types of neighborhoods.These findings are consistent with previous research indicating that people in lower income neighborhoods may be at greater risk for alcohol-related problems.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. Russian Security Council said Russia&`&s crucial information infrastructure suffered no severe damage caused by the global WannaCry melware attack thanks to an effective anti-cyberattack state system.Russia has been creating a system to detect, prevent and eliminate the consequences of computer attacks on the information resources of the Russian Federation. The program was previously approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a decree.The Security Council said Russia has managed to avoid serious damage due to the mentioned state system. The critical information infrastructure was ready to resist a massive spread of this virus.Russia&`&s critical information infrastructure includes the information systems in these sectors of defense, healthcare, energy, transport, communications, banking and finance.A massive number of organizations across the globe have been targeted by the WannaCry malware. Hackers used the Trojan encryptor to lock computers and demand a payment for the decryption. So far, the WabbaCry ransom ware attacked has spread to 150 countries, crippling hospitals, schools, governments and businesses.This is Special English.Nepal has hosted the "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition for college students in Kathmandu, the nation's capital.This is the fourth Nepali edition of the global contest.This year&`&s competition was organized by the Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University and the Chinese embassy in Nepal.According to the organizers, over 50 students had taken part in the initial round and 14 students were selected from three educational institutions in Nepal.Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong attended the ceremony to present awards to the winners. She said she was happy to see the increasing interest of Nepali students in Chinese language and culture.In the preliminary round of the competition, 14 college students went through rounds of tests and demonstrated their language skills.Two Bachelor students representing Kathmandu University were declared winners, who will travel to China to represent Nepal at the finals to be held later this year.The Chinese proficiency competition is held annually in different countries for non-Chinese students to encourage them to learn about China.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to crienglish.com. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. Now the news continues.The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, has rolled out an app in which users can learn about the museum through building their own imperial residence.In this app, users choose a vacant site for their imperial palace and upgrade it by publishing and reading articles or completing tasks.The museum says the app makes news and information more accessible to the public. Users are no longer mere visitors, but also architects of the museum.The Forbidden City will release high-definition images of its cultural relics, making them available to more people worldwide.Established in 1925, the Palace Museum is located in the imperial palace of the consecutive dynasties from the 13th century to 1911. The complex&`&s architecture and imperial collections make it one of the most prestigious museums in the world. This is Special English.China will build more theme parks in the coming years.Tourism officials say that by 2020, China will encourage tourist areas to integrate with recreation facilities, theaters, and performing centers.Branded theme parks from overseas will be introduced into China, while domestic theme parks are also encouraged to expand overseas.A fantasy adventure indoor theme park opened to the public recently in Shanxi Province in north China. With laser technology and 3-D effects, the theme park aims to offer tourists immersive experiences.Entertainment companies are strongly encouraged to use hi-tech equipment.According to a development plan for the tourism industry, China will improve tourism infrastructure and public service facilities while pushing forward innovative development of theme parks. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. In the Chinese animation "The Tales of Effendi", a cute donkey from Kashgar in northwest China&`&s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region becomes famous as he carries his master around.In reality, donkeys don&`&t usually have such noteworthy lives. They mostly plod around carrying heavy loads and doing tedious chores. But in Kashgar&`&s Yopurga County, farmer Abdul Kerim has turned the braying beast of burden into a cash cow.Kerim says he had been doing various jobs to support his family since he was laid off ten years ago. Last year, he decided to go into the donkey business after hearing that donkey milk could be very profitable.Kerim and four of his neighbors poured almost all of their savings into setting up a cooperative last year. They bought 38 donkeys of a cross-breed between the region&`&s native donkeys and those from northwest China&`&s Shaanxi Province. They built stables and stockpiled bales of hay.After a year of hard work, the biggest donkey milk processing company in the region bought the cooperative&`&s first batch of milk for 28 yuan, roughly 4 U.S. dollars, per kilo.Donkey farms are now springing up in this previously impoverished area. Around 27,000 donkeys are being raised for their milk, which is expected to generate an annual revenue of 250 million yuan. This is Special English.20th Century Fox&`&s "Alien: Covenant" topped North American box office with an estimated 36 million U.S. dollars during its debut weekend, dethroning "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" with a narrow victory.Movie analysts say that featuring a terrific cast, this R-rated space adventure harkens back to the first "Alien" film that blew audience&`&s minds with its gritty dark intensity back in 1979.The sixth installment in the "Alien" franchise directed by Ridley Scott cost 97 million U.S. dollars to make and opened 29 percent behind the first prequel, "Prometheus", which debuted to over 51 million U.S. dollars in North America in August 2012.Disney and Marvel&`&s "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" moved to second place with an estimated 35 million U.S. dollars in North America after two weeks at the top of the charts. The Marvel&`&s superhero sequel has earned a whopping 733 million U.S. dollars globally.Warner Bros.&`& teen romance "Everything, Everything" opened in third place with an estimated 12 million U.S. dollars in its debut weekend. The PG-13 rated film is about a young woman with an illness that prevents her from leaving the protection of her sealed environment and who falls in love with the boy next door. The film is based on the bestselling book of the same name.（全文见周日微信。）

Ag News- Discussions from many quarters on crop insurance and other aspects affecting ag in the president's unveiled budget ... Cattlemen applaud Iowa's Branstad confirmation as Ambassador to China Guests: Dean Heffta - Director at Water Street Solutions: "Steering Your Operation Toward the Future" ... Author Holly Dufek talks about her books featuring a woman in ag named Casey and her adventures in agriculture ... Pat Damman, KS Grain Sorghum Association discusses recent visit by an EU trade team

Ag News- Discussions from many quarters on crop insurance and other aspects affecting ag in the president's unveiled budget ... Cattlemen applaud Iowa's Branstad confirmation as Ambassador to China Guests: Dean Heffta - Director at Water Street Solutions: "Steering Your Operation Toward the Future" ... Author Holly Dufek talks about her books featuring a woman in ag named Casey and her adventures in agriculture ... Pat Damman, KS Grain Sorghum Association discusses recent visit by an EU trade team

Reporters from all across Iowa who have covered Gov. Branstad get together to remember his time in office as the nation's longest serving Governor.

On Iowa Politics talks Branstad to China, Iowa Governor Race by On Iowa Politics Podcast

Ag News: Bayer will sell Liberty, Libertylink brands for antitrust approval to merge Monsanto ... Kansas US Senator Roberts says no additional money in next farm bill ... Iowa's Branstad confirmed Ambassador to China Guests: Jason Ladman, Director at Water Street Solutions on "What to Consider as You Make Equipment Decisions" ... Curator of the National Museum of American History Peter Liebhold talks about their display of Agriculture ... Shalee reports from the Children's Groundwater Festival in Grand Island

Ag News: Bayer will sell Liberty, Libertylink brands for antitrust approval to merge Monsanto ... Kansas US Senator Roberts says no additional money in next farm bill ... Iowa's Branstad confirmed Ambassador to China Guests: Jason Ladman, Director at Water Street Solutions on "What to Consider as You Make Equipment Decisions" ... Curator of the National Museum of American History Peter Liebhold talks about their display of Agriculture ... Shalee reports from the Children's Groundwater Festival in Grand Island

Gov. Branstad to China and President Trump's first 100 Days by On Iowa Politics Podcast

Rep. Steve King sit down, and Sen. Grassley and Gov. Branstad poll numbers by On Iowa Politics Podcast

2017-03-07 Special EnglishThis is Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. Here is the news.Chinese president Xi Jinping says the city planning in Beijing and preparation for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games co-hosted by the city, are two important missions for Beijing in the present and near future.President Xi made the remarks during an inspection tour in Beijing recently.During the two-day inspection, Xi visited the site for Beijing&`&s new international airport, a sports center, the Capital Gymnasium and a forest park.While inspecting the construction site of Beijing&`&s new international airport terminal building, Xi Jinping said the new airport was a major landmark project of the capital, which should adopt the highest standards, best quality and the world&`&s most advanced management technology and experience.At the Wukesong sports center, venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics ice hockey event, the president urged efforts to learn from foreign experience while strengthening domestic development and technological innovation in terms of stadium planning, design and construction.This is Special English.Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, US President Donald Trump&`&s pick for Ambassador to China, has said that he would work to ensure the continued growth of US agricultural exports to China when he begins his new job, particularly reopening the Chinese market for American beef.He said the US-China relationship offers many opportunities to continue to grow agricultural exports" to China. Branstad made the remarks at the US Department of Agriculture&`&s annual Agricultural Outlook Forum. He said he looks forward to being an advocate for all agricultural exports in the new role.US agricultural exports to China have grown more than 200 percent over the past decade and China was the United States&`& second-largest international market in 2015.The governor said China has already imported more US soybeans than all the rest of the world combined, and the world&`&s second-largest economy has become a major importer of American pork as well. He noted that multi-billion dollar soybean contracts between the United States and China have become a commonplace.In terms of his priorities as US Ambassador to China, Branstad said he hoped China to reopen the market for American beef soon. China halted beef imports from the United States in 2003 to prevent the spread of mad cow disease.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing.China will push international cooperation in the cartoon and game industry in countries along the Belt and Road.A cooperation and exchange program in the sector has been launched. That&`&s according to organizers of the China International Cartoon and Game Expo scheduled for July in Shanghai.The event will have a special Belt and Road hall to exhibit cartoon works from participating countries and boost commercial cooperation.China&`&s Ministry of Culture has made it a key task this year to strengthen cooperation in the cartoon and game sector along the Belt and Road.The Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by China in 2013. It aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road trade routes.The expo has been held annually in Shanghai since 2005. It is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Shanghai municipal government. This is Special English.The amount of smuggled ivory tracked down in China fell 80 percent last year from previous peak years.The State Forestry Administration made the announcement at the opening ceremony of a wildlife protection campaign, without specifying detailed numbers.China will stop commercial processing and sales of ivory by the end of this year. Last year, it imposed a three-year ban on ivory imports in an escalated fight against illegal trading of wild animals and plants.The number of illegal wildlife trade cases has been on the decline since last year.Meanwhile, the numbers of critically endangered species in China, including giant pandas, the crested ibis, the Yangtze alligators and the Tibetan antelope, have been increasing steadily.China&`&s newly-revised law on wild animal protection took effect at the start of this year, imposing harsher punishment on overkilling and illegal utilization of wild animals. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing.The first international porcelain contest, "Chinese white", has been held in Dehua County in Fujian province.Porcelain made in Dehua county is famous for its shiny, snow-white color. It is as thin as paper and can produce the sound of chimes when tapped. As early as 650 years ago, Dehua porcelain had become one of the main export commodities sent to Europe through the Maritime Silk Road.The decision to hold the contest every other year was finalized at the first China-France Culture Forum in May last year. It aimed to provide a platform for artists from both countries to communicate and exchange ideas in the field of porcelain arts.Around a dozen artists have arrived at Dehua on March 1 for a seven-month visit where they will create porcelain artworks. The outstanding works will go on show in France in September.This is Special English.China will have many more museums in the coming years. The State Administration of Cultural Heritage said recently that it expects one museum to be available for every 250,000 people in the country by 2020. The plan is part of a comprehensive blueprint to nurture China&`&s protection of cultural heritage and improve public participation in the process. Chinese museums are also likely to see the total annual visitor number rise to 800 million from the current 700 million by that year.The administration also said that the first national survey of movable cultural relics will be completed by 2020, and a database containing identity tags for State-owned artifacts, will be established.According to the blueprint, cultural products worth at least 20 million yuan, roughly 3 million US dollars, will likely be sold in the future.You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. You can access the program by logging on to crienglish.com. You can also find us on our Apple Podcast. Now the news continues.A Chinese language proficiency competition for varsity students has been held in Bangladesh&`&s Dhaka University.Dozens of students applied to attend the competition from a number of leading institutions including Dhaka University, Bangladesh Open University, CRI-SMF Confucius Classroom and North-South University.Zhou Mingdong, director at Dhaka University Confucius Institute, told Xinhua News Agency that around 20 of the applicants were selected through initial processes to join the competition.The winners have been awarded prizes and certificates according to their individual results.Dhaka University Confucius Institute and the Institute of Modern Languages in Dhaka University organized the 2nd Chinese Poetry Recitation Competition and the 3rd Chinese Knowledge Contest.The events are aimed at further inspiring Bangladeshi students who are learning Chinese language and building further bridges of relationship between the people of the two countries through more cultural exchanges.All the contestants competed in two segments featuring speeches and artistic performances.This is Special English.A Columbia University study released recently said women who had infections early in pregnancy may be twice likely to have a child with autism.The research team leader Milada Mahic told NBC News that the mother&`&s immune response to HSV-2 could be disrupting fetal central nervous system development, raising the risk for autism.For instance, the Zika virus can infect a developing baby&`&s brain and some viruses may cause severe birth defects, including brain damage. The research was published in the journal mSphere, a U.S. journal that makes fundamental contributions to microbial sciences.However, some experts drew a different conclusion. Ian Lipkin, an infectious disease expert at Columbia University oversaw the research and believes that it&`&s actually the mother&`&s immune response that causes the damage.Lipkin said the chemicals made by inflammation cross the placenta and directly affect the developing brain of the fetus.Autism refers to a broad range of symptoms, including relatively mild social awkwardness of Asperger&`&s syndrome, profound mental retardation which debilitates repetitive behaviors and an inability to communicate. You&`&re listening to Special English. I&`&m Ryan Price in Beijing. More than 4 percent of the world&`&s population lives with depression, and women, youth and the elderly are the most prone to its disabling effects.The World Health Organization said an estimated 320 million people suffered depressive disorders in 2015, a rise of 18 percent in a decade, as people live longer.A report from the US agency said global economic losses exceed 1 trillion US dollars a year. The loss refers to lost productivity due to apathy or lack of energy that lead to an inability to function at work or cope with daily life.Depression is the single largest contributor to years of living with disability. It is the top cause of disability in the world today. That&`&s according to Dr. Dan Chisholm from the World Health Organization.He said depression is 1.5 times more common among women than men.A further 250 million people suffer anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive behavior and post-traumatic stress disorder.Some 80 percent of those stricken with mental illness live in low-and middle-income countries. This is Special English.Constant stress has been linked to various physical and mental health problems including hypertension, heart disease and insomnia. According to new research, days filled with stress may also increase your risk of becoming overweight.The research was led by Sarah Jackson, a research associate at the Institute of Epidemiology and Health at the University College London. The research results were published in the journal Obesity.For the study, researchers from the university followed over 2,500 men and women aged 54 and older for around four years.The researchers took a sample of hair from each participant to measure the levels of cortisol, a hormone which is released into the bloodstream in times of stress. If a person is under constant stress, the level of cortisol will be much higher.Previous research measured the levels of cortisol in blood or saliva, but these levels can also be affected by other factors, making them unreliable for research.The researchers also collected data on participants&`& weight and compared cortisol levels in the sample to body weight. The results showed that participants with higher cortisol levels tended to have larger waist circumferences.The research concluded that these results provide consistent evidence that long-term stress is associated with higher levels of obesity.Based on the conclusion, Jackson suggested that people should look for better ways to manage stress. This is Special English.New Zealand researchers say they have made a breakthrough in potential treatments for the debilitating Parkinson&`&s disease by identifying how it spreads in the brain.The University of Auckland scientists said they had the first strong evidence that the progressive neurodegenerative condition spread through pathological proteins, known as Lewy bodies, moving from cell to cell.Research leader, Associate Professor Maurice Curtis said in a statement that they have the first proof in cell culture of the mechanism controlling the spread.Curtis said the implication is that if there is a spread of the Lewy bodies in the brain, then the spread could be stopped early on.（全文见周日微信。）

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/309196-branstad-accepts-trumps-offer-to-serve-as-china-ambassador

This week on the podcast, reporters discuss whether Gov. Terry Branstad could become the new U.S. ambassador to China, plus other election odds and ends -- and a look ahead to 2020. On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast which re-creates the conversations that happen when Iowa's political reporters get together after deadlines have been met. This week's show features James Q. Lynch, Todd Dorman and Ed Tibbetts. This week's show was produced by Richard Pratt and the music heard in the podcast is courtesy of The Stockyard Kings. Chat with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @OnIowaPolitics, and subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher. Know an Iowa musician who should be on our show? Send their band sound files to oniowapolitics@gmail.com

Col Al Ringgenberg is running against Sen Mike Gronstal.  Issues.  Then just cuz yer paranoid doesn't mean you don't have enemies.. trying to make sense of a recent Gov. Branstad hire.   Plus dipping into the email pouch.

Merrill Matthews talks about "Contraceptive Coverage: One More Unconstitutional Mandate"  and Iowa Catholics respond to the intrusion.  Did the Branstad administration make an unforced error in trash talking the Family Leader?  

Friday open line....Congressman Steve King on Fox promises to fight birthright citizenship.   Bob Vander Platts is still being slimed by the Register.  (a peek a some hostile email...but I have a nice smile.)   Eminent domain...the same as "special condemnation"?   The next judicial selections may be made by Branstad after all.  And what is the history Iowa's death penalty?