Podcast appearances and mentions of clay masters

After an unusual start, the 2025 legislative session has passed the halfway mark and the budget grind is quickly closing in.  The Senate is narrowly in DFL control by one seat and the House is at a 67-67 tie. How will leaders navigate the tightest party divide in recent history? MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with Speaker of the Minnesota House Lisa Demuth and House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman in front of a studio audience at the UBS Forum in St. Paul. Later in the program, two political analysts unpack developments at Minnesota's Capitol and around the nation. How are recent events landing with voters? Plus, we'll hear sounds from the state Capitol and recap the week with politics reporters Dana Ferguson and Clay Masters.  Each week, the MPR News Politics Team produces an audio postcard of the voices we heard from the State Capitol. Images and audio were produced by Matthew Alvarez, Peter Cox, Dana Ferguson, Clay Masters and Ellie Roth. Photos from MPR photojournalists. Guests:  House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring House Leader Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park  Chas Anderson, a Republican, is the CEO and senior principal at Park Street Public. Todd Rapp, a DFLer, is the CEO and President of Rapp Strategies Inc.  Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. 

Republican state Sen. Justin Eichorn remains in custody Wednesday. He faces widespread calls to resign from members of both political parties after an arrest on suspicion of attempted solicitation of a minor. The person turned out to be an undercover detective. This is the latest upheaval in a legislative session that has seen plenty of it. MPR News senior politics reporter Clay Masters joined MPR News host Nina Moini with the latest.

A state senator is accused of soliciting a teenage girl for prostitution. Now, there are bipartisan calls for Republican Sen. Justin Eichorn to resign. We get the latest on this developing story from MPR News senior politics reporter Clay Masters.As measles spreads in the southern U.S., we check in with a doctor about preventing further outbreaks in Minnesota.Plus, a business owner tried to open a thrift store in a north metro suburb, only to find city zoning laws don't allow it. We talk about how these regulations shape communities.Meteorologist Paul Huttner has the latest on the winter storm in southern Minnesota. This March Madness, all eyes will be on Hopkins native Paige Bueckers. We catch up with her former coach.Today's Minnesota Music Minute was “Moqueca” by room3 and “Here for You” by Afflatus was the Song of the Day.

The Democratic National Committee will elect a new party chair this weekend. Minnesota's Ken Martin, the current state DFL Party leader, is vying for the job.MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst and his guests talk about Martin's run for the national party's top post at a time where Democrats are regrouping.And Republicans in the state have a new leader, too. Minnesota Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash was elected to lead Minnesota's conservative party in December. He joins the conversation to share the state of his party.Meanwhile, the oddity of the session continues as the chamber in the House fails to reach a quorum and DFLers will take back the Senate after a special election. We'll get the latest news, and a roundup of voices, from the state Capitol with reporters Clay Masters and Peter Cox.Guests:  Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison Minnesota Republican Party Chair Alex PlechashMPR News senior politics reporter Dana FergusonSubscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.   

The start of the year also means the start of a busy time at the state capitol. Several new laws went into effect on New Year's Day, including a new law banning junk fees and a crackdown on forever chemicals known as PFAS.Going into session, which starts Jan. 14, the Senate will be tied and the Republicans will have a one seat majority in the House, following the passing of Sen. Kari Dziedzic and the resignation of a DFLer after a court found he did not live in the district he was elected to represent. MPR News senior politics reporter Clay Masters joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about new law changes and the 2025 legislative session.

MPR News senior politics reporter Clay Masters looks back on the 2024 election campaign for the Iowa Caucus to election events leading up to this week when President-elect Trump stepped back into the White House.

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota delivered a speech introducing himself and formally accepting his nomination to serve as Kamala Harris' running mate. Oprah Winfrey also spoke.This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, Minnesota Public Radio reporter Clay Masters, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Earlier in the show we heard from MPR News senior politics reporter Clay Masters who is reporting from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.DFL Congressman Dean Phillips just flew into Minnesota from the DNC. He spoke with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer from the MPR stage about the convention, his reflections on the Democratic ticket and what's next for him.

The Democratic National Convention begins Monday in Chicago. Since last week's addition of Governor Tim Walz to the Democratic ticket, there are many more eyes on the convention here in our state. MPR News politics reporters Mark Zdechlik and Clay Masters are gearing up to head to the convention and they joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer and politics editor Brian Bakst with a preview.

Minnesota's primary election will take place Tuesday, narrowing the field of candidates who will appear on ballots in November's general election. There are several contested primaries that will be closely watched this week. That includes the 5th congressional district in Minneapolis. Rep. Ilhan Omar faces a rematch from former Minneapolis City council member Don Samuels. Two years ago, Omar beat Samuels by just two percentage points. Experts say that whoever wins the DFL primary will likely win the seat in November. Joining MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about the tight race is MPR News senior politics reporter Clay Masters.

We are just under three weeks away from the primary. Leading up to August 13th, we're taking a look at some races that our politics team will be keeping and eye on. We start with congressional district seven. Two-term U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach carved out a solidly conservative reputation at the state capitol before winning a western Minnesota congressional seat four years ago. Yet some in her party don't think Fischbach is conservative enough, and they're backing challenger Steve Boyd in the primary. The winner will be heavily favored to secure the seat in November. MPR senior politics reporter Clay Masters joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to break down the race.

It has been an extraordinary month in our nation's politics. There's been development after riveting development, with each eclipsing the last. And yet, with still 100 days to go till Election Day, this could be just a taste of what's ahead.MPR News host Brian Bakst talks with MPR political reporters Mark Zdechlik and Clay Masters about the last four weeks in politics and breaks down what the country has experienced. Gallery Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

Vice President Kamala Harris has strong backing from Minnesota's delegation to receive the nomination at the Democratic National Convention. That's where the party's nominee will be picked following President Joe Biden's exit from the race. MPR News senior politics reporter Clay Masters joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about the reaction from Minnesota's delegation.

The DFL is in its second year of control of the House, Senate and governor's office. Over the last four months, the DFL passed a rideshare ordinance, a bill on gun restrictions with a tougher penalty for “straw purchasers” and various cannabis resolutions. But there's also a list of bills that didn't pass from an equal rights amendment to sports betting bill and a construction projects plan.MPR News host Brian Bakst talked to Gov. Tim Walz about his take on the 2024 legislative Session. Later, the Republican perspective on this year's session with Sen. Julia Coleman of Waconia and the assistant minority leader in the Minnesota Senate.  Plus, MPR Capitol reporters Dana Ferguson and Clay Masters told us more about what got done at the Capitol this year, what got left behind and what it means for the campaign already under way.  

The last time a Republican presidential nominee won the state of Minnesota was 1972, but lagging enthusiasm for President Biden and a strong 2016 performance in the state have Donald Trump's campaign hoping for an upset.This episode: national political correspondent Sarah McCammon, national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and Minnesota Public Radio senior politics reporter Clay Masters.This podcast was produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Minnesota Republican Party convention gets underway at the St. Paul RiverCentre, with the selection of national delegates and endorsement of a U.S. Senate candidate on the to-do list. Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at the party's annual Lincoln-Reagan fundraising dinner which will be held in association with the convention.  Coming up Friday at noon, a special edition of Politics Friday from the 2024 State Convention for Minnesota Republicans. MPR News host Brian Bakst and the MPR politics team conduct interviews and a look at the scenes at the convention.Later, a recap of the session-ending sprint at the state Capitol with MPR News senior politics reporters Dana Ferguson and Clay Masters.

Minnesota lawmakers have only one more full week to finish up the legislative session's work.  MPR News host Brian Bakst spoke with two leaders of the Minnesota House about the authorization of construction projects, a touch-up of the state budget, updates to Minnesota's new cannabis law and a possible plan to set minimum pay and protections for rideshare drivers — all still up in the air. And May 11 not only marks Minnesota Statehood Day, but a new state flag goes up the pole and a new state seal will replace the old. We got a look at the redesign process that spurred thousands of submissions — and months of debate — and what transition means for Minnesota.Plus, two members of MPR Capitol reporting team, Dana Ferguson and Clay Masters, huddled up for a weekly check-in on Minnesota politics. 

It's the second year for the DFL trifecta at the State Capitol — but the party only has a one seat majority in the Senate and is led by a new face this year.Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy stepped into the role right as this year's session began. Her predecessor, Kari Dziedzic gave up the position down after learning her cancer had returned. MPR News host Brian Bakst sat down with Murphy to discuss how she plans to keep the DFL caucus on the same page and what style she brings to the negotiating table.Murphy talked about a variety of bills that have been introduced at the Legislature. She is skeptical an immigration-oriented proposal, which backers call the North Star Act, could garner the votes to pass this year. The bill would enhance legal protections for immigrants and limit situations where local and state authorities could work with federal immigration authorities.She also said an end-of-life options bill, known to many as an assisted suicide proposal, will also take more time to work through and could spill into a future session. While Murphy said she understands the importance of both bills, she said it's important that the DFL not get ahead of what Minnesotans are prepared for.  “This is an issue that is tender for the people of Minnesota, and it can be easily misunderstood,” Murphy said of the bill giving terminally ill Minnesotans more avenues to end their lives with medication. “That's why I think beginning the hearing process and making sure that the legislation is clear for people so they understand what it would do and what it wouldn't do is really critical to a successful passage.” However, she believes a hearing on the language of the amended school resource officer oversight bill could come as soon as next week. And a sports betting bill is not off the table in the Senate. Bakst also had an interview with a Republican who could take on three-term U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar this November. Retired Navy Commander Joe Fraser is a newcomer to the political scene. His entrance into the race makes five Republicans who have taken campaign steps to challenge Klobuchar. Fraser discussed his support for Ukraine assistance, his stance on immigration matters and his view of the U.S. economy and federal budget.After being hesitant to endorse former President Donald Trump when he entered the race in January, Fraser has now endorsed Trump as his pick for the Republican presidential nominee. “I can't answer for his behavior or the way he carries himself as the President of the United States, but he is who he is,” Fraser said.And to his seeming lack of enthusiasm of sharing a ticket with Trump, “It just happens to be. I think there are a lot of Democrats out there who aren't really thrilled to share the ticket with Joe Biden.” About the assault on the U.S. Capitol building when members of Congress were certifying the 2020 results, Fraser said he can't condone that behavior. “As somebody who swore an oath of support to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic and bear faith and allegiances to the same, I have a hard time with anybody who can justify what they did on January 6,” he said.Editor's note: Senate candidate Joe Fraser's interview was shortened for the noon broadcast. We've included the full interview in the podcast. Guests:  State Sen. Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-Saint Paul U.S. Republican Senate candidate Joe Fraser MPR News Capitol reporter Clay Masters and Axios Twin Cities reporter Torey Van OotSubscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.  

The state legislative session opens on Monday and it's not just law makers who are jumping into action. The politics team at MPR News is gearing up to keep Minnesotans informed about what's happening at the state Capitol.  MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three journalists on the MPR News politics team about what drew them to the politics beat, how covering politics has changed and what to expect from this year's state legislative session and also the upcoming presidential election.   Guests:Brian Bakst was named political editor at MPR News in Oct. 2023 after almost eight years as a political correspondent for MPR News. Before that he worked 17 years for the Associated Press in the Twin Cities.  Dana Ferguson is a senior politics reporter at MPR News. She previously covered Minnesota state government and politics for Forum News Service and worked for newspapers in South Dakota and Wisconsin. Clay Masters joined MPR News as a senior politics reporter in January. He worked for more than a decade in the Iowa Public Radio newsroom as a statehouse and political correspondent and as host of IPR's Morning Edition. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

A retired Navy commander and political newcomer is challenging three-term DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Clay Masters reports.And city crews started clearing an encampment this morning in south Minneapolis.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Mesiter.

The presidential nomination race is shifting ahead to New Hampshire after former President Donald Trump's convincing win in Iowa Monday night. The Republican field continues to shrink. Minnesota voters will soon have their turn but there could be very few candidates still standing by the time Minnesota ballots get counted. MPR News reporter Clay Masters has his eyes on the race and was in Iowa as the results rolled in Monday night. He joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer live from Des Moines.

One of the big tasks of the 2024 legislative session is funding a number of public infrastructure projects around Minnesota. It's a huge measure called a bonding bill and it touches all corners of the state. We spoke with a key lawmaker.Republican presidential candidates who are still in the race are preparing for next week's New Hampshire primary. We talked with senior politics reporter Clay Masters for lessons from Iowa's caucus Monday night.Nora McInerny is back. She's the creator of the podcast, Terrible, Thanks for Asking. She joined the show to say, forget the New Year's resolutions. You're fine the way you are.

The 2024 election kicks off when the first votes of the presidential campaign are cast Monday night in Iowa, where Republicans are jockeying for support in that state's caucuses.Will former President Donald Trump score the victory that eluded him in his first White House run? Could rivals Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley pull off an upset or at least keep it from being a Trump runaway? MPR News host Brian Bakst gets the lay of the Iowa land from MPR News senior politics reporter Clay Masters, who has been reporting extensively on the first-in-the-nation caucuses.With early voting starting here in just days, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon joins the program to talk about preparations for Minnesota's primary.  And two campaign professionals with deep experience in presidential politics will offer their assessments about how 2024 is shaping up.Guests:  Clay Masters is a politics reporter for MPR News.Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon.  Jennifer DeJournett is a Republican political operative and president of Ballot Box Strategies. She has worked on past Iowa caucus campaigns and ran Carly Fiorina's Minnesota campaign in 2016.Corey Day is a Democratic consultant who ran Joe Biden's 2020 Minnesota primary campaign and the former executive director for the DFL Party. Corey is the vice president of the LS2 Group, a political consultancy.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

The 2024 election kicks off when the first votes of the presidential campaign are cast Monday night in Iowa, where Republicans are jockeying for support in that state's caucuses.Will former President Donald Trump score the victory that eluded him in his first White House run? Could rivals Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley pull off an upset or at least keep it from being a Trump runaway? MPR News host Brian Bakst gets the lay of the Iowa land from MPR News senior politics reporter Clay Masters, who has been reporting extensively on the first-in-the-nation caucuses.With early voting starting here in just days, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon joins the program to talk about preparations for Minnesota's primary.  And two campaign professionals with deep experience in presidential politics will offer their assessments about how 2024 is shaping up.Guests:  Clay Masters is a politics reporter for MPR News.Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon.  Jennifer DeJournett is a Republican political operative and president of Ballot Box Strategies. She has worked on past Iowa caucus campaigns and ran Carly Fiorina's Minnesota campaign in 2016.Corey Day is a Democratic consultant who ran Joe Biden's 2020 Minnesota primary campaign and the former executive director for the DFL Party. Corey is the vice president of the LS2 Group, a political consultancy.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

We have a new face on the MPR News politics team. The talented Clay Masters is joining as a senior politics reporter. Clay was previously at Iowa Public Radio as the host of Morning Edition. And this week is his first week with Minnesota Public Radio. And he's hitting the ground running with covering the Iowa Caucuses. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.   We attempt to make transcripts for Minnesota Now available the next business day after a broadcast. When ready they will appear here.

Iowa Republicans caucus in less than a week. Republican presidential candidates are making their final rounds across the state, and our reporters are following their campaigns. We talk to two about what they've learned on the ground. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and Minnesota Public Radio senior politics reporter Clay Masters.This episode was edited by Erica Morrison. It was produced by Jeongyoon Han and Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.

On January 15, Iowa will take center stage as the first leg of the Republican primary race to the presidential nomination.Usually, the caucuses signal the kickoff to primary season. But this year, there isn't a lot that is usual about the Republican race so far.Former President Donald Trump is vying for his party's nomination - against an increasingly smaller pool of challengers.And despite the fact that Trump is currently facing 91 felony charges from state and federal jurisdictions, and has not attended a single debate, he continues to lead the pack.The most recent Iowa polls show him at over 50%. If that number sticks, it would be impossible for any of his four challengers to pull ahead in any significant way.NPR's Scott Detrow speaks to Iowa Public Radio's Clay Masters and J. Ann Selzer, president of the Iowa based polling firm Selzer and Company, on what the candidates numbers say about the race and the overall state of the Republican party.Email us at considerthis@npr.org

The Iowa State Fair regularly draws more than a million people to Des Moines to revel in fried delights and livestock shows — that includes presidential hopefuls. But the mood this year is different than it has been in past presidential election cycles.This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national political correspondent Don Gonyea, and Iowa Public Radio reporter Clay Masters.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.

Republicans set Jan. 15, 2024, as the date for their Iowa caucuses, but candidates have already been camping out in the Hawkeye State trying to win hearts and minds. What messages are they sending, and are they resonating with the state's voters?This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, politics correspondent Susan Davis, and Iowa Public Radio lead political reporter Clay Masters.The podcast is produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.

A focus group of swing voters showed worry about President Biden's age — he'd be 82 at the start of a second term — but the voters said they'd still vote for him over Donald Trump. A 2020 rematch, though, isn't a given: other Republicans like Tim Scott, Nikki Haley, and Mike Pence are likely to face Trump in the next year's primary contests.This episode: politics reporter Deepa Shivaram, White House correspondent Scott Detrow, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and Iowa Public Radio lead political reporter Clay Masters.This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Devin Speak.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.

As Democrats plan for a presidential campaign season without Iowa at the top of the calendar, we look at the impact the decision could have on the state — and how the act of running for president itself may never be the same going forward. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, senior political editor & correspondent Ron Elving, and Iowa Public Radio's lead political reporter Clay Masters.This episode was produced and edited by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Katherine Swartz.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.

IPR's Clay Masters talks with University of Northern Iowa Political Science Professor Chris Larimer about Iowa's midterm election results.

A crowd of Iowans gathered on the capitol steps on Sunday to show their support for trans rights. State and federal agriculture officials confirmed two more cases of bird flu in Iowa over the weekend. Plus, IPR's Clay Masters takes a look at the concerns landowners and environmentalists have about three carbon-capture pipelines that have been proposed in the state.

The South Carolina Republican was a steadfast ally for Donald Trump in Congress, but he voted to impeach the former president after he experienced the attack on the Capitol. Now, Trump has endorsed a primary opponent. And Democrats contend with how to reform the Iowa caucuses after 2020's goat rodeo.This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, South Carolina Public Radio reporter Victoria Hansen and Iowa Public Radio reporter Clay Masters.Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Find and support your local public radio station.

On this edition of Iowa Press we convene a panel of Iowa political reporters to look back on 2021 and preview 2022, including the upcoming legislative session. Joining moderator Kay Henderson at the Iowa Press table are Clay Masters, Morning Edition host and lead political reporter for Iowa Public Radio; Erin Murphy, Des Moines bureau chief for Lee Enterprises; Kathie Obradovich, editor for Iowa Capital Dispatch; and Dave Price, political director for WHO-TV in Des Moines.

On this edition of Iowa Press, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Ottumwa), U.S. congresswoman for Iowa's 2nd District, discusses her work in the House and her plans to run for reelection in Iowa's new 1st District in 2022.  Joining moderator Kay Henderson at the Iowa Press table are Erin Murphy, Des Moines bureau chief for Lee Enterprises, and Clay Masters, Morning Edition host and lead political reporter for Iowa Public Radio.

On this edition of Iowa Press, Wes Ehrecke, president and CEO of the Iowa Gaming Association, and Brian Ohorilko, administrator of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, discuss gambling in Iowa, including how casinos have fared during the pandemic and the growing sports betting industry.  Moderator, Kay Henderson is joined at the Iowa Press table by Erin Murphy, Des Moines bureau chief for Lee Enterprises, and Clay Masters, Morning Edition host and lead political reporter for Iowa Public Radio.

Congress reached a deal to raise the debt ceiling enough to cover the government's spending for a few more months. Anemic job growth persists. Former president Trump is holding an Iowa rally this weekend and his continued flirtation with re-election has kept the Republican primary field on ice.This episode: White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, congressional correspondent Kelsey Snell, chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley, Iowa Public Radio reporter Clay Masters, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.Connect:Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here.Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Listen to our playlist The NPR Politics Daily Workout.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Find and support your local public radio station.

As the rate of new COVID-19 infections remains high in Iowa, the state's top health official says they are working on more rapid testing options. Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced that $100 million of the nearly $1.5 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds allocated to the state will go to build new homes. Plus, IPR's Clay Masters reports on how misinformation about the outcome of the 2020 presidential election is already hanging over next year's midterm in Iowa.

On this edition of Iowa Press our guests Rob Denson, president of Des Moines Area Community College, and Kristie Fisher, chancellor of Iowa Valley Community College District, discuss the status of Iowa's community colleges and some of the opportunities and challenges ahead. Joining moderator David Yepsen at the Iowa Press table are Kay Henderson, news director for Radio Iowa, and Clay Masters, morning host and reporter for Iowa Public Radio. 

There was a lot of action at the Iowa statehouse on Tuesday evening. IPR's Katarina Sostaric tells us that Iowa House Republicans voted to approve amending the Iowa Constitution that says it doesn't protect abortion rights. IPR's Grant Gerlock lays out what's in a billion-dollar education funding bill. Plus, IPR's Clay Masters looks into what public health experts are saying about the return of RAGBRAI in two months and how organizers of this staple of Iowa summers hope to pull off the bicycle ride across the state safely.

On this edition of Iowa Press, Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, and Mike Ralston, president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, discuss Iowa's economy, the job market and the ongoing pandemic impacts on Iowa restaurants and other businesses. Joining moderator David Yepsen at the Iowa Press table are Kay Henderson, news director for Radio Iowa, and Clay Masters, morning host and reporter for Iowa Public Radio.

On this edition of Iowa Press, economists Ernie Goss of Creighton University and David Swenson of Iowa State University discuss the potential economic impact here in Iowa of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Package and the current state of the Iowa economy. Joining this week’s moderator Kay Henderson at the Iowa Press table are Erin Murphy, Des Moines bureau chief for Lee Enterprises, and Clay Masters, morning host and reporter for Iowa Public Radio.

A Des Moines journalist faces trial Monday after she was arrested last summer while covering social justice protests following the death of George Floyd. IPR's Clay Masters talks about the unprecedented trial with the program director of the Committee to Protect Journalists. It was March 8, 2020 that the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Iowa. 5,558 Iowans are known to have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began one year ago. Plus, a check-in with IPR State Government reporter Katarina Sostaric about where things stand after the first legislative deadline of the 2021 session.

Iowa Senate Republicans have passed a bill that cuts the time allowed for voting by mail, early in-person voting, and Election Day voting. A Senate panel has also advanced a bill that would make it easier to remove school board members if they act against state law and school superintendents would be subject to stricter discipline by their licensing board. The proposal would retroactively apply to Des Moines Public Schools. Plus, IPR's Clay Masters takes a look at GOP-backed bills in the Iowa legislature that would ban tenure at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa.

A bill advanced by an Iowa House subcommittee would eliminate restrictions on open enrollment by a handful of school districts. We'll hear that opponents say it would re-segregate schools along racial and economic lines. Plus, the Democratic National Committee holds its first meeting of the Biden era on Thursday. IPR's Clay Masters explains the new DNC chair from South Carolina will have to consider whether Iowa should keep its place at the front of the presidential nominating process.

A legislative preview and headlines from IPR's Clay Masters.

Let Nerdette podcast get you ready for the weekend with a quick gut check after a long election week. Plus an interview with a great author and a new strategy for organizing your thoughts.First, we talk election distractions with Negin Farsad, comedian and host of the Fake The Nation podcast, and Clay Masters, lead political reporter for Iowa Public Radio.Then we talk with author Nick Hornby, author of many wonderful books like High Fidelity, About A Boy, and his newest novel, Just Like You.And finally, we talk with freelance reporter Sophie Hardach about the psychological benefits of reading out loud. Join us!

On this edition of Iowa Press, Chris Larimer, professor of political science at the University of Northern Iowa, and Andrew Green, professor of political science at Central College, discuss the 2020 election. Joining moderator David Yepsen at the Iowa Press table are Kay Henderson, news director for Radio Iowa, and Clay Masters, political reporter and Morning Edition host at Iowa Public Radio. Program support provided by: Associated General Contractors of Iowa, Iowa Bankers Association and FUELIowa.

On this edition of River to River , host Ben Kieffer is joined by infectious disease expert Dr. Eli Perencevich to talk about protecting yourself from the spread of coronavirus with a face shield. IPR’s political reporter Clay Masters conducts interviews with Democrats Eddie Mauro and Kimberly Graham vying to face Senator Joni Ernst in the November election. We also hear from a business president and CEO in Coralville. Gary Watts joins the program to continue our conversations with people impacted by the coronavirus. Watts describes how things have changed for him and his business. Finally, when someone suffers a stroke, a sudden interruption in the blood supply of the brain, time is of the essence. That’s why patients are often transported by helicopter to a medical facility. Neurologist Dr. Enrique Leira speaks with Kieffer on how new research from the University of Iowa studying the effects of helicopter rides led to the discovery of a potential new stroke therapy. Guests: Dr. Eli

We check in with several states that are moving forward with reopening. How have businesses adapted? Are people going back to work? And what’s happened to infection rates? Clay Masters, Luis Carrasco, Rose Scott, Gavin Jackson and Kimberly Atkins join Meghna Chakrabarti.

By midday Tuesday, the Iowa Democratic Party had still not released any results from Monday evening's statewide Democratic presidential caucuses, citing problems with the new mobile software it had deployed to precinct managers to speed their reporting of caucus data. I.D.P. officials said they hope to release at least some of the results by 5 pm Eastern time Tuesday. Despite the disastrous delay and lingering questions about the technical glitches that made the 2020 Iowa Caucus process so dissatisfying, voters in the mostly white, largely rural Midwestern state did cast the first votes of the 2020 Presidential primary season last night. Voters in New Hampshire will have their say next Tuesday. To help explain what happened in Iowa and what it might mean for the Democratic presidential candidates going forward, Tom is joined by two astute - and very busy - political reporters on the scene in Iowa. Holly Bailey is a national political reporter covering the 2020 presidential campaign for the Washington Post, who’s been crisscrossing the state over the past month filing daily “Iowa Diary” reports. She joins us literally from the road near Anamosa, in Eastern Iowa, a little later this hour. We begin with Kate Payne. She covers Eastern Iowa for Iowa Public Radio and she is the co-host, with Clay Masters, of the Caucus Land podcast, which since last July has been illuminating the unique political dynamics that drove this first formal contest of the 2020 presidential race. Kate joins us from the studios of Iowa Public Radio in Iowa City.

This is a special episode, recorded in front of a live audience at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines, IA on Friday, January 31. The cast breaks down everything you need to know about the upcoming Iowa caucuses and how impeachment is affecting the race. This episode: political correspondent Asma Khalid, campaign correspondent Scott Detrow, political reporter Danielle Kurtzleben, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro and IPR's lead political reporter Clay Masters. Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations. Connect:Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here.Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org.Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Find and support your local public radio station.

In the second installment of Politics with Amy Walter from Iowa, we contextualize the caucuses set to take place on Monday. Democratic Strategist Matt Paul fills us in on why many voters are undecided until the last minute and what it will take to convince them to get behind a candidate. Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party Troy Price and Iowa Public Radio's politics reporter Clay Masters explain how the caucus process has changed since 2016. Iowa State University student Megan Johansen explains why she's supporting Pete Buttigieg.  Also, Peter Ambler, the executive director of Giffords explains how the national conversation surrounding gun control has shifted, even in the suburbs.  ICYMI: Check out the first installment from Iowa here.    

In the second installment of Politics with Amy Walter from Iowa, we contextualize the caucuses set to take place on Monday. Democratic Strategist Matt Paul fills us in on why many voters are undecided until the last minute and what it will take to convince them to get behind a candidate. Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party Troy Price and Iowa Public Radio's politics reporter Clay Masters explain how the caucus process has changed since 2016. Iowa State University student Megan Johansen explains why she's supporting Pete Buttigieg.  Also, Peter Ambler, the executive director of Giffords explains how the national conversation surrounding gun control has shifted, even in the suburbs.  ICYMI: Check out the first installment from Iowa here.    

In this episode, Gabe talks to Iowa Public Radio reporter Clay Masters and Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand to break down how the Iowa caucuses work and how Iowa came to be a required stop on the road to the White House. Gabe and his guests will take you inside a caucus room, explain what's changed about the process in 2020, and discuss the future of the caucus system.

In this special episode of The NPR Politics Podcast we sat down with Iowa Public Radio's lead political reporter Clay Masters to talk about why Iowa's caucus comes first in the presidential election and why that matters.Masters explored the history and impact of the caucuses in IPR's new podcast Caucus Land, and we deep dive on the key things he learned while hitting the road and following the 2020 presidential candidates.This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.Connect:Subscribe to the NPR Politics Podcast here.Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org.Join the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Find and support your local public radio station.

You may have heard New Hampshire isn’t TOTALLY first in the nation. We invited Kate Payne and Clay Masters, hosts of the Caucus Land podcast from Iowa Public Radio, to talk about how Iowa got that first spot. Stranglehold is the story of how one small state got its hands around the way we pick presidents - and won’t let go. It’s a political story unlike any you've heard before. Learn more at www.strangleholdpodcast.org Want to make sure that NHPR continues creating projects like Stranglehold? Click here to donate. Thanks for your support. Stranglehold is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio.

Host Ben Kieffer captures sounds and experiences on day two of RAGBRAI starting in Atlantic, passing hundreds of wind turbines along the Iowa countryside and finished with a pie-eating contest in Winterset. The fourth annual "Rhubarb Rumble" pie eating relay pits Team NPR (No Pie Refused) against the Des Moines Register . You'll hear from IPR's own Clay Masters, Kyle Munson and Courtney Crowder of the Des Moines Register , and of course, Scott Horsely (aka Fork Guy) of Team NPR.

Take in the sounds and experiences of the longest distance bike tour in the world without having to navigate on two wheels. Bike Shorts follows Iowa Public Radio's Ben Kieffer (host of River to River) as he journeys across Iowa with members of NPR’s famed RAGBRAI team "No Pie Refused." Join NPR Chief Economics Correspondent Scott Horsely, Iowa Public Radio's Clay Masters, and bikers from around the world as they explore all the wonders and ruckus that RAGBRAI has to offer.

For this special live edition of the show, Sam is joined by NPR national correspondent Sarah McCammon and Iowa Public Radio host and reporter Clay Masters. To Sam, it seems the Democratic Party is running two different primaries: one for their progressive base and another for hypothetical moderate general election voters. Plus how are Iowans feeling about 2020?

They’ll soon outnumber Baby Boomers as the biggest generation. But who are they and how do they feel about issues? Former Branstad & Reynolds spokesman Jimmy Centers and Trump Iowa Campaign Director Eric Branstad join Democratic Millennials Judy Downs and Kimberley Boggus in a free-wheeling WONKS! Journalists Jason Noble of the Des Moines Register and IPR’s Clay Masters are with Dennis Goldford and Kevin Cooney at the “Inquisitors Table.”

Every American needs it. Every American uses it. And yet, our nation remains undecided on whether health care is a right or a privilege. We'll start this week's Flyover on that topic. Our guests were Iowa Public Radio reporter and host Clay Masters; Vivian Ho, director of Rice University's Center for Health and Biosciences; and Sally Pipes, president, CEO and Thomas W. Smith Fellow in Health Care Policy at the Pacific Research Institute.

Two stories dominated politics this week: Donald Trump's feud with Fox News over the latest GOP debate, and the countdown to the 2016 Iowa caucuses. This episode, from Des Moines, Iowa Public Radio host Clay Masters joins podcast host Tamara Keith, with political editor Domenico Montanaro and campaign reporter Scott Detrow in Washington. Find the team on Twitter @Clay_Masters, @tamarakeithNPR, @DomenicoNPR, and @scottdetrow, and at npr.org/politics — or email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org.