Podcasts about iowa democrats

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart discusses her leadership and the path forward for Iowa Democrats.

Don't count America out just yet! Democrats flipped a state Senate seat in Iowa, in a district Trump won by 21 percent—a resounding rebuke to the psychopath in the White House. In an election year that saw incumbents lose all over the world, Trump barely scraped by with one of the narrowest victories in generations, even with the help of the world's richest man, Elon Musk, bribing voters, rampant far-right disinformation, voter suppression laws, several Russian bomb threats, and GOP ratf*cking—everything we covered on the show during the 2024 election, asking, “Is anyone going to do anything, Merrick Garland?”  Americans are notoriously fickle, flipping back and forth between parties 16 times since 2000. Expect a shift in the midterms and a potential flip in the 2028 presidential election. But here's the real question: what if our elections have become as fake as Russia's? We'll dive into that in an upcoming episode to explore what leverage we have left to protect the integrity of our vote. What matters most now is unity in opposition to Trump. But how can we come together when so much resentment remains over who refused to vote for Kamala Harris out of protest and encouraged others to do the same. In this week's bonus show of Gaslit Nation, Andrea and Terrell Starr from the Black Diplomats Podcast and Substack discuss how we can set aside our differences, forgive the past, and unite for the future of our democracy. It's the beginning of a tough conversation that ignited online after Trump essentially called for ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the deportation of pro-Palestinian protesters here at home—an outcome many of us warned about when we urged people to vote for the sake of humanity's survival.   Want to enjoy Gaslit Nation ad-free? Join our community of listeners for bonus shows, ad-free episodes, exclusive Q&A sessions, our group chat, invites to live events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit!   Show Notes: Rachel Maddow episode that includes segment on Curtis Yarvin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UdHdjuodPg   Transcript: Rachel Maddow episode that includes segment on Curtis Yarvin: https://www.happyscribe.com/public/the-rachel-maddow-show/exclusive-rachel-maddow-interviews-mn-governor-tim-walz-as-trump-plots-end-of-u-s   New York Times profile of Curtis Yarvin (gift article) https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/18/magazine/curtis-yarvin-interview.html?unlocked_article_code=1.tU4.5F3W.Vw3JZNQC_UYS&smid=url-share   Terrell Starr // Black Diplomats Substack https://substack.com/@terrellstarr   The size of Donald Trump's 2024 election victory, explained in 5 charts https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/the-size-of-donald-trumps-2024-election-victory-explained-in-5-charts   Trump's Gaza proposal rejected by allies and condemned as ethnic cleansing plan https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/26/trump-resumes-sending-2000-pound-bombs-to-israel-undoing-biden-pause   Iowa Democrats flip Senate seat in special election to cut into Republican majority https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/01/28/iowa-democrats-flip-senate-seat-in-special-election-chris-cournoyer/77999519007/   Don't Let Liberal Purity Elect Trump https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/30/opinion/gaza-harris-trump.html   Events at Gaslit Nation   Feb 3 4:30pm ET – Dr. Meena Bewtra of Doctors for America joins our Gaslit Nation Salon to share how to protect Obamacare and medicaid Feb 7 8:30pm ET - Gaslit Nation Board Game Night! We're playing Codenames. Here's a primer: https://youtu.be/zQVHkl8oQEU?si=YjkUvZa9XQQTVlF8 Feb 10 4pm ET – Russian mafia expert Olga Lautman joins our Gaslit Nation Salon to discuss Russia, Ukraine, and Trump Feb 24 4pm ET – Gaslit Nation Book Club at our Gaslit Nation Salon to discuss Albert Camu's The Stranger (Matthew Ward translation) and Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning March 17 4pm ET – Dr. Lisa Corrigan joins our Gaslit Nation Salon to discuss America's private prison crisis in an age of fascist scapegoating  NEW! Indiana-based listeners launched a Signal group for others in the state to join, available on Patreon ONGOING! Florida-based listeners are going strong meeting in person. Be sure to join their Signal group, available on Patreon  NEW! Climate Crisis Committee launched in the Patreon Chat thanks to a Gaslit Nation listener who holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences NEW! Caretaker Committee launched in the Patreon Chat for our listeners who are caretakers and want to share resources, vent, and find community  NEW! Public Safety page added to GaslitNationPod.com to help you better protect yourself from this lunacy (i.e. track recalls, virus threats, and more!) https://www.gaslitnationpod.com/public-safety ONGOING! Have you taken Gaslit Nation's HyperNormalization Survey Yet? It's available on GaslitNationPod.com https://www.gaslitnationpod.com/survey-reject-hypernormalization ONGOING! Gaslit Nation Salons take place Mondays 4pm ET over Zoom and the first ~40 minutes are recorded and shared on Patreon.com/Gaslit for our community  Thank you to everyone who supports the show!   

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. 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, we preview the legislative session and talk about Rita Hart being re-elected as Iowa Democrats' state leader and an Iowa man joining a lawsuit against the federal government for $50 billion.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

This week on the podcast, an Iowan is the new U.S. ambassador to NATO, Iowa Democrats talk about where the party goes from here and the latest in Iowa's 1st Congressional District. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Gazette columnist Todd Dorman and Sarah Watson of The Quad City Times.This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

Candidates in Iowa's second congressional district share thoughts on Biden's proposal involving over-the-counter birth control methods. The expiration of the 2018 farm bill is impacting farmers. And how Iowa Democrats are making abortion rights a central issue in their campaigns.

In this episode of ITR Live, hosts Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson discuss various topics including new updates to the ITR Live Studio at the Hendrickson Center for the Preservation of Western Civilization. Shocking news as Iowa Democrats finally get fact-checked by the mainstream media, even though it came from a network TV station in Omaha. Legislative Democrats decided to make up their on facts on public school closures to win cheap political points on Educational Savings Accounts heading into the November election. Chris and John also discuss once again the achievements of Governor Kim Reynolds in tax reforms and how Iowa is leading the nation on fiscal policy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of factual reporting and the implications of upcoming elections on Iowa's future.

00000192-0a73-dd03-a7fa-8bf7b48e0000https://www.wvik.org/podcast/good-morning-from-wvik-news/2024-09-19/optimism-grows-among-iowa-democratsJim O'HaraOptimism Grows Among Iowa Democrats100

Iowa Democrats say the state's Area Education Agencies have 429 fewer employees than last year, after lawmakers made changes to the system's funding and structure. Classes are set to begin in Rock Valley, after two months of repair and preparation following severe flooding in June. And, a landfill in northeast Iowa is recycling the methane it produces into natural gas.

Iowa's fetal heartbeat abortion ban goes into effect today. Iowa Democrats heard from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear over the weekend. And the Trans Youth Emergency Fund is now available in Iowa.

The Des Moines City Council is considering changing its ordinance that allows the clearing of encampments on public property this morning, some say the new ordinance is a harder-line approach to homelessness. The Iowa chapter of the ACLU has sent a letter to the council opposing the changes. Iowa Democrats respond to President Biden's exit from the 2024 presidential race. And a Polk County Judge says he's allowing some time to lift the injunction on Iowa's heartbeat abortion ban, but didn't say how much time.

Welcome to the Friday, July 12, episode of On Iowa Politics. This week on the podcast, the latest on disaster recovery efforts in Iowa, a surprise suspension of a statehouse re-election campaign, and Iowa Democrats' response to the calls for Biden to drop out.This week:Erin Murphy, the Des Moines Bureau Chief for The Gazette in Cedar Rapids.Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton.Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough.Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times.Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal.

Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand discusses the work his office is doing, Iowa Democrats, politics and his future.

Iowa Democrats say more than 12,000 people participated in the party's first-ever mail-in caucus, with President Joe Biden capturing more than 90% of that vote. Iowa House Republicans have passed a bill putting more restrictions on absentee voting. And the Senate has passed a bill that would make it is a crime to enter the state if they were already deported or refused entry to the U.S.

Featured StoriesBiden easily wins Iowa Democrats' mail-in caucusMarion mayor: New mobile library, Central Plaza and more planned for 2024Former U.S. ag secretary to keynote Celebration of Ag in Cedar RapidsThis episode was hosted and produced by Bailey Cichon.

0000018e-1450-da31-a58f-bc5147320000https://www.wvik.org/podcast/good-morning-from-wvik-news/2024-03-06/super-tuesday-results-for-iowa-democratsJim O'HaraSuper Tuesday Results for Iowa Democrats10

Smuggling people would be a new crime in Iowa under a bill advancing at the Statehouse. Iowa Democrats are proposing a number of bills to protect abortion rights, expand access to birth control, and extend postpartum Medicaid coverage. And, a Mason City native who has led the national League of Women Voters for the past four years has died.

Former President Donald Trump has won the Iowa caucuses by a record margin. He defeated Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis by 30 percentage points. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley finished third. Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy was a distant fourth, and announced he was suspending his campaign for president. Iowa Democrats caucused as well, but not to choose a presidential nominee. Turnout was reported low.

The Iowa Caucuses are here, but do they actually matter? Tune in for the latest on how extreme weather may affect turnout, all the weird and cringey attempts from candidates to spark some magic in the 11th hour, and an update on how Iowa Democrats are holding their own, non binding caucuses after being dethroned as the first state.  Do your part! Leave a 5-star review and follow us on Twitter @CowardCast! debatemecoward.com    

Welcome to the weekend!This is Stephen Colbert from the Gazette Digital News Desk, and I'm here with your update for Saturday, January 6th and Sunday January 7th, 2024.According to the National Weather Service, there may be some snow from Friday night, but otherwise Saturday will be partly sunny, with a high near 37. Saturday night will have a 20 percent chance of snow and be mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.Sunday will be partly sunny, with a high near 34, and Sunday night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.The first winter storm of 2024 is en route to IowaThe first winter storm of the year will blow across the Midwest early next week, meteorologists are forecasting.The storm system should charge through southeastern Iowa Monday afternoon into Tuesday evening. It brings a 40 percent to 70 percent chance of at least minor winter travel impacts to Eastern Iowa, with the potential for accumulating snowfall and strong winds.Be sure to check weather forecasts and road conditions before you travel anywhere, and pack an emergency supply kit for your vehicle.Iowa Republican caucus results will be posted in real time on caucus nightThe results of the first-in-the-nation Iowa Republican presidential caucus will be reported in real time on a public website, the state party said Thursday.The Iowa Republican caucus results will be displayed online and constantly updated through the evening as they are reported to and confirmed by the state party, Republican Party of Iowa consultant Patrick Stewart told reporters Thursday.Stewart said the results will be processed in three stages: vote collection at the 1,657 precincts across the state, verification at state party headquarters, and the public reporting to the website.Iowa Democrats push to reverse state rejection of federal summer food assistanceIowa Statehouse Democrats will push to reverse a decision from state officials to opt out of a federal food assistance program for low-income children, party leaders said during a forum Thursday.House and Senate Democratic leaders made the remarks during the Iowa Capitol Press Association's annual Legislative Session Preview Forum. Republican leaders and Republican Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds declined to attend the forum.The state Department of Health and Human Services announced in December that it would not participate in the 2024 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children program. The program would have given $40 per child for each of the summer months to families who qualify for free and reduced lunch during the school year.Instead, Reynolds said the state would expand existing programs that “leverage partnerships with community-based providers and schools who understand the needs of the families they serve.”Have a good weekend everyone.

THIS IS A PREVIEW. IF YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE, CHECK OUT FRUITLESS ON PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=11922141EPISODE ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/posts/iowa-democrats-92538451Justin Comer (Rock Hard Caucus) and Gavin Aronsen (Iowa Informer) join Josiah to discuss the Iowa Democratic Party's attack on University of Iowa Democrats after they issued a statement supporting Palestine. While this is a local Iowan story, it's also a case study in a broader trend of liberals attacking Palestinian solidarity, both on campuses and in their own ranks, especially surrounding the slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." Music by SHADE08

The Biden administration is proposing giving Iowa an estimated $8 million to help address the opioid epidemic. Iowa Democrats can begin requesting mail-in presidential preference cards for the 2024 Iowa caucuses. Plus, Waterloo has proposed a development solution to one of its riverfront brownfield sites.

Welcome to the weekend!This is Stephen Colbert from the Gazette Digital News Desk, and I'm here with your update for Saturday, October 7th, and Sunday, October 8th, 2023.According to the National Weather Service, Saturday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Saturday night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.Sunday, will be mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 65, cooling to a low around 39 Sunday night.Iowa Democrats release details of mail-in caucus planIowa Democrats will wait until Super Tuesday in early March to release the results of its planned mail-in caucus presidential preference contest that begins months earlier.Iowa Democrats will be able to register for the mail-in absentee process starting Nov. 1, according to new details released by the party. Presidential preference cards will be mailed starting Jan. 12.Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart briefed reporters Friday ahead of a meeting of the Democratic National Committee's rules committee, which has yet to sign off on Iowa Democrats' presidential preference plan.Cedar Rapids considering rules for controlling feral cat populationA proposed ordinance intended to control the population of free-roaming cats in Cedar Rapids is causing concern among animal welfare activists over provisions that include setting a threshold for ceasing to feed to animals.The changes, if adopted by the City Council, would make Cedar Rapids one of several cities in Eastern Iowa to adopt rules for “trap-neuter-return” — a common way of keeping community cat populations under control without having to euthanize them.Family farms turning pumpkin patches, orchards into tourist drawsFrom new pumpkin patches to lavender fields to honey to maple syrup, family farms have become popular destinations for families to enjoy the outdoors, connect with farmers and the local food system, reduce screen time and entertain, educate and stimulate children.Johnson and Washington counties have teamed up on a new marketing effort to create a regional brand and promote the area as an agritourism destination.At the state and local level, government and business leaders have sought to promote and leverage Iowa's natural assets and entrepreneurial farm operations to further grow agritourism and engage the public in Iowa's agricultural operations, whether through farm or winery tours, cider houses, hay rides, apple- and berry-picking or other activities.Besides the Johnson and Washington county effort in the Corridor, Linn County also is working to boost agritourism, seeing its potential to attract visitors.Go to TheGazette.com to read our full interview with with Sarah Thompson, rural development director of Greater Iowa City Inc., about the effort and the potential to increase agritourism in Iowa.Don't forget to register for our free 2023 Iowa Ideas conference!Iowa Ideas is an annual virtual conference designed to gather Iowans from all perspectives to explore, discuss and offer solutions on issues impacting the state. Every attendee has the ability to customize their own schedule, with over fifty sessions across nine tracks. The free virtual conference will take place October 12-13. Register for free at IowaIdeas.com.Have a good weekend, everyone.

Chad and Jim close out the week by celebrating that Iowa Democrats have accepted the terms of surrender, and the Democratic Caucus will move back to Super Tuesday.Meanwhile, that border fencing from the Biden team is much less than it meets the eye - this is just an attempt to avoid legal and political headaches of not spending money that they're legally required to spend.And In the aftermath of this week's test of the National Emergency Alert System, the guys chew over the fact that the National Emergency Alert System has never been used in an actual national emergency, which raises the question of what the point of it is...Please visit our great sponsors:4Patriothttps://4Patriots.comUse code MARTINI to get 10% off your purchase.Moink Boxhttps://moinkbox.com/martiniGet FREE ground beef for a YEAR at MoinkBox .com/MARTINI

Chad and Jim close out the week by celebrating that Iowa Democrats have accepted the terms of surrender, and the Democratic Caucus will move back to Super Tuesday. Meanwhile, that border fencing from the Biden team is much less than it meets the eye – this is just an attempt to avoid legal and political […]

This is Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette Digital News Desk, and I'm here with your update for September 18, 2023.According to the National Weather Service on Monday it will be sunny with a high near 78 degrees in the Cedar Rapids area. Late Monday night into Tuesday morning there is a high chance of showers and potentially a thunderstorm.According to the Associated Press a judge found an Iowa man guilty Friday in the murder of a 10-year-old girl who was missing for eight months before her remains were found in a pond.51-year-old Henry Earl Dinkins was found guilty of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the death of Breasia Terrell, whose disappearance July 10, 2020, led to massive searches by dozens of volunteers and numerous law enforcement agencies. A fisherman found her body in March 2021 in a rural area north of Davenport.Sentencing was set for Oct. 11, at which Dinkins faces a mandatory term of life in prison.According to the report, after the decision, as deputies were removing Dinkins from the courtroom, spectators erupted in cheers.No one was injured after firefighters responded to a fire raging at a farm southwest of Cedar Rapids on Sunday.According to the Cedar Rapids Fire Department, firefighters from Fairfax and Cedar Rapids were called just after noon on Sunday to a fire at a farm at the 7500 block of 16th Ave SW.Crews arriving at the scene saw that a corn bin and barn there were fully aflame. The fire had progressed to such a degree on those two structures that firefighters decided that they could not be saved, and they worked to contain the fire and protect nearby structures, according to the release.Once a perimeter protecting those other buildings had been established, firefighters attacked the fire consuming the barn and silo from multiple positions, quickly bringing the fire under control.The corn bin and barn were a total loss, according to the release. No firefighter injuries were reported.The cause of the fire is under investigation.Iowa Democrats voted on Saturday to hold their 2024 caucuses on Jan. 15, the same day as Republicans.The date fills in one detail as the party works to plan its calendar and presidential nominating contest after being booted from being the first-in-the-nation presidential nominating contest by the national party earlier this year.The date also falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday.Under the party's proposal, the caucuses would only be a party organizing meeting, while the presidential preference count that has historically put the caucuses in the national spotlight will be held via a mail-in process at a different time.

Iowa's Political Shift: A Deep Dive into Changing Political Landscapes The Iowa State Fair sits at the center of the political universe, with Republican Presidential candidates each making their obligatory appearance. The past weekend had Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis both there at the same time. The New York Times recently published an article drawing attention to the Democrats' predicaments in Iowa. The article, based on interviews with a number of Iowa Democrats, reveals a general sense of disillusionment within the party's ranks. Many interviewed spoke candidly about the challenges they face, from dwindling support to policy misalignment. Over the years, political landscapes undergo seismic shifts and no place exemplifies these changes better than Iowa. The state, once a stronghold for progressive ideologies, has veered towards the right in recent times. Conservatives have replaced the previous progressive agenda, underscoring a profound shift in Iowa's political balance. John and Chris also have a few thoughts on cost of our investment in Ukraine with a troubling lack of accountability.

This is Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette Digital News Desk, and I'm here with your update for Monday, July 10.It will be a sunny day to start your week. According to the National Weather Service it will be sunny with a high near 90 degrees in the Cedar Rapids area. A chance for rain will return on Tuesday and Wednesday.Police and firefighters evacuated a southwest Cedar Rapids motel Saturday after receiving several calls reporting a gas leak or some other vapor exposure.One person was evaluated by ambulance crews, but did not need additional medical care, according to a Cedar Rapids public safety spokesman. No injuries were reported.Authorities were first called at 10:14 a.m. to the Motel 6 at 616 33rd Ave. SW. According to the spokesman, utility crews found the source of the exposure and fixed it. But then, about 1:44 p.m., authorities were called again after guests began complaining of symptoms of an apparent exposure to gas or vapor.Firefighters responded again, and ventilated the motel and conducted a room-by-room search to evacuate guests. According to a previous real estate listing, the two-story motel, built in 1977, has 100 guest rooms.The incident remains under investigationIowa Republicans will hold their upcoming presidential caucuses on Jan. 15, 2024, the state party announced Saturday.The announcement resolves one uncertainty about the 2024 Iowa caucuses, but much still is in question as Iowa Democrats seek to hold an early caucus while following rules set by the Democratic National Committee last year that kicked Iowa Democrats from the first-in-the-nation spot.Iowa GOP chair Jeff Kaufmann criticized Iowa Democrats' previous caucus proposals — which included conducting the presidential selection process mostly by mail — in his announcement on Saturday.Generally the one point of agreement between Iowa Democrats and Republicans, the caucus process has become fractious as Republicans have accused Democrats of threatening Iowa's first-in-the-nation status with their mail-in caucus proposal.Four weeks into summer school across Iowa's public universities, enrollment remains below pre-pandemic levels — although campus leaders are “encouraged” by signs student counts are normalizing.UI summer enrollment for the term that started May 15 was 10,261 — the lowest since 1980; 183 students below last summer's 10,444; and 21 percent down from 2017's 13,005.Although Iowa State University saw a slight uptick of 65 students this summer to 8,468, its count remains well below the ISU summer peak of 12,060 students in 2017.And while University of Northern Iowa's summer enrollment inched up 42 students to 2,631, it's 64 percent below the 4,326 students UNI reported in summer 2017.Although Iowa's public universities' combined six-year graduation rate dipped in the most recent report in fall 2022, their collective four-year rate has been climbing — now reaching 56 percent, up from 35 percent in 2000.The quicker paths to graduation could be in play in the public universities' broader enrollment drops — mirrored in the lower summer counts — which were predicted, due to the state's changing demographics, and were aggravated by COVID's impact on the traditional college experience and student lives.

After a state supreme court ruling, Iowa Democrats brace for special legislative session on abortion and the fetal-heartbeat bill.

On the podcast this week, the Iowa Supreme Court rules on the fetal heartbeat bill, national Democrats reject Iowa Democrats' caucus plan, more fallout from Iowa Senate Democrats' leadership shakeup, and our gang talks to some of the long-shot presidential candidates in Iowa.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 Des Moines Bureau Chief in Cedar Rapids Erin Murphy and features The Gazette's Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.The show was produced by Stephen M. Colbert and the music heard on the podcast is courtesy of Paleo and Copperhead.

This Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette Digital News Desk, and I'm here with your update for Wednesday, June 14.It may not be summer, yet, but it's going to feel like it on Wednesday. According to the National Weather service it will be mostly sunny in the Cedar Rapids area on Wednesday with a high near 90 degrees. On Wednesday evening it will be partly cloudy, with a low of around 62 degrees.According to reporting from the Associated Press, Donald Trump became the first former president to face a judge on federal charges as he pleaded not guilty in a Miami courtroom Tuesday to dozens of felony counts that he hoarded classified documents and refused government demands to give them back.Trump approached his arraignment with characteristic bravado, posting social media broadsides against the prosecution from inside his motorcade and insisting as he has through years of legal woes that he has done nothing wrong and was being persecuted for political purposes. But despite his swagger, he still will have to answer to 37 felony counts that accuse him of willfully retaining classified records that prosecutors say could have jeopardized national security if exposed, as well as trying to hide them from investigators who demanded them back.Meanwhile, back in Iowa, drama continued for Iowa Democrats.Mike Gronstal, a Democrat from Council Bluffs and former Iowa Senate majority leader, was asked to resign from his statehouse lobbying job for the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council after the organization learned of his involvement in Senate Democrats' recent removal of Sen. Zach Wahls as their leader.The Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council is a collection of nine regional building trades councils that represents thousands of Iowa construction workers. The organization lobbies state lawmakers on proposed legislation related to the construction industry.The nature of Gronstal's involvement in Senate Democrats' leadership change was not detailed by the council or made public by Senate Democrats. But the two longtime staffers who were fired had worked for Gronstal when he was majority leader.The council asked for Gronstal's resignation the next day.The two staffers who were fired by Wahls — Erik Bakker and Deb Kattenhorn — have been rehired and are once again working for Iowa Senate Democrats, a caucus spokesman confirmed.And one staffer who Wahls had hired, Kaity Patchett, was fired by Jochum. Patchett previously worked in the office of former Central Iowa U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne.A portion of Tower Terrace Road in Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha, which has been closed for a little over a year for the construction of an interchange connecting the road to Interstate 380, is scheduled to open later this month.A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new interchange — a “diverging diamond” design — is scheduled for June 22, and the Iowa Department of Transportation is hoping to have the roadway open on or shortly after that date.This will be Iowa's third diverging diamond interchange, and the first on the east side of the state. Diverging diamond is an interchange design in which traffic switches to the left side of the roadway while crossing over the interstate, allowing those turning left onto the interstate a clean turn, rather than turning across incoming traffic.

Political analysts Donna Hoffman and Sara Mitchell talk about recent and upcoming trips to the state by potential GOP presidential contenders and the work to be done by Iowa Democrats.

Voter registration hit a 20-year high in last year's midterms, Iowa Democrats work around losing their early caucus status, and Florida Republicans vote to shield top lawmakers' travel records from the public.

Also, Iowa homeowners saw their property assessments increase drastically — in some cases as much as 50%. An Iowa assessor shares what this means for their taxes and how to appeal.

On this week's edition of the On Iowa Politics podcast: the legislative debate turns fromschool funding to school policy, Iowa Democrats gain a new leader just as they're about to lose first in the nation, and some 2024 news — since Republicans' hashtag-i-a-caucus is still hashtag f-i-t-n.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 Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, and Gazette Columnist Todd Dorman.The show was produced by Stephen M. Colbert, and the music heard on the podcast is courtesy of Natalie Brown and Copperhead.

‘Crypto bros' donated to Iowa Democrats in 2022The Iowa Democratic Party said Wednesday it is looking into a $250,000 campaign donation from Nishad Singh, a former executive of the cryptocurrency company FTX. Singh's large donation was first reported by the Des Moines Register.But that was not the only donation Iowa Democrats received from FTX leaders in 2022.A separate $10,000 donation from Singh to the state party on the same date is recorded in federal campaign finance records.Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX's founder and CEO, donated $9,756.20 to the Iowa Democratic Party on Aug. 31, $2,900 to Democratic Representative Cindy Axne, on Oct. 17, and $5,000 to a PAC that supported Axne on Sept. 28 according to federal campaign finance records.Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas recently and faces myriad charges of fraud and money laundering.Singh donated more than $8 million to Democratic candidates and causes in 2021 and 2022, according to federal campaign finance records. Bankman-Fried donated more than $40 million to various political candidates and causes, from both major political parties, according to federal records.Pearson lays off 50 in Iowa City, closes officePearson is laying off 50 employees at its Iowa City facility on North Dodge — an office it recently closed “and opened opportunities for employees to work in one of our Cedar Rapids facilities,” a spokesman for the company said.The Iowa City layoffs were part of changes Pearson is making “to invest in priorities that will better serve our customers and drive growth in a rapidly changing market,” Dan Nelson, vice president of Pearson's global media relations, told The Gazette on Wednesday.“We understand that these changes are difficult for those whose jobs are affected,” Nelson said in an email. “We have been transparent with all impacted employees, offering ample notification, a generous severance package, and outplacement services.”Marion Methodist Church project may be among CDBG grant applications A renovation that seeks to breathe new life into Marion Methodist Church — a historic building that was saved from demolition through a last-minute deal this year — is among several projects looking for city support letters to apply for a Community Development Block Grant program.The Marion City Council will vote Thursday night on approving letters of support for the five projects that are looking to submit applications.The federal block grant disaster funds are allocated to the Iowa Economic Development Authority through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Linn County will receive 80 percent of the overall $57.6 million, while the other 20 percent — about $11 million — will be used in Marshall, Tama and Benton counties. The IEDA has six years to fully spend the funds.

Welcome to the weekend!This is Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette digital news desk and I'm here with your update for Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4.Saturday will feature Friday's wind without Friday's warmth. According to the National Weather Service there will be a high near 27 degrees in the Cedar Rapids area on Saturday, with wind chill values as low as -5. It will be blustery to begin the day, with winds of 15 to 20 mph gusting as high as 30 mph. The wind should calm the second half of Saturday, with a low of around 19 degrees. Sunday will be calmer and warmer. It is predicted to be sunny with a high near 42 degrees.As expected, Iowa's Democratic Party is on track to lose the first-in-the-nation presidential caucus status it has held for half a century.In a major realignment meant to give voice in the party to more people of color, the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted Friday on a proposed calendar for early presidential nominating contests that will remove Iowa as an early state in the party's nominating calendar.The states making up the new early window for 2024, holding Democratic primaries before the first Tuesday in March, would consist of South Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Georgia and Michigan. The proposal will need to be approved by the full Democratic National Committee, but it is expected to easily pass.Republicans, on the other hand, already have agreed to a nominating calendar that keeps Iowa's first-in-the-nation status for GOP presidential candidates.If all happens as expected, things could get awkward for Iowa Democrats. In accordance with tradition state law requires both parties in Iowa to hold their caucuses before anyone else in the nation. However, if Iowa still adheres to that with a full caucus, they could be penalized by the national party, including losing half or all of its delegates.A 70-year-old Iowa City man was sentenced to 50 years in prison Friday after entering a guilty plea for a charge that he fatally stabbed his wife in 2019.Roy Carl Browning Jr., 70, of Iowa City, originally charged with first-degree murder, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in October. He was charged in the death of JoEllen Browning, 65, a University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics budget executive. Roy Browning entered an Alford plea to the charge, in which a defendant doesn't admit guilt but admits the prosecution has enough evidence for a likely conviction.He protested his innocence during the sentencing Friday, despite the plea. Investigators believe he stabbed his wife to prevent her from learning about risky loans, falsified accounting records, and that he had depleted one of her savings accounts.A 19-year-old Cedar Rapids man pleaded Friday to lesser charges in the 2021 fatal shooting of a 15-year-old Illinois girl during a gun sale that turned into a “tussle” over money and the gun.Marshawn Rome Jackson, 19, originally charged with first-degree murder, pleaded to voluntary manslaughter, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, dominion/control of a firearm by a felon and obstructing prosecution.Jackson, during the plea hearing, admitted to intentionally shooting Tyliyah Whitis, of Peoria, Ill., during a gun sale July 21, 2021, First Assistant Linn County Attorney Monica Slaughter said after the hearing.Jackson and Whitis, who was in Cedar Rapids visiting her sister, knew each...

Fresh off his Iowa trip, Joe reports back on a few days of canvassing the state - what has Iowa Democrats really energized? Joe and Alex catch up on all the good news for Democrats this week - economic numbers, encouraging polling, and more. And what's Joe's unvarnished take on the Pennsylvania debate? Did it even matter? Plus, 107,000 "found" voter registrations in Virginia... wait, what? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's edition of the On Iowa Politics podcast: U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst splits her votes on legislation providing health care for veterans harmed by serving near burn pits, Iowa Democrats' first-in-the-nation status gets a stay of execution, and a consequential — and perhaps predictive — vote on abortion in Kansas. 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 Statehouse Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and features Lee Des Moines Bureau chief Caleb McCullough, Gazette Opinion Editor Todd Dorman, and the Gazette's deputy Des Moines Bureau Chief Tom Barton. The show was produced by Stephen M. Colbert, and the music heard on the podcast is courtesy of Iowa bands Sound Thoughts and Copperhead.

Former Republican Congress member Jim Leach recently announced his endorsement of Iowa Democratic candidates in the upcoming midterm election.

This is John McGlothlen with The Gazette digital news desk and I'm here with your update for Monday, August 1st. According to the National Weather Service, it will be sunny in the Cedar Rapids area today, with a high near 86. Winds from the northwest 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Then tonight, we have a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 a.m., with a low around 65. Two Cedar Rapids police officers exchanged gunfire with a driver they pulled over early Saturday, injuring the driver, authorities said. The officers, whose names were not released, were not injured. The Iowa Department of Public Safety's Division of Criminal Investigation said it had been asked by the city to help investigate the officer-involved shooting. The DCI said that shortly before 4 a.m., the officers pulled over a car for erratic driving in the 2200 block on Glass Road NE, just west of Interstate 380. “The driver of the vehicle brandished a firearm and gunfire was exchanged between the driver and two Cedar Rapids police officers,” the division said. The driver, whose name also was not released, suffered gunshot wounds and was taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A condition was not released. The Democratic National Committee has delayed a decision on the presidential nominating calendar, leaving Iowa Democrats to wait three months until after the November midterm elections to find out the fate of the Iowa caucuses. Iowa is among 16 states and Puerto Rico vying to be included in Democrats' early presidential nominating window ahead of Super Tuesday in early March 2024. The DNC rules committee voted in April to reopen the presidential nominating window, forcing all interested states — including the current early-nominating states of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina — to apply for a spot. –

On this week's edition of the On Iowa Politics podcast: The Kim Reynolds Court, a career Iowa Republican Congressman endorses Democrats, a close AG campaign, and Todd tells Iowa Democrats to show him the money. 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 Statehouse Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and features Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, Gazette Opinion Editor Todd Dorman, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, and the Gazette's deputy Des Moines Bureau Chief Tom Barton. The show was produced by Stephen M. Colbert, and the music heard on the podcast is courtesy of Iowa bands Mcphisto and Copperhead.

Iowa Democrats made their case to their national party to keep the Iowa caucuses in the early presidential nominating calendar. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley voted no and Senator Joni Ernst voted yes on the bipartisan gun bill that passed the U.S. Senate. A western Iowa town will hold its very first Immigrant Heritage Festival tomorrow. Plus, Iowa State University is suspending its men's hockey club from competition next year in response to allegations of hazing.

This is Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette digital news desk and I'm here with your update for Friday, June 24. Back below 90 we go for the final day of the work week. According to the National Weather Service it will be mostly sunny with a high near 86 degrees on Friday in the Cedar Rapids area. There will be increasing clouds Friday with a low of 69 degrees. There will be a good chance of rain early Saturday morning. Warmer temperatures will return on Saturday and with that will come storms, but the push and pull will result in even cooler temperatures afterward. Iowa Democrats argued Thursday the state offers a path to victory for long-shot candidates and opportunities for meaningful conversations with rural Americans and Iowans from every walk of life as they made their pitch to hold onto their place at the front of the party's presidential nominating calendar. State party officials presented proposed changes for caucuses to the Democratic National Committee's Rules & Bylaws Committee in Washington in an effort to hold onto their first-in-the-nation status. Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Ross Wilburn told committee members Iowa presents a “unique opportunity” for presidential candidates to connect with voters distributed across urban, rural and suburban areas in a “presidential swing state” where a majority of congressional districts are competitive. The DNC rules committee voted in April to reopen the presidential nominating window, forcing all interested states — including the current early-nominating states of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina — to apply for a spot. Iowa has long drawn criticism for being a first in the nation presidential contest given the state's lack of diversity and confusing caucus setup. The party hopes that the proposed changes to the state's caucus might help the state keep its traditional spot at the front of the line.  According to the Associated Press, the United States Senate easily approved a bipartisan https://apnews.com/article/health-violence-gun-politics-mental-ab399a7a1c5eea98bcd12e944679355f (gun violence bill) Thursday, setting up final approval of what will be Congress' most far-reaching response in decades to the nation's run of brutal mass shootings. After years of futile Democratic efforts to curb firearms, https://apnews.com/article/shootings-texas-new-york-violence-buffalo-df9202d5686880aab00559979d180e17 (15 Republicans joined with them as both sides decided inaction was untenable) after last month's rampages in https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-supermarket-shooting-victims-982351652caf7ecf3da304c6c64f62fb (New York) and https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-texas-school-shooting-may-24-584466945120 (Texas). It took weeks of closed-door talks but senators emerged with a compromise embodying incremental change intended to stop more bloodshed. Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst split votes, with Grassley voting no and Ernst voting yes. The $13 billion measure would toughen background checks for the youngest gun buyers, keep firearms from more domestic violence offenders and help states put in place red flag laws that make it easier for authorities to take weapons from people judged to be dangerous. It would also fund local programs for school safety, mental health and violence prevention. Iowa's Keegan Murray was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the fourth pick in Thursday's NBA draft. Murray, from Cedar Rapids Prairie, became the highest NBA draft pick ever from Iowa. Fred Brown went sixth in 1971. Murray is the Hawkeyes' first Top 10 pick since Ronnie Lester in 1980. Murray joins a team that hasn't reached the NBA playoffs since 2006. They went 30-52 this season. Kings GM Monte McNair said Murray was an easy choice at No. 4. “Ultimately,” he said, “after sitting in the room with my front office staff, our whole staff, our scouting department, our analytics department, (it) became unanimous that Keegan Murray was the best player...

This is Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette digital news desk and I'm here with your update for the weekend of June 4 and June 5. After a few days of sunny weather it looks like rain will return this weekend. According to the National Weather Service, showers will be likely in the Cedar Rapids area before 11 a.m. and also Saturday night. In the gap between rain during the day it should still be mostly cloudy, with a high near 74 degrees. Sunday should follow a similar pattern with a chance for rain throughout the day. However, the sun may peak its way through the clouds at some point Sunday and the high temperature is predicted to be 79 degrees. A man who https://apnews.com/article/des-moines-iowa-ames-shootings-religion-953db59ed6487d27f361338274073fac (fatally shot two women before killing himself) in the parking lot of an Iowa church had been romantically involved with one of the women and faced a court hearing next week on a charge of harassing her, investigators said Friday. Authorities said 33-year-old Johnathan Lee Whitlatch, of Boone, pulled up in a pickup truck outside Cornerstone Church on the outskirts of Ames just before 7 p.m. Thursday and began shooting at three women with a 9 mm handgun. Eden Montang, 22, and Vivian Flores, 21, were killed in the attack, and Whitlatch then shot himself, Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald said. The two women were friends and students at Iowa State University and were walking together to the church for a weekly service that is popular with university and high school students. The sheriff said Whitlatch and Montang had recently broken up, and investigators believe Whitlatch's intent was to kill her. Iowa Democrats are proposing sweeping changes to their caucuses, essentially turning the complicated system into a simple straw poll, in an attempt to preserve their status as one of the first states to express their choice for the next U.S. president. The Iowa Democratic Party on Thursday afternoon formally submitted to the national party an application to be one of the early-voting states to the national party's rules and bylaws committee. The national party's rules and bylaws committee is expected to meet later this month to review states' applications. The Iowa caucuses — both Democrat and Republican — have kicked off the country's presidential nominating process every four years for the past four decades. But in recent years, national Democrats have expressed concern with the caucus system, which requires in-person attendance, and with a lack of diversity in the state, which makes it, in critics' eyes, unfit to serve as the influential first state in the process of picking a president. The heat on Iowa Democrats intensified after the 2020 caucuses, when a computer program designed to tabulate caucus results failed on caucus night. As a result, official results weren't reported for several weeks. In contrast, the first in the nation status appears to be safe for Iowa Republicans, who already have a simplified voting system in place. It also helps that Republicans have had a lot of success in recent elections in Iowa, and the congressional delegation holds some sway with national Republicans.

Should Interpol agents descend upon Wisconsin after 3,500 pounds of cheese was stolen in the Netherlands? Iowa Democrats can't count and Dan can't wait to get rid of the caucuses. Paul notes the latest in horrible Fox News host behaviors. And should baseball add tackling to the game after a brutal takedown in a junior college game? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/talkingparagraphs/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/talkingparagraphs/support

Welcome to Cannabis Daily - Your daily guide to cannabis news, industry trends and trade ideas in under 5 mins.Episode Summary:Illinois marijuana sales reach to an all-time high of $173 million in the month of December.Pharmagreen Announces Affirmed MOU To Acquire Licensed California Cannabis Company.Ascend Wellness Holdings Announces MedMen has Continued to Breach the Investment Agreement.Stocks for your watchlist today:HITIAAWHMMNFFUGROPHBIHosted & Produced By:Elliot LaneAaron Thomas Contact us at: cannabishou@benzinga.comFollow Benzinga Cannabis On Social MediaInstagramTwitterYouTubeLinkedInSubscribe to all Benzinga Podcasts at https://www.benzinga.com/podcastsSubscribe to the Cannabis Insider Newsletter to get more cannabis news and trending links delivered to your inbox.Tune in weekly to Cannabis Hour at 4 pm ET every Thursday for Cannabis News & Executive Interviews at bzcannabishour.comHit us up at https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis/ for more news today, tomorrow, and everyday.Access All The Cannabis Daily Episodes HereFor Top Gainers & Losers Cannabis stocks of the day check out https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis/stocksNOT FINANCIAL ADVICEThe Information Contained on this Podcast is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, financial adviceUnedited Transcript:Good morning investors. Happy Thursday to you. This is Elliot lane with cannabis daily here. Thanks to Aaron Thomas as always for producing.This bad boy of a show and Benzing and forgiving us the platform for it. The show is to help give you insights and fresh news for cannabis stocks and investible companies. Let's dive right in for the news of Thursday, January 6th CIN wellness. We've been talking about them all week. We are back to the original reason of.And investment agreement with med men. They released another PR this morning saying med men continues to breach the investment agreements and challenges, the authority of New York regulators. This being because madman refuses to close the transaction. Of the agreement that has already been approved by New York state regulators.So a sin wellness, putting public pressure on med men, which is OTC listed at M in FFS and wellness. Also OTC a w H two very well-known companies, ascend wellness on the up and up men of course, one of the OGs, but had a very tough few years there, but it has been making some positive strides. And that being said, this is not a positive stride.And I would imagine for both parties, it would be beneficial for this to be closed relatively soon. So I would imagine this news won't go on too much longer unless we're looking to get legal practices involved as well. So we'll keep an eye on that for you, Illinois marijuana sales search to an all time high of $173 million in the month of December.So people are still looking to buy illegal. Good news for the industry. They're high tide. H I T I on the NASDAQ as opened their a hundred and sixth store in Canada. Now selling cannabis, there are 32nd selling in Ontario. Bigger update to me here though, is their cabana club loyalty program has expanded from 245,000 at the time of launch.Tober of 2021 to just under 360,000 members today. So in one quarter they have grown over a hundred thousand members. I think that's some 47% growth. So props to them, they're obviously doing something right. With their loyalty program and keeping customers coming back to me, high tide is definitely a favorite stock of mine.Definitely a favorite company, love their leadership, love their aggressive approach to growth. And I don't think they're going anywhere. Anytime soon, urban grow UGR throw on the NASDAQ.  They released a partnership with thrive. Agritech this is not imminent. But what this does for each company, urban gro expands their options of lighting with led solutions for growers via the partnership with thrive and for thrive.This expands their. Into the cannabis industry via urban grows, pretty massive portfolio of cannabis companies internationally and other companies for that matter. So within Agra agritech, this is an interesting partnership that I think benefits both parties, advanced flower capital gamma, or AFCG raises 61 and a half million.With the sale of 3 million shares at a price of $20 and 50 cents. Each advanced flower is one of the leading REITs that is a real estate investment trust in the cannabis industry. And I would say one of the more well-respected ones out there as well. We'll get to another one here a little bit later to governor of New York and announces the creation of a $200 million.Private fund to specifically help promote social equity in the state's marijuana market. So very good news for small businesses. Very good news for those minorities who are looking to get into the industry. So overall the social equity initiative in New York is alive and well. Next up, we have Iowa Democrats unveil a resolution to put marijuana on the ballot for voters to decide.Imagine that Kentucky if you haven't been listening to our previous episodes this week, Kentucky has not done that.  Take a listen, but Iowa Democrats ideally successful. And the upcoming elections last but not least. We have IPR another REIT in the space. This is innovative industrial properties on the NASDAQ releases, their Q4 2021 update.I IP owns 103 properties in 19 states. This represents around 7.7 million. So rentable square feet of property, the up until. The current quarter, they've invested approximately about 1.7 billion across the portfolio to date. They have several other. Spins on top of that in terms of maybe reimbursing their clients for improving their facilities so on and so forth, but that is their initial investment in their portfolio.And two dates are October of 2021. To today they've made 29 acquisitions from. Including in that I believe 28 new properties. So IPR continuing its aggressive expansion and really being the leading REIT in the space. Don't kill me, Rob, see Krista Polaris equity. But I do think they have earned. A lot of that title, that being said tons of movement today.I'll give you one more little tidbit farmer, green that's P H B I on the OTC announces affirmed acquisition of a California cannabis company. This is the long valley farms. So PHB I'm new, newer to the scene in terms of aggressive. But that being said, I know Peter well-check decently well, their CEO and I think this could be a company to keep an eye on that being said, keep an eye on high tide today as sin wellness in med men. AFCG and AIP are both performing. We'll do this again. One more time tomorrow. We'll get Aaron Thomas in to give us a little insight on what's happening in the cannabis culture side. But this is hopefully helping you make investment decisions. Let us know what you think, and review. Send us an email to canvas our dot com.This is Elliot lane,Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/cannabis-daily/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy