On Iowa Politics Podcast

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week on the podcast, the Iowa Supreme Court issued a ruling in a case involving the City of Davenport and the Iowa Auditor’s Office. Plus, the Iowa Legislature is winding down as the 100th day of session comes and goes.This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.Read the articles mentioned in this episode:Iowa Supreme Court rules for Davenport in case on auditor access to closed session recordshttps://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_ecebb8c9-4d42-454d-8c34-33a3d

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week, Iowa’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary starts to warm up, a reminder that there is still a Republican U.S. Senate primary, and a national forecaster thinks Iowa’s gubernatorial election is Cooking (pause for laughs).This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.Read the articles mentioned in this episode:2:30 Elections forecaster shifts Iowa’s governor race to ‘toss up’https://www.thegazette.com/news/elections/elections-forecaster-shifts-iowa-s-

On Iowa Politics Podcast host Erin Murphy sat down with former Iowa Governor and former U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad on Thursday, April 2, 2026 to talk about current events and reflect on Branstad's legacy as the longest serving Governor in U.S. history.Watch the interview on video at: https://youtu.be/SoZFkIKQ-AA1:19 Iowa Award3:11 Republican Primary for Governor, Branstad's Endorsement of Randy Feenstra9:18 Branstad's reaction to Eddie Andrews calling for Adam Steen to drop out of gubernatorial race17:15 Branstad on Ashley Hinson17:45 Branstad on Joe Mitchell18:17 Branstad on Mariannette Miller-Meeks19:24 Iowa Caucuses21:30 Branstad's time as U.S. Ambassador to China35:48 Reflecting on Branstad's time as Iowa GovernorThis episode was produced by Bailey Cichon.

This week, drama and policy drops in the gubernatorial campaign, Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley in the Quad Cities, a Western Iowa tie to the Epstein files, and a terrific feature story on two Iowa women’s very different ties to the Iran War. And if that all isn’t enough, make sure you stick around until the end of the episode to hear about our next On Iowa Politics Podcast interview guest.On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy and produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, J

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week, a state panel determines Eddie Andrews’ primary ballot fate, a statehouse proposal creates unusual political opponents, and the latest on a court case involving the state auditor’s office and the Cit

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week, we’ll cover the second legislative funnel deadline, but we also have big news on the 2026 campaign trail with candidate signatures and everyone’s favorite On Iowa Politics podcast topic: endorsements!This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.Read articles mentioned in this episode:4:58 Iowa Ombudsman: Scott County Jail

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week, we’ll cover 2026 candidates filing their required nomination signatures, legislation limiting the governor’s authority, and the Iowa Legislature vs. cancer. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.Read the articles mentioned in this episode:Bills to limit Iowa governor’s authority seen by Democrats as preemptive strike ahead of 2026 election: https://www.thegazette.com/news/politics/bills-to-l

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week on the podcast: Gov. Kim Reynolds’ private plane, republican gubernatorial candidate Randy Feenstra’s ad buy and developments in property tax legislation at the Iowa Capitol.This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.Read the articles mentioned in this episode:2:33 'A sobering reminder that our freedom is not free': Reynolds offers condolences to families of Iowa soldiers killed in Kuwaithttps://q

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week on the podcast: Iowa’s U.S. Senate Democratic primary, more cancer in the Iowa Legislature, and our team’s State of the Union reaction.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, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.Read the articles mentioned in this episode:Former candidate Sage endorses Turek, criticizes Wahls in Iowa Democrats’ U.S. Senate primaryhttps://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/former-candidate-sage-endorses-turek-criticizes-wahls-in-iowa-democrats

Pints & Politics is a year-round gathering featuring The Gazette and special guests from across the state and party lines. National, state, and local issues are covered, with opportunities to zone in on the latest headlines. Attendees participate in audience polls, submit questions, and enjoy time with some of their favorite journalists, columnists, and guests! This beloved event and lively conversation invite attendees to learn more about the issues impacting their community.This event was recorded on February 18, 2026, at CSPS in Cedar Rapids. The Gazette and Presenting Sponsor, the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors, brought this event as part of our year-long series. Panelists include Gazette columnist Todd Dorman, regional editor Zack Kucharski, and special guest Adam B Sullivan. Sullivan is a former columnist and editorial writer at The Gazette, and the author of 'At Liberty,' a column discussing libertarian solutions to issues facing Iowans. The Gazette's Elena Stark moderated the session. T

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week we’re of course going to talk about Funnel Week in the Iowa Legislature, but we also have a few tales to share from the campaign trail in Iowa’s GOP gubernatorial primary.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, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Althea Cole.Read the articles mentioned in this episode: Adam Steen hopes to ride momentum of Vander Plaats endorsement in Iowa governor's racehttps://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_ff405dfc-

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week on the On Iowa Politics podcast, we discuss multiple pieces of controversial legislation at the Iowa Capitol, federal immigration enforcement, and a bill to lure the Chicago Bears to Iowa.This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.Read the articles mentioned in this episode: FIRST FROM THE JOURNAL: Sioux City Rep. J.D. Scholten not seeking reelectionhttps://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_c7ff

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week on the On Iowa Politics podcast, we discuss Congressional race fundraising, caucus intrigue for both parties, news from the Iowa Legislature and more.This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.Read the articles mentioned in this episode: Sioux City resident arrested by DHS booked in Woodbury County jail, scope of operations unclearhttps://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/article_1b4ba8ac-6e9e-45f2-85fd-b65393b34e72.htmlIowa could end school vaccinati

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week on the On Iowa Politics podcast, we discuss President Trump’s visit to Iowa and so much more: 2026 election shakeups, Republican gubernatorial primary forums, a legislative forum and more. 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, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.Read the articles mentioned in this episode: Iowa Quad-Cities lawmakers look to ramp up energy production in the state: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_9266bc38-061b-4b74-ac9e-0

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week on the On Iowa Politics podcast, we dig deep into recently published state campaign fundraising reports, everybody’s property tax flags have now been planted, and we hear from our columnists on the Cedar Rapids Schools budget situation.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, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.Read the articles mentioned in this episode: Opinion: Past decisions play role in CR schools’ current problems: https

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week, Gov. Kim Reynolds gives her penultimate — not her last — Condition of the State address, the Iowa Legislature’s annual work has begun, and so much more.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, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.Read the articles mentioned in this episode: McGowan touts endorsement from former Gov. Branstad, more than $500k in fundraising since June https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week, the On Iowa Politics podcast team talks about two big topics on the new year’s horizon: Iowa’s gubernatorial campaign and the upcoming legislative session. Plus, the team does a little real estate-watching in Davenport.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, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.Read the articles mentioned in this episode: Iowa Republicans will lose with Randy Feenstra: https://www.thegazette.com/staff-columni

This week, we look back at the year that was. And what a year it was.On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This 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, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.Read the articles mentioned in this episode: U.S. Army identifies Iowa Guard soldiers killed in Syria: https://www.thegazette.com/federal-government/u-s-army-identifies-iowa-guard-soldiers-killed-in-syria/Iowa Gov. Kim Re

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week, Iowa Democrats are divided over the caucuses, yet another multi-candidate event without Randy Feenstra, the Iowa Supreme Court sides with Rob Sand, and more.Read the articles mentioned in this episode:Iowa Supreme Court rules state auditor's office can represent itself in Davenport case: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_0a490601-2683-42d4-99ee-c1e372078701.html Feenstra misses another Iowa GOP forum, gets criticized by Republicans and Dems: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_043d9e82-ee33-4e4b-90ce-4a58d6ba8307.html Party survey shows Iowa Demo

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week on the podcast, the IPERS CEO talks about those DOGE recommendations, the Satanic Temple’s display at the Iowa Capitol is back in the news, and Randy Feenstra addresses his lack of attendance at multi-candidate events.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, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal.1:27 IPERS chief open to review, but urges caution on new retirement option: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/ipers-chief-open-to-review-but-urges-caution-on-new-retirement