On Iowa Politics Podcast

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 discuss the latest headlines. This Pints & Politics event was held on November 6, 2025, at The Olympic South Side Theater in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The host was Gazette Executive Editor Zack Kucharski. Guests included Ron Corbett, vice president of economic development at Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, who helped guide a Believe in CR Schools campaign, which advocated for people to vote “yes” for the bond, and Cedar Rapids school board President Cindy Garlock. Panelists for the second part of the program included deputy Des Moines Bureau editor - Tom Barton, insights and opinion editor - Todd Dorman and former Gazette opinion writer - Adam B Sullivan.   During Pints & Politics, attendees 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. The presenting sponsor is the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors. .

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, we’ll follow up on what happened in Iowa’s local elections, there’s a new Republican candidate for governor, and we’ll analyze this week’s national off-year election results and what they mean for 2026 in Iowa. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman. Read stories featured in this episode: Democrats dominate as economic woes take a toll on Trump’s GOP: https://apnews.com/article/virginia-new-jersey-trump-election-democrat-republican-fad109893cfd4be5b49a5bb1b0138d8d Zach Lahn joins crowded Republican field for governor with ‘Iowa First’ message: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/zach-lahn-joins-crowded-republican-field-for-governor-with-iowa-first-message/ Here's all of our Davenport, Bettendorf city election preview coverage: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/collection_f77e4ae0-1a6a-4fa1-8448-07940483354e.html The Sioux City Journal’s Election Day 2025 Blog: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_ae320ab0-b305-4d5b-bfab-7d70e4f5b533.html This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

This week on the podcast, we discuss Randy Feenstra finally making his gubernatorial campaign official; we explore readers’ questions about how elections officials catch fraudulent voting; and we look ahead to next week’s local elections.  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. Read stories featured in this episode:  Rep. Randy Feenstra formally launches bid for governor: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_b22a8bb3-96d1-4c55-956f-117c97d02694.html Feenstra launches campaign for Iowa governor, pledging to ‘take Iowa to new heights’: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/feenstra-launches-campaign-for-iowa-governor-pledging-to-take-iowa-to-new-heights/ Quad City Elections: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/ Western Iowa Elections: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/ Curious Iowa: What do election officials do to prevent or catch fraudulent votes?: https://www.thegazette.com/curious-iowa/curious-iowa-what-do-election-officials-do-to-prevent-or-catch-fraudulent-votes/ Marion man charged with election misconduct: https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/marion-man-charged-with-election-misconduct/ 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 produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

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 talk about the No Kings rallies in Iowa, Rob Sand’s 100th town hall, and Iowa’s DOGE report. 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, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman. Read stories featured in this episode: 2:45 ‘I can’t stand it anymore’: Sioux City No Kings Rally brings out protestors of all kinds: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/article_bcc8195e-08f7-4fa9-b4a9-1effc6bb3aa3.html 12:17 ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwide: https://www.thegazette.com/government-politics/no-kings-protests-against-trump-bring-a-street-party-vibe-to-cities-nationwide/ 20:50 Hinson’s fundraising extends her dominance in Iowa Republicans’ U.S. Senate primary: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/hinsons-fundraising-extends-her-dominance-in-iowa-republicans-u-s-senate-primary/ 20:53 Iowa's 2026 congressional race heats up with millions raised, crowded fields: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/iowas-2026-congressional-races-heat-up-with-millions-raised-crowded-fields/ 21:08 Norris ends Senate campaign citing need to focus on addressing Des Moines superintendent ‘crisis’: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/norris-ends-senate-campaign-citing-need-to-focus-on-addressing-des-moines-superintendent-crisis/ 21:12 Rod Blum ends comeback bid for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District seat: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/rod-blum-ends-comeback-bid-for-iowas-2nd-congressional-district-seat/ 21:49 Iowa Governor candidate Rob Sand ends statewide tour with reform message: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/iowa-governor-candidate-rob-sand-ends-statewide-tour-with-reform-message/ 28:00 Here’s what recommendations are in the newly unveiled Iowa DOGE Task Force’s report: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_1529cd3e-a497-4de0-b4ec-72c961c833bb.html This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

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. The presenting sponsor is the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors.

Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy sat down with Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 for the first of a series of 1:1 interviews with political and government leaders in Iowa. This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon.

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, we’ll discuss the Des Moines Superintendent situation, the federal government shutdown, and Mariannette Miller-Meeks talking town halls. And stick with us to the bitter end, folks, because we have a big programming announcement to share. 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. Read the stories talked about in this episode: First From the Jail: Former Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts no longer being held in Woodbury County Jail Opinion: Ian Roberts destroyed more than his career Iowa state Sen. Claire Celsi of West Des Moines dies at 59 In Davenport, protesters, physicians urge Congress to extend ACA tax credits, reverse Medicaid cuts Miller-Meeks defends skipping town halls, says Democrats want drama This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

This week, we take a break from our regularly scheduled programming to listen in on the "Medicaid and Hospitals" session from the 2025 Iowa Ideas conference hosted by The Gazette.  Iowa hospitals are in a period of "uncertainty" as changes to Medicaid enacted as part of a sweeping tax and spending bill take effect. Is a fund allocating billions to some rural hospital losses easing concerns? What does this mean for the state’s rural providers? We’ll unpack the changes in Medicaid and what it means for Iowa’s hospitals and providers and how those changes might impact you.  Iowa Ideas is a free virtual conference put on by The Gazette annually. Together, Iowans explore and share perspectives on the issues impacting the state. Watch replays from the 2025 conference at www.iowaideas.com. This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. The Iowa Ideas session was moderated by Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton. Gazette social video producer Bailey Cichon produced this episode.

This week on the podcast, there’s a new agenda-setting leader in the Iowa Senate, and the 2nd District Republican primary field grew. 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 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. Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

This week on the podcast, Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver’s resignation in the Iowa Legislature, Iowa DOGE’s final public meeting, and much more Iowa news in the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. 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 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. Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

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. Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy hosted this episode. 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. Gazette Digital Content Manager Becky Lutgen Gardner produced this episode. Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, becky.gardner@thegazette.com

This week on the podcast, how does Joni Ernst’s decision to not seek reelection impact Iowa’s 2026 elections? 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 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.  Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

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, just how special were those special election results, the Quad Cities felt the Bern, Ashley Hinson’s fundraiser, and Iowa Democrats going rogue. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines 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. Read the stories we talked about in this episode: Drey flips Republican district, breaks supermajority in Iowa Senate: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_5d1aeff7-63b3-4cca-a194-d283c911b742.html How much went into Catelin Drey's Senate District 1 win?: https://siouxcityjournal.com/article_b1a3d0e0-23e7-4184-8c3b-3b9dc57bb088.html Former Iowa State Rep. Dave Dawson running for Iowa's Fourth Congressional District: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/article_ccbb4ad3-532e-4497-a94b-b1584ed17975.html Bernie Sanders to stop in Davenport as part of 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_6d9ab8b6-e308-436f-8ecd-a6df6d26863e.html Trumps agenda front and center at Ashley Hinson rally in Cedar Rapids: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/trumps-agenda-front-and-center-at-ashley-hinson-rally-in-cedar-rapids/ Iowa Democrats consider bringing back lead off caucuses even if it means going rogue in 2028: https://www.thegazette.com/national-politics/iowa-democrats-consider-bringing-back-lead-off-caucuses-even-if-it-means-going-rogue-in-2028/ This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.  Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

This podcast is from the Pints & Politics podcast, which took place on August 21, 2025. The first segment was Gazette Executive Editor Zack Kucharski interviewing Iowa State Auditor and gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand. Zack Kucharski was also the moderator for the last part of the program, which included Todd Dorman, columnist and editorial writer; Althea Cole, opinion content editor; and Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton.

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. Welcome to the Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, episode of On Iowa Politics. This week on the podcast, we’ll talk about candidates entering and exiting races and last weekend’s story about the new approach some Iowa Democrats are using on the campaign trail. Plus, a special election in Western Iowa for a seat in the Iowa Legislature.  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, 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.  Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com  📱 Follow us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gazetteonline Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegazette.ia X: https://x.com/gazettedotcom BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thegazette.com

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, potential changes to IPERS is once again in the news, two more Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate, and how Democratic candidates are talking to voters thus far this cycle. On Iowa Politics is hosted by Erin Murphy, the Des Moines Bureau Chief for The Gazette in Cedar Rapids. With him this week are Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Althea Cole. Gazette Digital Content Manager Becky Lutgen Gardner produced this episode. Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, becky.gardner@thegazette.com

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, Chuck Grassley catches bipartisan heat on judicial nominations, Iowa Republicans take on Rob Sand, and the messaging battle over the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” continues. 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, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman. This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 

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 Friday, July 25, 2025 edition of the podcast, we have more Congressional candidates jumping into the fray, and we discuss the Rescissions Act of 2025. 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, 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.  Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com  📱 Keep in touch on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GazetteOnline/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com X: https://x.com/gazettedotcom BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thegazette.com

Welcome to the Friday, July 18, 2025, episode of On Iowa Politics. This week on the podcast, more on the deportation of an Eastern Iowa man, what happened at the Family Leader’s annual event, and another batch of new Congressional candidates. 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 Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, 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. This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.  Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ205Nl-7HIuugNRvUE1gPeXDmDS3xq5W&si=dORRUnoiZm5h9OUs Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com 

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, we took the Fourth of July holiday off, but the Iowa political news cycle did not. Let's get caught up! 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, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman. Stay up to date with the latest in Iowa Politics: https://www.thegazette.com/on-iowa-politics-podcast/ This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.  Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com