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From State of the Union to Statehouse policy on gender identity

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River to River, hosted by Ben Kieffer

In this conversation from Pints and Politics in Cedar Rapids, panelists discuss President Joe Biden's State of the Union address and a flurry of activity from Iowa's Republican-controlled legislature.

River to River host Ben Kieffer and The Gazette's investigative reporter Erin Jordan moderated the first Pints & Politics of 2023 in front of a live audience at CSPS Hall in Cedar Rapids on February 9.

The panel of guests discusses the contentious State of the Union address given on February 7 and potential candidates for the 2024 presidential election.

They also dissect the education savings account legislation signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds and bills dealing with gender identity and books in K-12 schools and answer audience questions.

Guests:

  • Dr. Christopher Peters, Republican former congressional candidate
  • Todd Dorman, insights and opinion editor, The Gazette
  • Althea Cole, columnist, The Gazette
  • Tom Barton, deputy Des Moines bureau chief, The Gazette
Ben Kieffer is the host of "River to River." Since 2007, Kieffer has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Kieffer has a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa.
Samantha McIntosh is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.