Sheila Brummer
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Iowa Public Radio
Republican Chris McGowan is favored to win the race in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District — the state’s most conservative House seat. But Democrat Dave Dawson is trying take the district in a different direction. A strong showing for either candidate could boost other statewide contests.
Natalie Krebs
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Iowa Public Radio
Madeleine King and Grant Gerlock
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Iowa Public Radio
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Canada is due to hit back in the trade war— and Iowa's farmers and manufacturers will feel it directly. On this Politics Day episode, analysis from political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Wayne Moyer of Grinnell College. We also get their views on escalating tension between the U.S. and Iran, Iowa's Senate and governor's races and more. -
On this episode we listen to highlights from a conversation with political scientist Jeffrey Winters of Northwestern University. His book, 'The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracy,' examines the failure of democracy to address wealth inequality, why it's by design. This conversation was recorded at The Englert Theatre, presented by the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council. (This episode was originally produced May 19, 2026.)
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Congress keeps funding the Iran war with little oversight.Political scientists Karen Kedrowski and Kelly Shaw of Iowa State University offer analysis on this and other political issues from the week.
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Iowa Republicans rejected a candidate President Donald Trump endorsed for governor. On this politics day episode, we dive into the primary results. Political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Kelly Shaw of Iowa State University analyze these results and look ahead to the midterms. They also discuss the Senate race and the competition in Iowa Congressional Districts.
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Five candidates are competing in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District primary races to replace Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson. Democrats and Republicans are focused on issues like the economy, healthcare and political division. -
After two centuries of expanding democracy, why has America become more unequal — not less? On this episode we listen to highlights from a recent conversation with political scientist Jeffrey Winters of Northwestern University. His new book, The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracy, examines the failure of democracy to address wealth inequality and why this issue is by design. This conversation was recorded on May 7 at the Englert Theatre, presented by the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council.
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During a candidate forum in Sioux City, three Democrats competing for a chance to flip Iowa’s most conservative congressional district highlighted shared priorities more than sharp differences ahead of the June 2 primary. -
King Charles addresses Congress as global tensions and domestic uncertainty collide in a packed politics hour. From a fragile Iran ceasefire to Iowa’s MAHA bill and a surprise gubernatorial endorsement, political scientists Jim McCormick and Megan Goldberg break down the latest political news.
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A fragile ceasefire came just hours after a threat to destroy a civilization. On this episode, we examine shifting attitudes toward the war in Iran and what it means for U.S. policy, with insights from political experts Jonathan Hassid and Megan Goldberg. They also break down a federal appeals court decision allowing enforcement of Iowa's book ban law. Plus, how political narratives intersect with major national moments, from the role of Artemis II in shaping presidential legacy and to intensifying Iowa primary races.
