In this archive episode, host Ben Kieffer speaks with two members of the 'Planet Money team' about their new book. Then, the SAVE America Act has been called the most sweeping change to American voting law in decades if it goes into effect. Supporters say it's about election security, while critics say it could disenfranchise eligible voters. Guests explore what the legislation would it actually mean for Iowans at the polls and for the people who run our elections. (This show was originally produced April 7, 2026.)
Lucius Pham
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Iowa Public Radio
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Headlines from this week, including a Supreme Court ruling related to Roundup weed killer, a new law concerning medication abortion access and more. -
Before heading to the polls on June 2 to cast your ballot for the 2026 primary election, check our voter guide to see who’s running in major races in Iowa and for other important voter registration information. -
On this archive episode we weigh the strengths and vulnerabilities of our current election infrastructure. David Levine, a senior fellow at University of Maryland’s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement joins the program to discuss election integrity in the United States and internationally, threats to democracy and ways to improve the election process. (This episode was originally produced in May 2025.)
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Early and absentee voting in Iowa began Wednesday, May 13 for the 2026 primary election. Iowans who register to vote as a Republican or Democrat can now cast their ballots ahead of the June 2 primary. -
Iowa shared voter registration data — including sensitive personal information — with the U.S. Department of Justice, Secretary of State Paul Pate announced Tuesday. The DOJ's demand for state voter lists has raised concerns about data privacy. -
Two members of the 'Planet Money' team discuss their new book. Then, a look at how the SAVE America Act could impact elections in Iowa with Dave Peterson, Adam Wedmore and Linda Serra Hagedorn. Guests explain how voter registration would change under the proposed law and what groups would be most impacted.
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State legislatures are debating new proposals on immigration policy. On this episode, we take a closer look at immigration bills under consideration in Iowa and our neighboring states and what those proposals could mean for immigrant families and communities. Erin Murphy breaks down the latest from Iowa, while Brenden Moore and Seth Tupper report on what’s unfolding in Illinois and South Dakota. Harvest Public Media's Anna Pope also joins to explain how changes to food assistance are affecting immigrant families.
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The Iran War is reshaping the Middle East. ISU’s Jonathan Hassid and Kelly Winfrey discuss the war and how it's reshaping the way we talk, think and argue about war itself. They also discuss a bill barring local civil rights protections that was signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds and the SAVE Act.
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Political scientists Megan Goldberg and Dave Peterson break down the latest state and national debates — from DHS funding and ICE reform to Iowa lawmakers’ efforts to advance a bill restricting abortion pills.
