Voting

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.

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.

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.

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.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced Monday that Iowa, alongside three other states, has reached a settlement agreement allowing state officials to access a federal immigration database to verify citizenship status of voters for the next 20 years.

What’s behind Iowa’s rapid move toward the GOP? Hear the latest analysis, meet ISU’s new leader, learn how auroras lit up Iowa skies and get ready for Cranksgiving.

What do this week’s election results tell us about the mood of voters — and what’s ahead for 2026? Plus, where blame lands in the ongoing shutdown.

Des Moines voters overwhelmingly passed a $265 million bond measure, while Cedar Rapids' school bond failed again to find enough support from voters.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 — the final day for Iowans to vote in the 2025 election. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday for in-person voting. The deadline for returning an absentee ballot is also on Tuesday.

Questions at recent public meetings ranged from transportation schedules to how school funding streams work. But most of all, parents wanted to know how the changes would affect their own kids.