Politics

Policy experts say House Republicans’ health care plan — introduced by Iowa's 1st District Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks — makes "systemic changes," but it’s not clear how long it could take to bring costs down. The bill passed by the House on Wednesday includes provisions for cost-sharing payments, Association Health Plans and transparency in drug pricing.

We meet Henry Menniga, a remarkable young resident of Des Moines who was awarded the National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award for his work promoting voter education and community service. Henry and his mom, Molly, talk about the start of his civic interests, a mock election when he was 4. Then, we talk with University of Iowa law scholar Josephine Gittler about why she drafted legislation that is now law, requiring Iowa high schoolers to pass the U.S. citizenship test. And, Iowa State University's Karen Kedrowski and Kelly Shaw discuss the new Center for Cyclone Civics. The center aims to increase civic education and engagement at the university level. (This episode was originally produced Aug. 4, 2025.)

A special election on Tuesday features two candidates from the same small town in northwest Iowa. The outcome could be an indicator of political sentiment in rural Iowa after recent contests in the state — and across the country — have favored Democratic candidates.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bret Stephens is known for his willingness to challenge both the left and the right.

Democrats running in the 2nd Congressional District are messaging on affordability and saying they hope to reverse the effects of policies enacted by the Trump administration.

Northeast Iowa farmer, musician and labor organizer Dave Bushaw jumped into the race for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District. The 31-year-old is running as an independent and describes himself as a working-class, pro-labor candidate with deep ties to rural Iowa.

Republican contenders for the 4th Congressional District attended a campaign event in western Iowa organized by the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bret Stephens is known for his willingness to challenge both the left and the right.

Des Moines Public Schools Board Chair Jackie Norris is dropping out of the U.S. Senate race. Norris said she is refocusing her attention on helping to lead the district through the investigations into Ian Roberts’ tenure and the transition to new leadership.

Political analysts discuss the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East, the government shutdown and other major political stories impacting Iowans.