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Iowa News You Can Use

WATCH: Josh Turek Challenges Joni Ernst for Senate (PT 2) – Cornhole Champions #35

By Iowa Production Staff

August 13, 2025

Iowa’s two-time Paralympic gold medalist Josh Turek is taking on Senator Joni Ernst. The Council Bluffs Democrat has won twice in Trump territory and thinks he knows how to beat Republicans statewide.

On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith sits down with State Rep. Josh Turek to discuss his Senate bid, his personal healthcare struggles that drove him to politics, and why he’s optimistic about Democrats’ chances in 2026.

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. This podcast is produced by me and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and our show art is from Desirée Tapia.

*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 Meet Josh Turek: From Paralympic Gold to Iowa Politics
02:00 How Turek Wins in Districts Trump Carries by Double Digits
04:30 Why Healthcare Drives Everything Turek Does in Politics
05:30 Iowa’s Medicaid Crisis: 22,000 on Seven-Year Wait Lists
07:00 Why Turek Is Leaving the Iowa Legislature for Senate
09:30 What Sets Turek Apart in the Crowded Democratic Primary
11:30 Why Turek Is Optimistic About Democrats in 2026
13:00 Post-Interview Analysis: Turek’s Unique Healthcare Perspective

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CATEGORIES: POLITICS VIDEO
POLITICS VIDEO
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WATCH: What 50 years of Iowa cancer data actually shows (w/ Mary Charlton) – Cornhole Champions Interview

WATCH: What 50 years of Iowa cancer data actually shows (w/ Mary Charlton) – Cornhole Champions Interview

Dr. Mary Charlton directs the Iowa Cancer Registry, tracking cancer diagnoses across the state for over 50 years and helping researchers understand Iowa’s stubbornly high cancer rates.

On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith talks with Charlton about what the data really shows, why simple explanations for complex problems fall short, and the challenge of doing long-term science in a world that wants quick answers.

Toss some bags at complicated truths… geographic patterns that don’t fit neat theories… the politics of risk factors… why linking cancer to environmental causes takes decades… and the funding crisis threatening Iowa’s public health infrastructure.

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. This podcast is produced by Zachary Oren Smith and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and our show art is from Desirée Tapia.

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… and everywhere you listen to podcasts

*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
01:00 – What is the Iowa Cancer Registry and how it tracks 200+ variables on every cancer case
03:30 – How researchers use Iowa’s cancer data (including 30,000 pesticide applicators study)
06:30 – Why different cancers cluster in different Iowa regions (melanoma north, lung cancer south)
08:30 – Public misconceptions about Iowa’s cancer report and oversimplified explanations
10:30 – The alcohol controversy: Why featuring drinking as a risk factor sparked outrage
12:30 – Legislative failure: Why no cancer prevention bills passed in Iowa
15:00 – The “murkiness” problem: Why linking environmental factors to cancer takes decades
19:30 – Funding crisis threatens Iowa’s 50-year cancer surveillance program

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WATCH: Iowa’s near-total abortion ban: 1 year later (PT 1) – Cornhole Champions #33

WATCH: Iowa’s near-total abortion ban: 1 year later (PT 1) – Cornhole Champions #33

It’s been one year since Iowa’s near-total abortion ban took effect, and the numbers tell a devastating story. A 74% drop in abortion services in Iowa means Iowans are traveling hundreds of miles and paying thousands more for healthcare.

On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amie Rivers, and Avery Staker break down the real impact of Iowa’s restrictive abortion law on families and communities. From $19,000 emergency cases to overnight drives with young kids, we explore how the ban has forced care out of state.

Toss some bags at one-year of Iowa’s near-total abortion ban… Trump revoking visa workers in Ottumwa… And why LGBTQ Iowans are leaving…
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. This podcast is produced by me and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and our show art is from Desirée Tapia.

*LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO CORNHOLE CHAMPIONS:*
– YouTube – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2LsUFhizO07jdk5Wav4mOT7tArltF8z5&si=FryZd7N7tG5tJ5Ju
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… and everywhere you listen to podcasts

*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
0:00 – Colonial Lanes Commercial & Iowa’s Bowling Culture Deep Dive
13:00 – Iowa’s Abortion Ban: One Year Anniversary Analysis
14:00 – 74% Drop in Abortion Services Across Iowa
15:30 – Chicago Abortion Fund: 870+ Iowans Seeking Out-of-State Care
17:00 – $19,000 Emergency Case & Families Driving Overnight
18:30 – How Delays in Care Create More Severe Medical Situations
19:30 – Planned Parenthood Demonization Affects All Reproductive Care
20:00 – Iowa’s Physician Shortage & 30% Jump in Infant Mortality

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