WATCH: Red states really showed ‘em…: Iowa loses out on research funding (PT 1) – Cornhole Champions #38

Iowa chose loyalty over lawsuits when Trump cut $11 billion in federal health grant funding. And we paid the price. While blue states sued and kept 80% of their CDC grants, Iowa lost all 12 of its targeted research grants.

On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amie Rivers, and Avery Staker break down how Iowa’s decision to stay quiet cost millions in federal dollars while other states fought back and won. Plus, why your congressman thinks town halls are “taxpayer-funded protests” and the 2026 scramble as Ashley Hinson jumps to Senate.

Toss some bags at Iowa losing research funding… why your congressman is skipping out on town halls… and the musical chairs of 2026 as Iowa’s biggest seats come open…

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. It’s produced by me and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 – Miller-Meeks vs Rob Sand: The Breakfast Pizza Twitter Meltdown
01:30 – Why Miller-Meeks’ Pizza Post Backfired Spectacularly
03:30 – The Performative Politics of Social Media Drama
05:00 – Epstein Files Drama Enters the Pizza Wars
08:30 – Iowa’s $11 Billion Health Funding Catastrophe Begins
10:30 – Blue States Sued and Won, Iowa “Boot-Licked” and Lost
11:00 – 80% vs 0%: The Devastating Numbers That Prove Everything
13:00 – Why “Winning” Feels Like Getting Owned in Iowa

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