Residents of Des Moines have a chance to give their public schools $265 million to fund free full-day preschool, career training programs, facility updates, and more. The bond is on the ballot on Nov. 4—are you voting?
Art Cullen has spent decades writing from Storm Lake about the forces reshaping rural life. On the latest episode of Cornhole Champions, Zach spoke with him about the corporate interests pulling Iowa's strings and how we can regain control.
Watch on our YouTube here: https://youtu.be/RSVyKzRqLhk?si=7HoNATJnKPJkWS_-
Healthcare is expensive even with subsidies. A coming change could make it unaffordable for many.
A recent report found that Iowa's economy is approaching a recession.
The Affordable Care Act faces sharp cost increases at the end of the year. Congressional Democrats asked the Republican majority to help stop price shock by extending enhanced tax credits, but the Republicans' refusal to come to the table led to a government shutdown. US Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa says Democrats' demands are "unreasonable."
A lobster, a dinosaur, and Baby Shark walk into an Antifa meeting
As politicians avoid town halls, Iowans take to the streets for No Kings protests.
Iowa Rep. Austin Baeth (D-Des Moines) urges Iowans to talk to their lawmakers this legislative session about the state's cancer crisis.
Check out the latest epsiode of Cornhole Champions here: https://youtu.be/zHIPuHtbfIg?si=044Vuk_w7rfYeyNW
Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in the nation, and it's getting worse. State Rep. Austin Baeth isn't just a politician. He's a practicing physician who sees cancer patients every day and watches people die from this disease in his palliative care work. His unique perspective as both doctor and lawmaker reveals the harsh reality: Iowa's cancer crisis has identifiable causes and policy solutions, but special interests keep blocking progress.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, I speak with Baeth about why Iowa's cancer rates are skyrocketing when other states are improving. From radon in 70% of Iowa homes to untaxed vaping products, from water contamination to landlord lobbying, we explore the specific regulatory tools that could save lives—and the political roadblocks preventing action.
Toss some bags at Iowa's cancer emergency... Why $20,000 for radon testing disappeared in two months... And how special interests are hurting Iowans...
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 Iowa's Cancer Crisis: Second Highest Rate and Rising
03:30 Why Current State Efforts Are Just Getting Started
05:30 The Real Drivers: It's Not Just Smoking and Obesity
08:00 Radon: The Silent Killer in 70% of Iowa Homes
10:00 Why Landlords Block Life-Saving Radon Protections
13:00 New Home Construction: Simple Solutions Blocked by Builders
15:00 Tobacco Taxes: The Evidence-Based Solution Iowa Won't Use
17:00 Making the Political Case When Lives Are at Stake
19:30 How to Contact Lawmakers About Cancer Policy
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On this day in 1977, gay rights activist Thom Higgins pied anti-gay media personality Anita Bryant at a press conference in Des Moines. Bryant was in town promoting her ongoing campaign against LGBTQ+ rights, including a plan for a network of conversion therapy centers.
