WATCH: Iowa is approaching a recession, report finds
A recent report found that Iowa's economy is approaching a recession.
Oct
2025
23
POLITICS VIDEO
Oct
2025
22
WATCH: GOP Rep. Miller-Meeks says protecting health insurance for millions of Americans is ‘unreasonable’
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."
Oct
2025
20
WATCH: Inflatable costumes at No Kings Des Moines
A lobster, a dinosaur, and Baby Shark walk into an Antifa meeting
Oct
2025
18
WATCH: Politicians avoid town halls. Iowans take to the streets for No Kings
As politicians avoid town halls, Iowans take to the streets for No Kings protests.
Oct
2025
17
WATCH: Iowans, talk to your lawmakers about cancer
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
Oct
2025
15
WATCH: What Iowa can do to reverse cancer rates? (w/ State Rep. Austin Baeth) – Cornhole Champions #43
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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Oct
2025
9
WATCH: The “Iowa Wave” is about hope. NIH cuts threaten that.
The Trump administration has cut $2.7 billion from NIH funding, canceling hundreds of research grants nationwide. These cuts will slow cancer research, limit access to lifesaving care, and weaken Iowa’s ability to respond to those in need.
Oct
2025
8
WATCH: Different states, different justice (w/ Sarah Hedlund and Diana Mondragon) – Cornhole Champions #42
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith sits down with the co-hosts of "Blooming After Grooming" to explore how a predator moved from Iowa to Illinois after a relationship ended, and how state laws either support or fail survivors seeking accountability.
Oct
2025
8
WATCH: Why aren’t Republicans holding town halls?
Yet another one of Iowa’s members of Congress was caught in a major gaffe. Here’s what to take away from this one.
Oct
2025
7
WATCH: Iowa GOP Rep. Miller-Meeks says she’ll hold a town hall ‘when hell freezes over’
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks told Johnson County Republicans at an August meeting that she would hold a town hall “when hell freezes over.”
A video of the full meeting was uploaded to YouTube, but the county party took the video down this week.
GOP congressional leaders told members in March not to hold public town halls, Politico reported. Constituents have been asking Rep. Miller-Meeks to go against party bosses.
The congresswoman has opted for closed door meeting with select groups instead of public town halls with her constituents.
