Meatpacking workers at JBS plants across the country, including two in Iowa, just ratified a first-ever national contract across all plants.
On this solo episode of Cornhole Champions, host Zachary Oren Smith breaks down State Auditor Rob Sand's historic campaign launch for Iowa governor. After entering the race with an impressive $8 million war chest, Sand's campaign reported an additional $2.25 million raised in just 24 hours — breaking state records for the most raised on the first day of any gubernatorial campaign in Iowa history.
Then, Zach sits down with Nico Agosta, a 25-year-old TikTok creator behind the viral "Stocking the Capitol" series. Nico grades the financial integrity of every member of Congress before the 2026 midterms, exposing stock trading and corporate influence through engaging social media content that makes campaign finance accessible.
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line where we throw bags at the state's biggest stories. This show is created by Zachary Oren Smith with music by Avery Mossman. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.
Guests:
Rob Sand is Iowa's State Auditor. He’s running to be the Democratic nominee in Iowa’s 2026 governor’s race.
Nico Agosta is the creator of "Stocking the Capitol," a series that grades members of Congress on their financial integrity and stock trading practices.
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These are incredibly important times. At a Tuesday town hall in Cedar Rapids, Pete Buttigieg prompted Iowans to do their part to meet them.
At a Cedar Rapids town hall, Pete Buttigieg encouraged Democrats to earnestly engage in political conversations.
Abortion is already excluded from coverage—the new bill is going after all health care services the clinics provide for low-income Americans.
Rob Sand is running for governor. He says electing a Democrat would be an important check on one-party power in Iowa.
Our very own Amie Rivers shares the Iowa good news you didn't know you needed.
Labor organizations across the state, including in Waterloo, held Workers Memorial Day events on April 28, remembering those who died on the job for any reason in 2024.
Gov. Kim Reynolds was unsure when asked before Congress whether the Lutheran Services of Iowa was a money laundering scheme. At a later press conference, she clarified that she doesn’t think that the church was up to no good. Now she’s suing the Des Moines Register hoping to withhold the media prep that guided the exchange.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Iowa Starting Line’s Zachary Oren Smith, Amie Rivers and Avery Staker discuss the governor’s lawsuit.
Also hear about a growing youth mental health crisis in Iowa. Despite a 15% surge in demand since 2018, funding hasn't kept pace, leaving families describing the search for care as "a full-time job."
The team also explores why the Iowa Legislature is extending beyond Friday's deadline.
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line where we throw bags at the state's biggest stories. This show is created by Zachary Oren Smith with music by Avery Mossman. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.
Links:
1st Story - More Iowa youth need mental health support. Has funding kept up with the demand? (Des Moines Register) - https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/health/2025/04/28/iowa-youth-mental-health-support-has-spending-kept-up/80496274007/
2nd Story - Iowa Legislature Set to Extend Session Past Friday Deadline (Iowa Public Radio) - https://www.iowapublicradio.org/state-government-news/2025-04-28/2025-legislative-session-budget-bills
3rd Story - Governor Reynolds Sues Des Moines Register Over Email Disclosure (Associated Press) - https://apnews.com/article/iowa-governor-reynolds-des-moines-register-foia-b274e4f47a4d205565caa6e1bdd8b6f1
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A newly released report found that 95% of pregnancy-related deaths in Iowa were preventable, and those deaths disproportionately affected women who are Hispanic and Black and on Medicaid.
