It’s easy to romanticize small-town Iowa — cornfields, calm mornings, and hardworking families. But behind the postcard image is a story of consolidation, pollution, and the steady draining of civic power.
Iowa Democrats have chosen West Des Moines City Council Member Renee Hardman as the party's nominee for a coming special election for an Iowa legislative seat left vacant by the death of Sen....
The Iowa City City Council candidate wants to bring her library background into city government. When Clara Reynen turned 18, she asked her parents if it would be OK for her to skip school that...
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.
A $3,500 payment from US Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ campaign to her son was a mistake, her campaign says—money that should have come from her personal account, not from campaign donors. US...
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
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch October 15, 2025 Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate issued a warning for Iowans Wednesday about reported mass texts impersonating elected officials and...
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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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.
