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Iowa News You Can Use

EXCO-Player
Jun 2025 25

WATCH: Ottumwa, Iowa braces for Trump’s Job Corps cuts (PT 3) – Cornhole Champions #30

By | POLITICS VIDEO, POLITICS, Amie Rivers

The Trump administration paused funding for Job Corps centers nationwide, including Iowa's top-rated Ottumwa facility. The cuts eliminate 125 jobs in one of Iowa's poorest counties while stranding vulnerable young people mid-program.

On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amy Rivers, and Avery Staker dig into how a major shift on high ripples out into a small town.

Toss some bags about the “Big Beautiful Bill’s” big, ugly impacts… a "research victory” leaving US research in the hole... and why egging's decline may be our country's greatest recession indicator.

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

*LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO CORNHOLE CHAMPIONS:*
- YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2LsUFhizO07jdk5Wav4mOT7tArltF8z5&si=FryZd7N7tG5tJ5Ju
- Substack - https://cornholechampions.substack.com/
- Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cornhole-champions-podcast/id1779497714
- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rzNpiA4IwgLmxbyrhETY6?si=6c4a527fa9ad4f64
- PocketCasts - https://pca.st/74atty1j
... and everywhere you listen to podcasts

*FOLLOW ZACHARY OREN SMITH ON SOCIAL MEDIA:*
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*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 - Job Corps Shutdown - Trump administration eliminates Iowa's flagship Ottumwa facility serving vulnerable youth

01:00 - Ottumwa's Outstanding Performance - 125 jobs, 240 students, 94% job placement rate in one of Iowa's poorest counties
02:30 - Economic Impact Analysis - 125 jobs lost, students becoming homeless, community economic contribution
04:00 - Personal Military Family Experience - Army brat perspective on social safety net benefits
05:30 - Ajai Long's Transformation Story - From couch-hopping and depression to stability through Job Corps
07:30 - Generational Investment Concept - Current spending prevents future costs and breaks poverty cycles
10:30 - Federal Land Questions - What happens to donated campus property after closure
11:30 - Close
13:11 - Post-Credits Banter

EXCO-Player - Iowa Starting Line
Jun 2025 18

WATCH: Iowa GOP goes to war over Reynolds pipeline bill veto (PT 3) – Cornhole Champions #29

By | POLITICS VIDEO, POLITICS, Amie Rivers

Governor Kim Reynolds vetoed a Republican bill restricting pipeline eminent domain, triggering angry responses from GOP lawmakers who are now threatening to kill her remaining legislative agenda. On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amy Rivers, and Avery Staker talk through the infighting and how it could show up in future legislative sessions.

Also on this episode… Bohannan to take another swing at unseating Miller-Meeks… Which hands are up in Iowa’s race for governor… Iowa AG Bird going after law enforcement in Winneshiek…

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

*LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO CORNHOLE CHAMPIONS:*
- YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2LsUFhizO07jdk5Wav4mOT7tArltF8z5&si=FryZd7N7tG5tJ5Ju
- Substack - https://cornholechampions.substack.com/
- Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cornhole-champions-podcast/id1779497714
- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rzNpiA4IwgLmxbyrhETY6?si=6c4a527fa9ad4f64
- PocketCasts - https://pca.st/74atty1j
... and everywhere you listen to podcasts

*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 - Show Intro - Kim Reynolds' Carbon Pipeline Veto Sparks GOP Civil War
02:30 - Anti-Pipeline Mass Protests - Public Outcry at Iowa Legislature
04:21 - Political Calculation - Republicans Feel Safe to Attack Reynolds
05:30 - Veto Override Challenges - Senate Numbers Don't Add Up
09:00 - Ethanol Deal Follow-up - Legislative Sessions Ahead

*FOLLOW ZACHARY OREN SMITH ON SOCIAL MEDIA:*
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EXCO-Player - Iowa Starting Line
Jun 2025 18

WATCH: Christina Bohannan’s 2026 bid and Congress’ biggest toss-up district (PT 1) – Cornhole Champions #29

By | LOCAL VIDEO, COMMUNITY, Amie Rivers

Christina Bohannan just announced her campaign for Iowa's 1st Congressional District, setting up a potential third consecutive matchup with US Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in America's most competitive House race. After losing by just 799 votes in 2024 following a district-wide recount, Bohannan is back for another shot at flipping this crucial swing seat.

On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amy Rivers, and Avery Staker take stock of why this margins of this district continue to be so tight.

Also on this episode… Which hands are up in Iowa’s race for governor… Iowa Republicans are in revolt over Reynolds' CO2 pipeline bill veto… Iowa AG Bird going after law enforcement in Winneshiek…

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

*LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO CORNHOLE CHAMPIONS:*
- YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2LsUFhizO07jdk5Wav4mOT7tArltF8z5&si=FryZd7N7tG5tJ5Ju
- Substack - https://cornholechampions.substack.com/
- Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cornhole-champions-podcast/id1779497714
- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rzNpiA4IwgLmxbyrhETY6?si=6c4a527fa9ad4f64
- PocketCasts - https://pca.st/74atty1j
... and everywhere you listen to podcasts

*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 - Cold Open - Diner Debate
07:42 - Breaking News - Christina Bohannan Announces Congressional Campaign
08:00 - Iowa's 1st District Analysis - Miller-Meeks' Narrow Victory Margins
08:30 - Trump vs. Miller-Meeks Vote Gap - 34,000 Vote Enthusiasm Difference
09:30 - Trump Loyalty Test - Republican Primary Challenges and Endorsements
11:46 - Christina Bohannan Background - Constitutional Law Professor's Political Rise
13:00 - Third Time's the Charm - Historical Context for Repeat Candidates
13:18 - Name Recognition Strategy
14:00 - Closing the Gap - From 20,000 to 800 Vote Margins in Two Years
15:00 - Campaign Experience Value - Building Local Political Infrastructure
16:00 - House Control Stakes - Why This Iowa Race Matters Nationally

*FOLLOW ZACHARY OREN SMITH ON SOCIAL MEDIA:*
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EXCO-Player - Iowa Starting Line
Jun 2025 18

WATCH: Iowa AG Bird’s lawsuit could defund the Winneshiek Sheriff’s Office (PT 4) – Cornhole Champions #29

By | LOCAL VIDEO, COMMUNITY, Iowa Production Staff

Attorney General Brenna Bird is pursuing legal action against Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx over a Facebook post questioning unconstitutional immigration enforcement, despite Marx's full compliance with all ICE detainer requests. On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amy Rivers, and Avery Staker talk through the story and how this could impact law enforcement's independence.

Also on this episode… Bohannan to take another swing at unseating Miller-Meeks… Which hands are up in Iowa’s race for governor… Iowa Republicans are in revolt over Reynolds CO2 pipeline bill veto…

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

*LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO CORNHOLE CHAMPIONS:*
- YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2LsUFhizO07jdk5Wav4mOT7tArltF8z5&si=FryZd7N7tG5tJ5Ju
- Substack - https://cornholechampions.substack.com/
- Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cornhole-champions-podcast/id1779497714
- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rzNpiA4IwgLmxbyrhETY6?si=6c4a527fa9ad4f64
- PocketCasts - https://pca.st/74atty1j
... and everywhere you listen to podcasts

*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:30 - Facebook Post Controversy - Sheriff Questions Unconstitutional Detainer Requests
01:47 - Compelled Speech Demand - Bird Wants Personal Apology from Sheriff
02:51 - Facebook Status Overreaction - Lawsuit Over Procedure Explanation
04:00 - No Iowa Sheriffs Sign - Dubuque Sheriff Warns of Targeting
06:37 - Economic Reality Check - Donor Pressure on Trump Administration
07:00 - Independent Sheriff Culture - Elected Law Enforcement Philosophy
10:57 - Host Sign-offs
11:10 - Post-Show

*FOLLOW ZACHARY OREN SMITH ON SOCIAL MEDIA:*
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EXCO-Player - Iowa Starting Line
Jun 2025 18

WATCH: Who will replace Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds? (PT 2) – Cornhole Champions #29

By | POLITICS VIDEO, POLITICS, Iowa Production Staff

A crowded field is shaping up in Iowa’s governor's race. From US Rep. Randy Feenstra to State Auditor Rob Sand, candidates are preparing for a mad dash to 2026.

On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amy Rivers, and Avery Staker parse threw the candidates who have announced or are likely to announce. Hear about who has thrown their hat into the race.

Also on this episode… Bohannan to take another swing at unseating Miller-Meeks… Iowa Republicans are in revolt over Reynolds' CO2 pipeline bill veto… Iowa AG Bird going after law enforcement in Winneshiek…

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

*LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO CORNHOLE CHAMPIONS:*
- YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2LsUFhizO07jdk5Wav4mOT7tArltF8z5&si=FryZd7N7tG5tJ5Ju
- Substack - https://cornholechampions.substack.com/
- Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cornhole-champions-podcast/id1779497714
- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rzNpiA4IwgLmxbyrhETY6?si=6c4a527fa9ad4f64
- PocketCasts - https://pca.st/74atty1j
... and everywhere you listen to podcasts

*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 - Show Intro - Governor's Race Overview Following Kim Reynolds' Surprise Exit
00:30 - Brad Sherman Analysis - First GOP Candidate with Extreme Positions
02:30 - Eddie Andrews - Tech Entrepreneur Turned State Rep
05:00 - Randy Feenstra - Congressman Seeking Statewide Office
07:00 - Brenna Bird - Attorney General's Trump Connection
10:00 - Early Money Matters - Feenstra's Donor List Strategy
10:40 - Democratic Side Introduction - Rob Sand's Statewide Advantage
16:30 - Julie Stauch - Buttigieg Alum's Listening Tour Strategy
17:00 - Trump Name-Dropping Analysis - Republican Candidates' Marketing Strategy

*FOLLOW ZACHARY OREN SMITH ON SOCIAL MEDIA:*
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EXCO-Player - Iowa Starting Line