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Unpacking controversial bills at the Iowa Capitol
13th February 2026 • On Iowa Politics Podcast • The Gazette
00:00:00 00:52:18

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On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the On Iowa Politics podcast, we discuss multiple pieces of controversial legislation at the Iowa Capitol, federal immigration enforcement, and a bill to lure the Chicago Bears to Iowa.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

FIRST FROM THE JOURNAL: Sioux City Rep. J.D. Scholten not seeking reelection

https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_c7ffa366-f7bc-4e71-8b27-a567e7993c44.html

Bill advanced by Iowa lawmakers would require in-person doctor visits for medication abortion

https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_72d193d4-bb21-4d62-ae33-d140dacf9538.html

Transgender Iowans protest GOP bills

https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/love-not-hate-iowans-protest-gop-bills-targeting-transgender-protections-and-parenting-rules/

UI student accused of ‘trying to assault’ lawmaker as she was escorted out of DEI hearing: https://www.thegazette.com/higher-education/ui-student-accused-of-trying-to-assault-lawmaker-as-she-was-escorted-out-of-dei-hearing/

Opinion: Reynolds can’t stop kicking trans Iowans

https://www.thegazette.com/staff-columnists/reynolds-cant-stop-kicking-trans-iowans/

Could Iowa become Chicago Bears’ next home? Bill aims to lure NFL team

https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/iowa-lawmakers-pitch-stadium-incentives-to-lure-chicago-bears-across-state-lines/

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

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