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, a federal judge halts Iowa's SNAP food restrictions on soda, candy and more, Rob Sand unveils his "Rob-Publicans," Gov. Kim Reynolds reshuffles Iowa HHS leadership after the Senate rejected her director nominee, and Iowa Democrats make another case for restoring the state's lead-off status in vetting presidential hopefuls.

This episode was hosted by Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton and produced by Gazette Deputy Digital Content Manager Bailey Cichon. It features Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read stories featured in this week’s episode:

Federal judge blocks Iowa SNAP restrictions on soda, candy

https://www.thegazette.com/news/state/federal-judge-blocks-iowa-snap-restrictions-on-soda-candy/article_b1a2121c-24e2-4f13-9314-3b8487734355.html

Ex-Council Bluffs mayor among 'Rob-Publicans' for Rob Sand (10:45)

https://www.thegazette.com/news/politics/ex-council-bluffs-mayor-among-rob-publicans-for-rob-sand/article_d191e0c8-3c04-4f19-9ba2-8a9547a7cc3f.html

Reynolds taps Kraig Paulsen to lead Iowa HHS after Democrats block director's confirmation (22:23)

https://www.thegazette.com/news/state/reynolds-taps-kraig-paulsen-to-lead-iowa-hhs-after-democrats-block-directors-confirmation/article_a00c7c90-c946-46ff-977f-f7c50371b4f0.html

For more than 50 years, Iowa has tested future presidents (29:33)

https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_5b2ce740-598a-4f51-a443-f45d80da4a62.html