Laura Belin
@laurarbelin.bsky.social
Reporter covering Iowa politics (and sometimes wildflowers) for the progressive website Bleeding Heartland. https://www.bleedingheartland.com
Co-host of "KHOI's Capitol Week" on KHOI Radio in Ames and podcast platforms. https://laurabelin.substack.com
Co-host of "KHOI's Capitol Week" on KHOI Radio in Ames and podcast platforms. https://laurabelin.substack.com
New post: Linda Schreiber looks at the property tax reform proposals introduced this year in the Iowa legislature.
"When the state reduces its financial commitment, cities and counties face impossible choices: cut services or raise property taxes."
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/02/01/w...
"When the state reduces its financial commitment, cities and counties face impossible choices: cut services or raise property taxes."
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/02/01/w...
Will property tax cuts pay Iowans dividends?
Linda Schreiber: When the state reduces support, cities and counties face impossible choices: cut services or raise property taxes.
www.bleedingheartland.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:50 PM
New post: Linda Schreiber looks at the property tax reform proposals introduced this year in the Iowa legislature.
"When the state reduces its financial commitment, cities and counties face impossible choices: cut services or raise property taxes."
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/02/01/w...
"When the state reduces its financial commitment, cities and counties face impossible choices: cut services or raise property taxes."
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/02/01/w...
Reposted by Laura Belin
Like most of the House, Mike Johnson has only been there in the Trump era. It’s not simply that he’s abdicating his power as a coequal branch, it’s that he doesn’t seem to understand that it *is* a coequal branch.
WELKER: MTG says you're '100% under the direct orders of the WH'
JOHNSON: The president and I work closely together because we have unified govt. That's what the American people voted for
W: Is there any area where you disagree?
J: Yes. But we do that privately. I'm going to support my president.
JOHNSON: The president and I work closely together because we have unified govt. That's what the American people voted for
W: Is there any area where you disagree?
J: Yes. But we do that privately. I'm going to support my president.
February 1, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Like most of the House, Mike Johnson has only been there in the Trump era. It’s not simply that he’s abdicating his power as a coequal branch, it’s that he doesn’t seem to understand that it *is* a coequal branch.
Reposted by Laura Belin
Unmarked car, no lights or police insignia. Masked armed men leap out. Victim not in the act of committing any crime. This is not how a serious federal law enforcement agency acts in a free society.
How is this not supposed to be a “right wing paramilitary force loyal to the regime”?
How is this not supposed to be a “right wing paramilitary force loyal to the regime”?
This is just insane. It’s only a matter of time before DHS kills another innocent person here.
(clip via MPR and @davidjbier.bsky.social on X)
(clip via MPR and @davidjbier.bsky.social on X)
January 31, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Unmarked car, no lights or police insignia. Masked armed men leap out. Victim not in the act of committing any crime. This is not how a serious federal law enforcement agency acts in a free society.
How is this not supposed to be a “right wing paramilitary force loyal to the regime”?
How is this not supposed to be a “right wing paramilitary force loyal to the regime”?
Reposted by Laura Belin
This rules so hard. In law school I remember people who wanted to be federal prosecutors spending three years doing everything they could to be maybe, possibly be competitive for an AUSA job someday. Now you just need to hop on X the everything app and DM a guy named Chad.
January 31, 2026 at 11:02 PM
This rules so hard. In law school I remember people who wanted to be federal prosecutors spending three years doing everything they could to be maybe, possibly be competitive for an AUSA job someday. Now you just need to hop on X the everything app and DM a guy named Chad.
New post: Months after Randy Evans requested public records, Iowans still don't know how much it cost for the Cyclones to play in Dublin, or whether the trip was a money-maker or a money-loser for Iowa State University.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/31/i...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/31/i...
Iowa State fumbles with public records
Months after Randy Evans requested records, Iowans still don't know whether the Dublin trip was a money-maker for Iowa State University.
www.bleedingheartland.com
February 1, 2026 at 3:02 AM
New post: Months after Randy Evans requested public records, Iowans still don't know how much it cost for the Cyclones to play in Dublin, or whether the trip was a money-maker or a money-loser for Iowa State University.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/31/i...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/31/i...
Reposted by Laura Belin
J schools really need to get better at teaching security, and newspapers need to get better at drilling it into their journalists. This stuff is inexcusable.
The FBI was able to access Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's Signal messages because she used Signal on her work laptop. The laptop accepted Touch ID for authentication, meaning the agents were allowed to require her to unlock it. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
February 1, 2026 at 1:46 AM
J schools really need to get better at teaching security, and newspapers need to get better at drilling it into their journalists. This stuff is inexcusable.
ICYMI, on Friday I live-tweeted a court hearing in the Trump v DM Register and Selzer case.
I spent a few minutes summarizing where things are what happened in court on the Iowa Down Ballot podcast. That parts starts just before the 25:00 mark.
iowawriterscollaborative.substack.com/p/iowa-down-...
I spent a few minutes summarizing where things are what happened in court on the Iowa Down Ballot podcast. That parts starts just before the 25:00 mark.
iowawriterscollaborative.substack.com/p/iowa-down-...
February 1, 2026 at 12:48 AM
ICYMI, on Friday I live-tweeted a court hearing in the Trump v DM Register and Selzer case.
I spent a few minutes summarizing where things are what happened in court on the Iowa Down Ballot podcast. That parts starts just before the 25:00 mark.
iowawriterscollaborative.substack.com/p/iowa-down-...
I spent a few minutes summarizing where things are what happened in court on the Iowa Down Ballot podcast. That parts starts just before the 25:00 mark.
iowawriterscollaborative.substack.com/p/iowa-down-...
Reposted by Laura Belin
NEW: School hallways are silent. Grandparents patrol outside in shifts. Two more kids taken from Liam Ramos' school.
Trump isn't deescalating ICE at all at MN schools.
“I stopped wearing my high heels to work. I wear my boots to work because I have had to run." www.huffpost.com/entry/ice-mi...
Trump isn't deescalating ICE at all at MN schools.
“I stopped wearing my high heels to work. I wear my boots to work because I have had to run." www.huffpost.com/entry/ice-mi...
ICE Is Circling Minnesota Schools, Looking For Children to Take
Liam Ramos, 5, isn’t the only child in detention. Teachers and parents describe kids being hunted by federal agents.
www.huffpost.com
January 31, 2026 at 1:32 PM
NEW: School hallways are silent. Grandparents patrol outside in shifts. Two more kids taken from Liam Ramos' school.
Trump isn't deescalating ICE at all at MN schools.
“I stopped wearing my high heels to work. I wear my boots to work because I have had to run." www.huffpost.com/entry/ice-mi...
Trump isn't deescalating ICE at all at MN schools.
“I stopped wearing my high heels to work. I wear my boots to work because I have had to run." www.huffpost.com/entry/ice-mi...
New post: Rick Morain highlights another attempted power shift from Iowa's county attorneys to the Attorney General's office, which wants a new process for handling child in need of assistance cases.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/a...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/a...
Another worrisome power shift from county attorneys to Iowa's AG
Rick Morain: The Iowa Attorney General's office is trying to change the process for handling Child in Need of Assistance cases.
www.bleedingheartland.com
January 31, 2026 at 4:27 AM
New post: Rick Morain highlights another attempted power shift from Iowa's county attorneys to the Attorney General's office, which wants a new process for handling child in need of assistance cases.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/a...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/a...
Reposted by Laura Belin
Very important vote. It makes repealing ICE surge funding the mainstream position in the party, with bipartisan support.
👀 Every Senate Democrat + Collins and Murkowski just voted for the Bernie Sanders amendment to repeal the $75 billion in additional ICE funding under Trump’s “big beautiful bill.” The measure failed 49-51.
January 30, 2026 at 11:26 PM
Very important vote. It makes repealing ICE surge funding the mainstream position in the party, with bipartisan support.
Reposted by Laura Belin
this is an eminently losing battle that I will also continue to whole-heartedly fight
A hill I will die on: message-testing polls are a legitimate way to figure out angles that resonate with voters. This kind of survey is not a "push poll."
A "push poll" isn't even a poll--they are not collecting or analyzing data, just spreading negative messages to a very wide audience.
A "push poll" isn't even a poll--they are not collecting or analyzing data, just spreading negative messages to a very wide audience.
The survey in the field this week appears designed to identify Rob Sand’s weaknesses and the strongest arguments a competitor could make before the June 2 Democratic primary.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/s...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/s...
January 30, 2026 at 10:54 PM
this is an eminently losing battle that I will also continue to whole-heartedly fight
A hill I will die on: message-testing polls are a legitimate way to figure out angles that resonate with voters. This kind of survey is not a "push poll."
A "push poll" isn't even a poll--they are not collecting or analyzing data, just spreading negative messages to a very wide audience.
A "push poll" isn't even a poll--they are not collecting or analyzing data, just spreading negative messages to a very wide audience.
The survey in the field this week appears designed to identify Rob Sand’s weaknesses and the strongest arguments a competitor could make before the June 2 Democratic primary.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/s...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/s...
Someone is testing messages about Rob Sand and Julie Stauch
Laura Belin publishes the questionnaire from a new poll testing dozens of messages about the two Democrats running for governor.
www.bleedingheartland.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:14 PM
A hill I will die on: message-testing polls are a legitimate way to figure out angles that resonate with voters. This kind of survey is not a "push poll."
A "push poll" isn't even a poll--they are not collecting or analyzing data, just spreading negative messages to a very wide audience.
A "push poll" isn't even a poll--they are not collecting or analyzing data, just spreading negative messages to a very wide audience.
Reposted by Laura Belin
Breaking on MS NOW:
Career DOJ prosecutors in both Minnesota and Los Angeles refused to be involved in charging Don Lemon and the other journalists who covered the Minneapolis church protests.
The prosecutors believe the evidence does not support the charges, per @carolleonnig.bsky.social.
Career DOJ prosecutors in both Minnesota and Los Angeles refused to be involved in charging Don Lemon and the other journalists who covered the Minneapolis church protests.
The prosecutors believe the evidence does not support the charges, per @carolleonnig.bsky.social.
January 30, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Breaking on MS NOW:
Career DOJ prosecutors in both Minnesota and Los Angeles refused to be involved in charging Don Lemon and the other journalists who covered the Minneapolis church protests.
The prosecutors believe the evidence does not support the charges, per @carolleonnig.bsky.social.
Career DOJ prosecutors in both Minnesota and Los Angeles refused to be involved in charging Don Lemon and the other journalists who covered the Minneapolis church protests.
The prosecutors believe the evidence does not support the charges, per @carolleonnig.bsky.social.
Reposted by Laura Belin
IMO this is key. The last shutdown ended because Ds got spooked when SNAP payments were in danger. Warnock, who'd been amazing on ACA payments said "how can I weigh health care against food?"
By separating out DHS, we mute that. SSI and Section 8 won't be on the line. We're focused squarely on DHS.
By separating out DHS, we mute that. SSI and Section 8 won't be on the line. We're focused squarely on DHS.
(3/3) It can't go on forever because it would eventually wreck FEMA and airports. But it means we aren't putting SSI or Section 8 recipients in the crossfire of a govt shutdown. It's a position where Ds can hold out much longer, so it's a place that maximizes leverage, if Ds are willing to use it.
January 30, 2026 at 6:58 PM
IMO this is key. The last shutdown ended because Ds got spooked when SNAP payments were in danger. Warnock, who'd been amazing on ACA payments said "how can I weigh health care against food?"
By separating out DHS, we mute that. SSI and Section 8 won't be on the line. We're focused squarely on DHS.
By separating out DHS, we mute that. SSI and Section 8 won't be on the line. We're focused squarely on DHS.
Reposted by Laura Belin
I get tired of saying it, but I’ll say it again: the nature of oppression in America is that they workshop it first on Black, Latino, Asian & Native people.
But it is always, in the end, coming for everyone.
But it is always, in the end, coming for everyone.
The arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort are a test for every MSM member with a platform. If you are not voicing your outrage at this blatant violation of the First Amendment, you are utterly discredited as a journalist.
January 30, 2026 at 4:46 PM
I get tired of saying it, but I’ll say it again: the nature of oppression in America is that they workshop it first on Black, Latino, Asian & Native people.
But it is always, in the end, coming for everyone.
But it is always, in the end, coming for everyone.
Thread: I'm at the Polk County courthouse, where a hearing is starting at 9 am in Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and its longtime pollster, Ann Selzer.
This hearing's about a procedural motion, not merits of the case. 1/
This hearing's about a procedural motion, not merits of the case. 1/
January 30, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Thread: I'm at the Polk County courthouse, where a hearing is starting at 9 am in Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and its longtime pollster, Ann Selzer.
This hearing's about a procedural motion, not merits of the case. 1/
This hearing's about a procedural motion, not merits of the case. 1/
The survey in the field this week appears designed to identify Rob Sand’s weaknesses and the strongest arguments a competitor could make before the June 2 Democratic primary.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/s...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/s...
Someone is testing messages about Rob Sand and Julie Stauch
Laura Belin publishes the questionnaire from a new poll testing dozens of messages about the two Democrats running for governor.
www.bleedingheartland.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:24 PM
The survey in the field this week appears designed to identify Rob Sand’s weaknesses and the strongest arguments a competitor could make before the June 2 Democratic primary.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/s...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/s...
Who's up late and wants to read about an #Iowa poll testing messages about the two Democrats running for governor?
@robsandia.bsky.social @julie4alliowans.bsky.social #IAGov #iapolitics
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/s...
@robsandia.bsky.social @julie4alliowans.bsky.social #IAGov #iapolitics
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/s...
Someone is testing messages about Rob Sand and Julie Stauch
Laura Belin publishes the questionnaire from a new poll testing dozens of messages about the two Democrats running for governor.
www.bleedingheartland.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:46 AM
Who's up late and wants to read about an #Iowa poll testing messages about the two Democrats running for governor?
@robsandia.bsky.social @julie4alliowans.bsky.social #IAGov #iapolitics
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/s...
@robsandia.bsky.social @julie4alliowans.bsky.social #IAGov #iapolitics
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/30/s...
Reposted by Laura Belin
Pay attention to this. The more popular opinion turns against Trump, the more desperate they are going to get. And the more they are going to try to screw with the elections.
Trump’s efforts to interfere in midterms becoming clearer & more dangerous every day:
-using ICE to terrorize blue states & cities
-seizing ballots in heavily Dem counties
-prosecuting 2020 enemies
-extorting states for sensitive voter data
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
-using ICE to terrorize blue states & cities
-seizing ballots in heavily Dem counties
-prosecuting 2020 enemies
-extorting states for sensitive voter data
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
From Minnesota to Georgia, Trump’s plans to interfere in the midterms are becoming more dangerous
The seizure of ballots in Fulton County, Georgia follows the DOJ’s demands for voter data in Minnesota.
www.motherjones.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Pay attention to this. The more popular opinion turns against Trump, the more desperate they are going to get. And the more they are going to try to screw with the elections.
New post by Bruce Lear: Governor Kim Reynolds tried to distract from real problems in her speech, pretending that “The condition of the state is strong.” It’s not, and change is coming.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/29/c...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/29/c...
Change can come to Iowa's public schools
Bruce Lear: A new governor should prioritize rebuilding and enhancing Iowa's crumbling public school foundation.
www.bleedingheartland.com
January 30, 2026 at 2:38 AM
New post by Bruce Lear: Governor Kim Reynolds tried to distract from real problems in her speech, pretending that “The condition of the state is strong.” It’s not, and change is coming.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/29/c...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/01/29/c...
Very sad news: former U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pratt (of the Southern District of Iowa) died unexpectedly yesterday.
Statement from Senator Tom Harkin, a friend of Pratt's for more than 50 years: www.facebook.com/harkininstit...
Statement from Senator Tom Harkin, a friend of Pratt's for more than 50 years: www.facebook.com/harkininstit...
The Harkin Institute
Retired Iowa Senator Tom and Ruth Harkin, along with the entire staff of The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement at Drake University, are deeply saddened by the recent passing...
www.facebook.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:40 AM
Very sad news: former U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pratt (of the Southern District of Iowa) died unexpectedly yesterday.
Statement from Senator Tom Harkin, a friend of Pratt's for more than 50 years: www.facebook.com/harkininstit...
Statement from Senator Tom Harkin, a friend of Pratt's for more than 50 years: www.facebook.com/harkininstit...
What is your favorite song that is over 10 minutes long?
A prog rock classic.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hKY...
A prog rock classic.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hKY...
January 30, 2026 at 1:21 AM
What is your favorite song that is over 10 minutes long?
A prog rock classic.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hKY...
A prog rock classic.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hKY...
Reposted by Laura Belin
This is so unhinged
January 29, 2026 at 9:34 PM
This is so unhinged
Via @rjfoley.bsky.social: "Victor Manuel Diaz left for work at a suburban Minneapolis restaurant on Jan. 6. Eight days later, the Nicaraguan father was dead at an ICE facility 1,300 miles away. Here’s what we know about his death"
apnews.com/article/ice-...
apnews.com/article/ice-...
Nicaraguan man's death at troubled Texas detention camp was reported as a suicide, 911 records show
A 911 call shows that a Nicaraguan man who died at a Texas detention camp days after he was detained by immigration authorities in Minneapolis is suspected of dying by suicide.
apnews.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Via @rjfoley.bsky.social: "Victor Manuel Diaz left for work at a suburban Minneapolis restaurant on Jan. 6. Eight days later, the Nicaraguan father was dead at an ICE facility 1,300 miles away. Here’s what we know about his death"
apnews.com/article/ice-...
apnews.com/article/ice-...
Reposted by Laura Belin
This is sort of a throughline in cases of excessive force used by law enforcement. The civilian is supposed to perfectly adhere to some unwritten code of conduct; the armed professional supposedly trained for such situations is only human & must be given lattitude if they succumb to fear and rage.
The administration is insisting that its masked goons are so emotionally stunted that words can launch them into a murderous rage.
"Our professionals are just ordinary people so ordinary people better act professionally around them, or else."
"Our professionals are just ordinary people so ordinary people better act professionally around them, or else."
January 29, 2026 at 2:18 PM
This is sort of a throughline in cases of excessive force used by law enforcement. The civilian is supposed to perfectly adhere to some unwritten code of conduct; the armed professional supposedly trained for such situations is only human & must be given lattitude if they succumb to fear and rage.