Laura Belin
@laurarbelin.bsky.social
Reporter covering Iowa politics (and sometimes wildflowers) for the progressive website Bleeding Heartland. https://www.bleedingheartland.com
Part-time statehouse reporter for KHOI Radio in Ames. https://laurabelin.substack.com
Part-time statehouse reporter for KHOI Radio in Ames. https://laurabelin.substack.com
Reposted by Laura Belin
They really are going with immaculate asymmetry of tariffs, which didn't raise prices when they were imposed but will cut them when they're withdrawn.
KARL: Tariffs have been removed from some food items. How soon do we expect prices on those goods will go down?
HASSETT: The prices for those goods weren't necessarily going up just because of tariffs
KARL: So they might not go down?
HASSETT: The prices for those goods weren't necessarily going up just because of tariffs
KARL: So they might not go down?
November 16, 2025 at 6:06 PM
They really are going with immaculate asymmetry of tariffs, which didn't raise prices when they were imposed but will cut them when they're withdrawn.
Reposted by Laura Belin
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Illinois is launching a new initiative to document abuses by federal agents — calling out ICE and CBP for targeting people of color and dodging accountability. “We’re going to have to keep a record. These people need to be held accountable.”
November 15, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Illinois is launching a new initiative to document abuses by federal agents — calling out ICE and CBP for targeting people of color and dodging accountability. “We’re going to have to keep a record. These people need to be held accountable.”
New post by Jason Benell @jastiger.bsky.social :
The Democrats' health care rhetoric is a sham
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/16/t...
The Democrats' health care rhetoric is a sham
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/16/t...
The Democrats' health care rhetoric is a sham
Jason Benell: Democrats shouldn’t advocate for lowering costs to buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
www.bleedingheartland.com
November 16, 2025 at 3:56 PM
New post by Jason Benell @jastiger.bsky.social :
The Democrats' health care rhetoric is a sham
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/16/t...
The Democrats' health care rhetoric is a sham
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/16/t...
#IA01's Rep Miller-Meeks attended COP multiple times as a member of the House Conservative Climate Caucus. www.bleedingheartland.com/2022/11/19/m...
Now she chairs that caucus
conservativeclimatecaucus-millermeeks.house.gov/about
but she's spending this weekend in Iowa.
Now she chairs that caucus
conservativeclimatecaucus-millermeeks.house.gov/about
but she's spending this weekend in Iowa.
November 16, 2025 at 3:05 PM
#IA01's Rep Miller-Meeks attended COP multiple times as a member of the House Conservative Climate Caucus. www.bleedingheartland.com/2022/11/19/m...
Now she chairs that caucus
conservativeclimatecaucus-millermeeks.house.gov/about
but she's spending this weekend in Iowa.
Now she chairs that caucus
conservativeclimatecaucus-millermeeks.house.gov/about
but she's spending this weekend in Iowa.
Reposted by Laura Belin
It's been a political masterclass from Pope Leo, frankly. I think he was tired of Trump and MAGA co-opting Christianity and said let's get in there and make it an us vs them situation. Make the administration be versus the church. It's smart.
lolol these fucks. you're catholic! the pope is infallible! you don't like that, go be an evangelical, which is what you really want to be.
Trump’s border czar rebukes US bishops over immigration stance
Tom Homan, a self-described 'lifelong Catholic', has launched a sharp attack on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops after they issued a collective statement raising concerns over the Trump administr...
thecatholicherald.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:21 AM
It's been a political masterclass from Pope Leo, frankly. I think he was tired of Trump and MAGA co-opting Christianity and said let's get in there and make it an us vs them situation. Make the administration be versus the church. It's smart.
My readers are excited about the possibility of Chris Jones @theswinerepublic.bsky.social running for Iowa secretary of agriculture.
ICYMI, highlights from his recent remarks in Des Moines and my interview with him afterwards:
laurabelin.substack.com/p/we-deserve...
ICYMI, highlights from his recent remarks in Des Moines and my interview with him afterwards:
laurabelin.substack.com/p/we-deserve...
"We deserve better": Why Chris Jones may run for secretary of agriculture
"What farmers do affects everyone"
laurabelin.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:49 AM
My readers are excited about the possibility of Chris Jones @theswinerepublic.bsky.social running for Iowa secretary of agriculture.
ICYMI, highlights from his recent remarks in Des Moines and my interview with him afterwards:
laurabelin.substack.com/p/we-deserve...
ICYMI, highlights from his recent remarks in Des Moines and my interview with him afterwards:
laurabelin.substack.com/p/we-deserve...
This is the same poll. Here's the memo:
drive.google.com/file/d/1kjMM...
I doubt Nunn would lose by this kind of margin but I do think that if it's a decent year for Ds, he will lose. I would rate #IA03 a toss-up, not lean R or tilt R as some forecasters have it now.
drive.google.com/file/d/1kjMM...
I doubt Nunn would lose by this kind of margin but I do think that if it's a decent year for Ds, he will lose. I would rate #IA03 a toss-up, not lean R or tilt R as some forecasters have it now.
November 15, 2025 at 2:43 AM
This is the same poll. Here's the memo:
drive.google.com/file/d/1kjMM...
I doubt Nunn would lose by this kind of margin but I do think that if it's a decent year for Ds, he will lose. I would rate #IA03 a toss-up, not lean R or tilt R as some forecasters have it now.
drive.google.com/file/d/1kjMM...
I doubt Nunn would lose by this kind of margin but I do think that if it's a decent year for Ds, he will lose. I would rate #IA03 a toss-up, not lean R or tilt R as some forecasters have it now.
New post: After sounding the alarm for years through writing and public speaking, Chris Jones @theswinerepublic.bsky.social is exploring a Democratic campaign for Iowa secretary of agriculture in 2026.
He outlined his vision for change in ag and rural Iowa:
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/13/w...
He outlined his vision for change in ag and rural Iowa:
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/13/w...
"We deserve better": Why Chris Jones may run for secretary of agriculture
Chris Jones spoke to Bleeding Heartland about his vision for change and the policies he would champion if he runs for statewide office.
www.bleedingheartland.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:57 AM
New post: After sounding the alarm for years through writing and public speaking, Chris Jones @theswinerepublic.bsky.social is exploring a Democratic campaign for Iowa secretary of agriculture in 2026.
He outlined his vision for change in ag and rural Iowa:
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/13/w...
He outlined his vision for change in ag and rural Iowa:
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/13/w...
Didn't realize Xavier Carrigan was on this site: @airdragon.bsky.social
Added to my starter pack for Iowa politicians and candidates.
bsky.app/starter-pack...
Let me know who else I'm missing!
Added to my starter pack for Iowa politicians and candidates.
bsky.app/starter-pack...
Let me know who else I'm missing!
New post by Xavier Carrigan, a Democratic candidate in #IA03:
Career politicians left the working class on the tracks—again
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/13/c...
Career politicians left the working class on the tracks—again
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/13/c...
Career politicians left the working class on the tracks—again
Xavier Carrigan: Congress approved a funding deal that protects investors while leaving the working class paying the ransom—again.
www.bleedingheartland.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Didn't realize Xavier Carrigan was on this site: @airdragon.bsky.social
Added to my starter pack for Iowa politicians and candidates.
bsky.app/starter-pack...
Let me know who else I'm missing!
Added to my starter pack for Iowa politicians and candidates.
bsky.app/starter-pack...
Let me know who else I'm missing!
New post by Xavier Carrigan, a Democratic candidate in #IA03:
Career politicians left the working class on the tracks—again
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/13/c...
Career politicians left the working class on the tracks—again
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/13/c...
Career politicians left the working class on the tracks—again
Xavier Carrigan: Congress approved a funding deal that protects investors while leaving the working class paying the ransom—again.
www.bleedingheartland.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:16 PM
New post by Xavier Carrigan, a Democratic candidate in #IA03:
Career politicians left the working class on the tracks—again
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/13/c...
Career politicians left the working class on the tracks—again
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/13/c...
The "smooth handover" has long been one of my pet peeves. I've criticized that practice when incumbents from either party did it in the Iowa legislature, and am glad to say it's less common here now than it was 10-15 years ago.
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez shocked and dismayed colleagues today with a rogue effort to condemn retiring Rep. Chuy García for effectively ensuring his chief of staff would succeed him in Congress.
Chaos erupts on House floor as Democrat moves to condemn fellow party member
Gluesenkamp Perez was told by fellow Democrats, "You don't need to do this right now."
www.axios.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The "smooth handover" has long been one of my pet peeves. I've criticized that practice when incumbents from either party did it in the Iowa legislature, and am glad to say it's less common here now than it was 10-15 years ago.
New post by State Representative Aime Wichtendahl:
Here’s one thing that is obvious to everyone but the consultant class: Voters don’t want focus-tested candidates with poll-tested messages.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/12/d...
Here’s one thing that is obvious to everyone but the consultant class: Voters don’t want focus-tested candidates with poll-tested messages.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/12/d...
Democrats can win with one weird trick: Fire the consultants
State Representative Aime Wichtendahl represents Iowa House district 80. In the lead up to the 2025 election the consultant class decided to release a 58-page document called deciding ‘Deciding to Win...
www.bleedingheartland.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:51 AM
New post by State Representative Aime Wichtendahl:
Here’s one thing that is obvious to everyone but the consultant class: Voters don’t want focus-tested candidates with poll-tested messages.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/12/d...
Here’s one thing that is obvious to everyone but the consultant class: Voters don’t want focus-tested candidates with poll-tested messages.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/12/d...
I don't have a new #Iowa #wildflowers post today, so I'm re-sharing this piece by Diane Porter from November 2022:
Baldwin's ironweed "can grow almost anywhere the sun shines and is "important for feeding butterflies, moths and especially native bees."
www.bleedingheartland.com/2022/11/09/i...
Baldwin's ironweed "can grow almost anywhere the sun shines and is "important for feeding butterflies, moths and especially native bees."
www.bleedingheartland.com/2022/11/09/i...
Iowa wildflower Wednesday: Baldwin's ironweed
Diane Porter features Baldwin's ironweed, a tallgrass prairie native that's important for feeding butterflies, moths, and native bees.
www.bleedingheartland.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:53 AM
I don't have a new #Iowa #wildflowers post today, so I'm re-sharing this piece by Diane Porter from November 2022:
Baldwin's ironweed "can grow almost anywhere the sun shines and is "important for feeding butterflies, moths and especially native bees."
www.bleedingheartland.com/2022/11/09/i...
Baldwin's ironweed "can grow almost anywhere the sun shines and is "important for feeding butterflies, moths and especially native bees."
www.bleedingheartland.com/2022/11/09/i...
Reposted by Laura Belin
👀🧵
BREAKING: (Gift) New Epstein emails reveal that Epstein claimed he had kompromat on President Trump. www.miamiherald.com/news/politic...
New Epstein emails claim Trump ‘spent hours’ with victim
Democrats on the House Oversight say the emails provide evidence of a cover-up by the White House
www.miamiherald.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:28 PM
👀🧵
News flash for Iowans: The Aurora Borealis (northern lights) visible, at least as far south as central Iowa. Look to the north.
These are not photoshopped—my phone camera did a longer exposure of a few seconds, which makes the colors look brighter than they do with the naked eye.
These are not photoshopped—my phone camera did a longer exposure of a few seconds, which makes the colors look brighter than they do with the naked eye.
November 12, 2025 at 2:26 AM
News flash for Iowans: The Aurora Borealis (northern lights) visible, at least as far south as central Iowa. Look to the north.
These are not photoshopped—my phone camera did a longer exposure of a few seconds, which makes the colors look brighter than they do with the naked eye.
These are not photoshopped—my phone camera did a longer exposure of a few seconds, which makes the colors look brighter than they do with the naked eye.
Reposted by Laura Belin
We covered a ton of Iowa political news on the latest "KHOI's Capitol Week."
Just posted the audio file and written recap (for those who would rather read than listen):
laurabelin.substack.com/p/dems-again...
Just posted the audio file and written recap (for those who would rather read than listen):
laurabelin.substack.com/p/dems-again...
Dems against Schumer, local election takeaways, another R for governor
Nov. 10 edition of "KHOI's Capitol Week"
laurabelin.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:57 PM
We covered a ton of Iowa political news on the latest "KHOI's Capitol Week."
Just posted the audio file and written recap (for those who would rather read than listen):
laurabelin.substack.com/p/dems-again...
Just posted the audio file and written recap (for those who would rather read than listen):
laurabelin.substack.com/p/dems-again...
No surprise: the Iowa Board of Regents picked David Cook as the next president of Iowa State University.
Both finalists were well-qualified, but Cook was born and raised in Ames and attended ISU for his undergraduate degree. More likely to stick around.
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/11/11/d...
Both finalists were well-qualified, but Cook was born and raised in Ames and attended ISU for his undergraduate degree. More likely to stick around.
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/11/11/d...
David Cook named 17th Iowa State University president • Iowa Capital Dispatch
David Cook was selected by the Iowa Board of Regents Tuesday to lead Iowa State University as president, succeeding Wendy Wintersteen.
iowacapitaldispatch.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:35 PM
No surprise: the Iowa Board of Regents picked David Cook as the next president of Iowa State University.
Both finalists were well-qualified, but Cook was born and raised in Ames and attended ISU for his undergraduate degree. More likely to stick around.
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/11/11/d...
Both finalists were well-qualified, but Cook was born and raised in Ames and attended ISU for his undergraduate degree. More likely to stick around.
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/11/11/d...
Reposted by Laura Belin
This Veterans Day I want to acknowledge the Black veterans of WWII who fought fascism and nazism and came home to fight for civil rights and democracy here. New research shows Black veterans were critical in securing the voting rights currently under attack.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Homefront: Black Servicemembers and Black Voters in the Civil Rights Era
The role of Black World War II veterans in the Civil Rights Movement has been well documented, but the effect of Black military service on Black voting patterns remains unclear. Combining detailed in...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:10 PM
This Veterans Day I want to acknowledge the Black veterans of WWII who fought fascism and nazism and came home to fight for civil rights and democracy here. New research shows Black veterans were critical in securing the voting rights currently under attack.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
New post: Bruce Lear has advice for new school board members on setting the tone, dealing with complaints, and doing the public's business.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/10/h...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/10/h...
How to avoid school board dysfunction
Bruce Lear has advice for new school board members on setting the tone, dealing with complaints, and doing the public's business.
www.bleedingheartland.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:55 AM
New post: Bruce Lear has advice for new school board members on setting the tone, dealing with complaints, and doing the public's business.
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/10/h...
www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/11/10/h...
You can listen to tonight's show now by looking for "KHOI's Capitol Week" on any podcast platform or smart speaker.
Tomorrow I will send a detailed written recap (for those who would rather read than listen) as well as the audio file on my free email newsletter: laurabelin.substack.com
Tomorrow I will send a detailed written recap (for those who would rather read than listen) as well as the audio file on my free email newsletter: laurabelin.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:08 AM
You can listen to tonight's show now by looking for "KHOI's Capitol Week" on any podcast platform or smart speaker.
Tomorrow I will send a detailed written recap (for those who would rather read than listen) as well as the audio file on my free email newsletter: laurabelin.substack.com
Tomorrow I will send a detailed written recap (for those who would rather read than listen) as well as the audio file on my free email newsletter: laurabelin.substack.com
In a few minutes, @spencerdirks.bsky.social and I are going live on @khoiradio to talk about the week in Iowa politics.
89.1 FM in the Ames listening area or online:
www.khoifm.org
(will be on podcast platforms later as "KHOI's Capitol Week")
89.1 FM in the Ames listening area or online:
www.khoifm.org
(will be on podcast platforms later as "KHOI's Capitol Week")
KHOI FM 89.1
www.khoifm.org
November 11, 2025 at 12:56 AM
In a few minutes, @spencerdirks.bsky.social and I are going live on @khoiradio to talk about the week in Iowa politics.
89.1 FM in the Ames listening area or online:
www.khoifm.org
(will be on podcast platforms later as "KHOI's Capitol Week")
89.1 FM in the Ames listening area or online:
www.khoifm.org
(will be on podcast platforms later as "KHOI's Capitol Week")
Reposted by Laura Belin
1/ The US Government has quietly removed a memorial to Black soldiers who died in World War II from the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, South Limburg. The move follows a complaint from the right-wing Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission. ⬇️
November 9, 2025 at 9:23 AM
1/ The US Government has quietly removed a memorial to Black soldiers who died in World War II from the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, South Limburg. The move follows a complaint from the right-wing Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission. ⬇️