Pints & Politics is a year-round gathering featuring The Gazette and special guests from across the state and party lines. National, state, and local issues are covered, with opportunities to zone in on the latest headlines. Attendees participate in audience polls, submit questions, and enjoy time with some of their favorite journalists, columnists, and guests! This beloved event and lively conversation invite attendees to learn more about the issues impacting their community.

This event was recorded on February 18, 2026, at CSPS in Cedar Rapids. The Gazette and Presenting Sponsor, the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors, brought this event as part of our year-long series. Panelists include Gazette columnist Todd Dorman, regional editor Zack Kucharski, and special guest Adam B Sullivan. Sullivan is a former columnist and editorial writer at The Gazette, and the author of 'At Liberty,' a column discussing libertarian solutions to issues facing Iowans. The Gazette's Elena Stark moderated the session. The Gazette's Publisher, Rick Green, introduced himself and his love of, and history in, politics.

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 we’re of course going to talk about Funnel Week in the Iowa Legislature, but we also have a few tales to share from the campaign trail in Iowa’s GOP gubernatorial primary.

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, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Althea Cole.

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

Adam Steen hopes to ride momentum of Vander Plaats endorsement in Iowa governor's race

https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_ff405dfc-d841-4abd-b057-035fad9144ba.html

‘Tough on crime’ agenda makes it through first Iowa Legislature deadline

https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/tough-on-crime-agenda-makes-it-through-first-iowa-legislature-deadline/

Iowa Republicans drop near-total abortion ban proposals

https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/iowa-republicans-drop-near-total-abortion-ban-proposals/

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

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.

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 Congressional race fundraising, caucus intrigue for both parties, news from the Iowa Legislature and more.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features 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:

Sioux City resident arrested by DHS booked in Woodbury County jail, scope of operations unclear

https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/article_1b4ba8ac-6e9e-45f2-85fd-b65393b34e72.html

Iowa could end school vaccination requirements under bill moving forward

https://www.thegazette.com/health-care-medicine/iowa-gop-lawmakers-move-to-end-school-vaccine-requirements/

Iowa lawmakers advance bill prohibiting partnerships between public schools and libraries

https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_b674a9e0-ffc5-4962-a348-293a2a82d56c.html

Ashley Hinson takes massive fundraising edge in Iowa’s open-seat U.S. Senate campaign

https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/ashley-hinson-takes-massive-fundraising-edge-in-iowas-open-seat-u-s-senate-campaign/

Cash advantage gives GOP early boost in Iowa congressional races

https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/republicans-hold-cash-edge-in-iowa-congressional-races-heading-into-2026/

Sioux City's Chris McGowan touts Trump endorsement in Fourth Congressional District race

https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/elections/article_37b56447-4ed0-4ec2-930b-83c640ba4c47.html#tracking[…]op-story

See who won the Scott County GOP caucus gubernatorial straw poll

https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_e72818ed-1cc2-443d-bcdb-cfdc4595b19d.html

Grassroots straw polls signal early unrest in Iowa GOP governor’s race

https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/iowa-republican-grassroots-signal-unease-with-feenstra-as-county-parties-hold-unsanctioned-straw-pol/

DNC will allow Iowa Democrats to compete for early date for 2028 caucuses

https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/dnc-will-allow-iowa-democrats-to-compete-for-early-date-for-2028-caucuses/

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

Get daily Iowa politics updates by signing up for the free On Iowa Politics Newsletter.

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com

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 President Trump’s visit to Iowa and so much more: 2026 election shakeups, Republican gubernatorial primary forums, a legislative forum and more.

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, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

Iowa Quad-Cities lawmakers look to ramp up energy production in the state: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_9266bc38-061b-4b74-ac9e-0d7f88a97fa2.html

Four Republican gubernatorial candidates lay out priorities during Eldridge forum: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_0c1232a3-3fd0-41d8-b594-83e8c242eff8.html

Campaign Almanac: Wettach pivots to auditor race; Lundgren halts U.S. House bid: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/campaign-almanac-iowa-democrat-ending-congressional-bid-to-run-for-state-auditor/

Hundreds of Iowans hear Trump’s call for midterm election support: https://www.thegazette.com/federal-government/hundreds-of-iowans-hear-trumps-call-for-midterm-election-support-as-thousands-more-protest-his-appe/

Cold weather, hot anger greet Trump in Clive: https://www.thegazette.com/federal-government/thousands-protest-immigration-enforcement-as-trump-visits-clive/

5 takeaways from Trump's Iowa visit: Dems made up 'affordability,' no governor endorsement: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_1f005c2c-c847-4f9e-83f3-1001a18c1a40.html

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

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

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 dig deep into recently published state campaign fundraising reports, everybody’s property tax flags have now been planted, and we hear from our columnists on the Cedar Rapids Schools budget situation.

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, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

Opinion: Past decisions play role in CR schools’ current problems: https://www.thegazette.com/staff-columnists/past-decisions-play-role-in-cr-schools-current-problems/

Opinion: Much is at stake in Cedar Rapids school closure debate: https://www.thegazette.com/staff-columnists/much-is-at-stake-in-school-closure-debate/

Rob Sand raised $9.5M last year in his campaign for Iowa governor: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/rob-sand-raised-9-5m-last-year-without-help-from-family-in-his-campaign-for-iowa-governor/

Eminent domain restrictions on pipeline projects pass Iowa House: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/eminent-domain-restrictions-on-pipeline-projects-pass-iowa-house/

Iowa House Republicans add third property tax plan to GOP debate: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/third-gop-property-tax-proposal-emerges-as-iowa-lawmakers-debate-how-to-cut-tax-bills/

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, Gov. Kim Reynolds gives her penultimate — not her last — Condition of the State address, the Iowa Legislature’s annual work has begun, and so much more.

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, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

McGowan touts endorsement from former Gov. Branstad, more than $500k in fundraising since June https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_7d7382a0-ba33-4475-a1c2-84b72fc05a5f.html

Quad-Cities community response session organized after ICE shooting in Minnesota: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_aa0990a9-85b6-41c2-8fa5-19d573c54e0d.html

Iowa Gov. Reynolds, in final policy push, proposes property tax overhaul: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/iowa-gov-reynolds-in-final-policy-push-proposes-property-tax-overhaul/

Iowa Gov. Reynolds proposes $9.7B budget, again drawing from state reserve funds: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/iowa-gov-reynolds-proposes-9-7b-budget-again-drawing-from-state-reserve-funds/

Iowa eminent domain, landowner rights bill passes House committee: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/capitol-notebook-iowa-eminent-domain-landowner-rights-bill-passes-house-committee/

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

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, the On Iowa Politics podcast team talks about two big topics on the new year’s horizon: Iowa’s gubernatorial campaign and the upcoming legislative session. Plus, the team does a little real estate-watching in Davenport.

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, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

Iowa Republicans will lose with Randy Feenstra: https://www.thegazette.com/staff-columnists/iowa-republicans-will-lose-with-randy-feenstra/

Legislative Preview Series: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/

Former Arizona GOP candidate Kari Lake buys condo in Davenport: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/kari-lake-a-former-candidate-for-governor-and-senate-in-arizona-buys-condo-in-davenport/

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