Bleeding Heartland
An independent website about Iowa politics
 Bleeding Heartland
Governor Kim Reynolds' press secretary closing the door on me

Six questions about the governor's staff blocking me from a budget briefing


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Let's not whitewash our history


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Photo by Greg Hauenstein

How to follow Laura Belin's coverage of the Iowa legislature and 2026 elections


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Iowa Senate chamber, as photographed by Nagel Photography, available via Shutterstock

Who's who in the Iowa Senate for 2026


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Who's who in the Iowa House for 2026


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Nunn, Miller-Meeks both crossed the aisle—but one kept it quiet


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Fort Dodge police video case wrapped in important legal principles


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"These billionaires don't have a clue"


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CIA Director John Ratcliffe, President Donald Trump, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio monitor U.S. military operations in Venezuela from Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2026 (official White House photo by Molly Riley)

Venezuela: Into the unknown


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The gang that needs to be disbanded is ICE


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Undated photo of Donald Trump with Jeffrey Epstein, released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee in December 2025

Time to investigate decades of FBI, DOJ inaction on Jeffrey Epstein


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Photo by Diane Porter of a Ruby-throated hummingbird visiting a rough blazing star plant

Recap of Iowa wildflower Wednesdays from 2025


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photo by Bruce Lear, published with permission

Predictions for Under the Golden Dome


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Does Iowa's updated bottle bill serve Iowans—or beverage distributors?


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When power demands compliance, not justice


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Recognizing Bleeding Heartland's talented 2025 guest authors


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Davenport City Hall (photo courtesy of the City of Davenport)

Sunshine delayed is sunshine denied


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Protester's sign in the Iowa state capitol on February 27, 2024 (photo by Laura Belin)

Public interests and property rights: The pipeline looms for Iowa lawmakers


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The admirables from 2025


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Renee Hardman, after voting early on December 10 (photo courtesy of Hardman for Iowa)

"A strong message": Four takeaways from Renee Hardman's big win


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