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
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. ⬇️
Reposted by Laura Belin
News coverage of this has focused on the pardon of those involved in the fake electors plot.
But the pardon also extends to key figures who participated in the unauthorized breach of voting systems in Coffee County, Georgia
My reporting on the breach: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
But the pardon also extends to key figures who participated in the unauthorized breach of voting systems in Coffee County, Georgia
My reporting on the breach: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
November 10, 2025 at 6:02 PM
News coverage of this has focused on the pardon of those involved in the fake electors plot.
But the pardon also extends to key figures who participated in the unauthorized breach of voting systems in Coffee County, Georgia
My reporting on the breach: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
But the pardon also extends to key figures who participated in the unauthorized breach of voting systems in Coffee County, Georgia
My reporting on the breach: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
Reposted by Laura Belin
Spineless. Shameful. Bullshit.
Last night, eight Senate Democrats sold the American people out, allowing 137,000 Iowans and 21 million Americans to see their healthcare premiums skyrocket.
I’m not going to mince my words: Senate Dems caved and Chuck Schumer let it happen. It’s time for him to go.
Last night, eight Senate Democrats sold the American people out, allowing 137,000 Iowans and 21 million Americans to see their healthcare premiums skyrocket.
I’m not going to mince my words: Senate Dems caved and Chuck Schumer let it happen. It’s time for him to go.
November 10, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Spineless. Shameful. Bullshit.
Last night, eight Senate Democrats sold the American people out, allowing 137,000 Iowans and 21 million Americans to see their healthcare premiums skyrocket.
I’m not going to mince my words: Senate Dems caved and Chuck Schumer let it happen. It’s time for him to go.
Last night, eight Senate Democrats sold the American people out, allowing 137,000 Iowans and 21 million Americans to see their healthcare premiums skyrocket.
I’m not going to mince my words: Senate Dems caved and Chuck Schumer let it happen. It’s time for him to go.
Reposted by Laura Belin
Chuck Schumer has failed us.
November 10, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Chuck Schumer has failed us.
Reposted by Laura Belin
Still upset about no power of the purse language. You truly do hate to see it. The Trump admin undertook the most expansive set of illegal budgetary actions of any president in history, and broadcast as loudly as possible they’d keep doing it, and nothing. Budgetary lawlessness.
November 10, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Still upset about no power of the purse language. You truly do hate to see it. The Trump admin undertook the most expansive set of illegal budgetary actions of any president in history, and broadcast as loudly as possible they’d keep doing it, and nothing. Budgetary lawlessness.
Reposted by Laura Belin
🫡
Big fan of the BBC's coverage of autocracies abroad and I'm glad the director has values even if the upper leadership doesn't
Big fan of the BBC's coverage of autocracies abroad and I'm glad the director has values even if the upper leadership doesn't
BBC director resigns over editing of Trump speech
The head of the BBC and the British broadcaster’s top news executive both resigned Sunday after criticism of the way the organization edited a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump.
www.ctvnews.ca
November 10, 2025 at 3:26 AM
🫡
Big fan of the BBC's coverage of autocracies abroad and I'm glad the director has values even if the upper leadership doesn't
Big fan of the BBC's coverage of autocracies abroad and I'm glad the director has values even if the upper leadership doesn't
Is hell freezing over?
For context: Keosauqua is in one of the reddest counties in #IA01. It's a pretty long drive from any large city and not part of any major Iowa media market (it's in the Ottumwa/Kirksville MO market).
I'm not able to attend. Hope someone records this.
For context: Keosauqua is in one of the reddest counties in #IA01. It's a pretty long drive from any large city and not part of any major Iowa media market (it's in the Ottumwa/Kirksville MO market).
I'm not able to attend. Hope someone records this.
November 9, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Is hell freezing over?
For context: Keosauqua is in one of the reddest counties in #IA01. It's a pretty long drive from any large city and not part of any major Iowa media market (it's in the Ottumwa/Kirksville MO market).
I'm not able to attend. Hope someone records this.
For context: Keosauqua is in one of the reddest counties in #IA01. It's a pretty long drive from any large city and not part of any major Iowa media market (it's in the Ottumwa/Kirksville MO market).
I'm not able to attend. Hope someone records this.
I was worried, but: "When I became a senior judge in 2013, my successor was appointed, so my resignation will not create a vacancy to be filled by the president."
A leading federal judge quits in protest of Trump's corruption-- & to fight it
Wow
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Wow
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Why I Am Leaving the Federal Bench
A judge explains his reasons for resigning.
www.theatlantic.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:56 PM
I was worried, but: "When I became a senior judge in 2013, my successor was appointed, so my resignation will not create a vacancy to be filled by the president."
Obviously, a great album for every generation.
I do think it helped that "The Chain" (their best song IMO) was featured in Guardians of the Galaxy.
I do think it helped that "The Chain" (their best song IMO) was featured in Guardians of the Galaxy.
November 9, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Obviously, a great album for every generation.
I do think it helped that "The Chain" (their best song IMO) was featured in Guardians of the Galaxy.
I do think it helped that "The Chain" (their best song IMO) was featured in Guardians of the Galaxy.