Sign in

Laura Belin

@laurarbelin.bsky.social
9.2K followers 1.8K following 6.8K posts

Reporter covering Iowa politics (and sometimes wildflowers) for the progressive website Bleeding Heartland. www.bleedingheartland.com Co-host of "KHOI's Capitol Week" on KHOI Radio in Ames and podcast platforms. laurabelin.substack.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 12h
New post by Randy Evans: The Iowa Public Information Board's recent action raises a question: When does a lawful delay in providing public records become an unlawful one? #iagov #transparency www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/10/10/w...
bleedingheartland.com
When is delay in providing public records unlawful? Iowans left to wonder
Randy Evans: The Iowa Public Information Board's recent action raises a question: when does a lawful delay become an unlawful one?
0132
Reposted by Laura Belin
Eric Michael Garcia @ericmgarcia.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
I'm still processing how I feel about all this. But for now, this will be my home base for writing as I figure out the next thing. Follow and subscribe. The plan for now is to keep posts un-paywalled until Election Night. Then time to pay. thepoliticalspectrum.substack.com/p/eric-garci...
thepoliticalspectrum.substack.com
Eric Garcia, Independent
On being laid off, what comes next and what you can do.
1733068
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Notable findings from the receiver's inventory of Wulf's farm (scroll past the coverage of the special legislative session and a recent Iowa poll): laurabelin.substack.com/p/special-se...
laurabelin.substack.com
Special session, NYT/Siena poll, first IA-02 and IA-04 debates
October 5 edition of “KHOI’s Capitol Week”
0103
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Do Derek Wulf's legal and financial problems matter for the governor's race? A clip from "KHOI's Capitol Week," where we discussed highlights from the inventory of Wulf's farm:
2176
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
The assistant AG who tried this case should have resigned in protest rather than bring this prosecution. It's a total disgrace.
040
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Trying to clear up confusion: Here is the statewide statistical report for Iowa's 2022 election. sos.iowa.gov/elections/pd... Share of Iowans casting ballots: about 41.6% Rs, 34% Ds, 23.5% independents. Turnout rate by partisan affiliation: 66.8% GOP turnout, 60% Dem turnout, 38% no-party turnout
sos.iowa.gov
1143
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Here is the statewide statistical report for Iowa's 2022 election. sos.iowa.gov/elections/pd... That year, Dem turnout was poor (only about 60% compared to nearly 68% in 2018). Party had no statewide GOTV effort. About 41.6% of Iowa ballots were cast by Rs, 34% Ds, and 23.5% independents.
sos.iowa.gov
0132
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
I've been saying this all year.
030
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
MMM “should” lose.
120
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Recalled 2024 presidential vote for Emerson's latest Iowa poll: 51.6% Trump, 41.6% Harris Emerson's approval numbers for Trump are better than what we've seen in some other recent Iowa polls, but he's still underwater: 42.0% approve, 50.9% disapprove of the work he's doing. #IAGov #IASen
2143
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Another poll that weighted results to Iowa's registered voter file: 39.8% of respondents GOP, 31.2% Dem, 29% independent. Even in 2022, when Iowa Dems had no statewide GOTV, an uncompetitive #IAGov race, and poor turnout, Dems made up 34% of voters. Should be higher this year w/strong field effort.
1173
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Well that's unfortunate! I assume that means she did an on-air report and then AI converted it to written words.
030
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Last night a jury in Red Oak, Iowa acquitted Joey Norris of felony election misconduct. It's a travesty that he was ever charged, and the blame lies with AG Brenna Bird. I will have more to say about this failed political prosecution in a forthcoming post. www.3newsnow.com/southwest-io...
3newsnow.com
Not Guilty verdict in trial of Red Oak man charged with felony election misconduct
The state attorney general's office accused Joey Norris with felony election misconduct for hindering the process of counting absentee ballots in 2024. A Montgomery County jury found him not guilty
43913
Reposted by Laura Belin
Laura Bassett @lebassett.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
“If you don’t like public executions just don’t watch it” says the crowd trying to ban drag shows and books
4093492710521
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
New post: How to vote early in Iowa (2026 edition) Please share with friends who may be confused about how to vote by mail, or early in person (which I recommend unless you are out of state). www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/10/08/h...
bleedingheartland.com
How to vote early in Iowa (2026 edition)
Laura Belin has the rundown: who should vote by mail, how to vote by mail, and what Iowans need to bring with them to vote early in person.
13113
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Starting momentarily: the second and final #IA02 debate between Republican Joe Mitchell and Democrat Lindsay James. Watch on Iowa PBS or by livestream: www.iowapbs.org/shows/iowapr... Libertarian Rick Stewart and independent Dave Bushaw will be on the ballot but were not invited to the debate.
iowapbs.org
Iowa Press Debates: 2nd Congressional District
Lindsay James (D-Dubuque) and Joe Mitchell (R-Clear Lake) will answer questions from Iowa reporters and discuss their platforms, concerns and future plans.
0144
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
There are only 4 Qs on this questionnaire. www.fightcancer.org/voter-guides... One of them includes this: "The HPV vaccine is cancer prevention. It prevents six types of cancer – including 90% of cervical cancers. Will you protect access to this cancer prevention method?" #IAGov
fightcancer.org
Iowa | State Gubernatorial Candidate Questionnaire
Read the 2026 ACS CAN Iowa State Gubernatorial Cancer Votes Voter Guide.
03514
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
"We're still developing the capital structure. [...] we're working through that process." A revealing exchange between State Senator Janet Petersen and the CEO of Mesabi Metallics, from last Friday's meeting of the Iowa Senate Ways and Means Committee. #ialegis @janet4iowa.bsky.social
1123
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Zach Lahn's campaign has said Wulf's financial problems reflect broader challenges facing Iowa farmers. The condition of livestock on Wulf's farm and discrepancies in livestock inventory (documented by receiver) are far from typical for Iowa farmers. laurabelin.substack.com/p/special-se...
laurabelin.substack.com
Special session, NYT/Siena poll, first IA-02 and IA-04 debates
October 5 edition of “KHOI’s Capitol Week”
0142
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
At one of his few public appearances since the primary, Derek Wulf told a conservative audience in July, "We were able to refinance our farm and we’re moving forward." siouxcountyradio.com/local-news/w... That was not accurate. Refinancing efforts fell through. Foreclosure proceeding.
siouxcountyradio.com
Wulf Discusses Farm Refinancing Following Sioux County Court Case - Sioux County Radio
Republican lieutenant governor candidate Derek Wulf discusses refinancing after a Sioux County judgment involving Four County Pig Placement was paid in full.
191
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
The receiver asked court to allow charging Derek Wulf $1,000/month to stay in their family home. WCF Financial bank asked for lease at $1,750/month. Court authorized month to month lease at rent of not less than $1,750/month. Tenants must pay utilities. www.bleedingheartland.com/static/media...
bleedingheartland.com
130
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
The judge issued an order authorizing the court-appointed receiver to start selling livestock housed on Derek Wulf's property or at other locations. Can also harvest & sell corn crop & sell machinery, equipment, and titled vehicles: www.bleedingheartland.com/static/media...
bleedingheartland.com
150
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
(I had already redacted the initial inventory to obscure a third party's bank account info. Discussed noteworthy information from the inventory on "KHOI's Capitol Week" on Monday:) laurabelin.substack.com/p/special-se...
laurabelin.substack.com
Special session, NYT/Siena poll, first IA-02 and IA-04 debates
October 5 edition of “KHOI’s Capitol Week”
140
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
A few new filings in Derek Wulf foreclosure docket today. Judge DENIED joint request from receiver and attorneys for the bank and Wulf to restrict access to the inventory of Wulf's assets. Instead said receiver could file redacted version, which he did: www.bleedingheartland.com/static/media...
bleedingheartland.com
1154
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Iowa State Senator Claire Celsi died a year ago this week. My tribute to her from last October: www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/10/26/e...
bleedingheartland.com
Eight classic Claire Celsi moments in the Iowa Senate
Remembering State Senator Claire Celsi, with clips of her passionate (and blunt) advocacy for public schools and vulnerable Iowans.
0150
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
New post by Ed Wasserman: In 1944, the New York Times asked Vice President Henry A. Wallace to define and assess the dangers of fascism in America. Iowans should take Wallace’s warnings seriously today. www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/10/07/h...
bleedingheartland.com
How Henry Wallace's warning applies to civics education in Iowa
Ed Wasserman recalls wise words from Vice President Henry A. Wallace about how democracy can crush the "infectious disease" of fascism.
02510
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
That went a lot better than I expected given the lack of time limits. I thought Hinson would be able to interrupt and talk over Turek like Lahn did. But the moderators didn't lose control. Turek held his own and I thought he did better tonight than he did against Wahls in the pre-primary debates.
0344
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
No time limits for #IASen debate and no opening statements. I hope the moderators will keep Hinson from filibustering and hogging the time.
0201
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Iowa PBS debate between Hinson and Turek starting momentarily. #IASen Watch live here: www.iowapbs.org/shows/iowapr...
iowapbs.org
Iowa Press Debates: U.S. Senate
Candidates Ashley Hinson (R - Marion) and Josh Turek (D - Council Bluffs) will answer questions from reporters and discuss their platforms, concerns and future plans.
2227
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Reasonable minds can differ. Their family member is facing a bogus felony prosecution in a deep-red county, and if they can generate media coverage of Steve King calling it out, I completely understand why they would invite him to their rally. His past connections to Bird make it more newsworthy.
010
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
How will Mesabi Metallics finance their proposed $15 billion Iowa steel plant? State Senator Janet Petersen @janet4iowa.bsky.social asked the CEO last Friday. "We're still developing the capital structure," he told her. Don't bet the farm on this plant being built. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iTm...
youtube.com
Mesabi Metallics CEO can't provide financing details for Iowa steel project
YouTube video by Bleeding Heartland
3309
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Why would you turn down a chance to have a far right politician who was Brenna Bird’s mentor call bullshit on the bogus prosecution?
100
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Happy Iowa wildflower Wednesday! Katie Byerly chronicles her adventure at Buffalo Slough—with photos of more than a dozen wildflowers found in this rare, peat-filled wetland habitat. #Iowa #nativeplants #nature #wetlands #wildflowers www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/10/07/i...
bleedingheartland.com
Iowa wildflower Wednesday: Mishap at Buffalo Slough
Katie Byerly chronicles her adventure at Buffalo slough, which contains a peat-filled wetland filled with rare plants and insects.
1293
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
New post by David R. Russell: The great Iowa egg heist: alleged price fixing produced $3 billion profit www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/10/06/t...
bleedingheartland.com
The great Iowa egg heist: alleged price fixing produced $3 billion profit
David R. Russell: While producers and the press blamed inflation and bird flu, the three big producers allegedly jacked up the price of eggs.
12012
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
The Norris family are prominent Democrats in southwest Iowa. (Joey Norris is the nephew of John & Jackie Norris). Today Steve said the Iowa AG's office is "supposed to produce justice," decried the "lawfare" and said, "Joey's going to be found not guilty." youtu.be/NwGpIz1x2GU?...
youtu.be
Joey Norris United for Election Workers Rally 10.7.26
YouTube video by Jan Norris
171
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
WOW: former U.S. Rep Steve King spoke at a rally in Red Oak today to decry criminal prosecution of Joey Norris, a Montgomery County Democrat who's facing felony election misconduct charges from the Iowa Attorney General's office. "You're out here to defend justice" youtu.be/NwGpIz1x2GU?...
youtu.be
Joey Norris United for Election Workers Rally 10.7.26
YouTube video by Jan Norris
5174
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Wanted to get this out in the afternoon, because at 7pm many will be watching the first Rob Sand/Zach Lahn debate. We spent about half the show on angles related to the legislative session. The second half has some news you may not have seen elsewhere. laurabelin.substack.com/p/special-se...
laurabelin.substack.com
Special session, NYT/Siena poll, first IA-02 and IA-04 debates
October 5 edition of “KHOI’s Capitol Week”
1173
Reposted by Laura Belin
@NewsJennifer (Jennifer Schulze) @newsjennifer.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
This is the case that impacts the eight owned and operated ABC local TV stations in blue cities across America including here in Chicago. If Trump were to prevail, millions would lose access to important local broadcasters.
03414
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The Democratic candidate is on the air with the first TV ad in Iowa's state auditor race. (Before Rob Sand ran in 2018, I don't think any candidate for Iowa state auditor ever ran TV ads)
1196
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
You can listen to last night's show now on any podcast platform: "KHOI's Capitol Week" Later today I will send the audio file & a detailed written summary (for those who would rather read than listen) on my free email newsletter: laurabelin.substack.com
laurabelin.substack.com
Iowa politics with Laura Belin | Substack
Where you get in-depth coverage and exclusive reporting about Iowa politics. Click to read Iowa politics with Laura Belin, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
0103
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
In a few minutes @spencerdirks.bsky.social and I will be live on KHOI Radio to talk about the special session, the first Congressional debates, and other news. 89.1 FM in the Ames listening area or online: www.khoifm.org (will be on podcast platforms as "KHOI's Capitol Week")
khoifm.org
KHOI Radio
The only locally programmed, noncommercial, community-based radio station in Central Iowa
051
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I have redacted the document linked here. Corrected link: www.bleedingheartland.com/static/media...
bleedingheartland.com
010
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I have redacted the document linked here. Corrected link: www.bleedingheartland.com/static/media...
bleedingheartland.com
081
Reposted by Laura Belin
Scott Horton @robertscotthorton.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Zack Stanton: Dennis Hastert died this weekend. 20 years ago this week, the Mark Foley scandal broke — revealing a congressman preying on teenage House pages while Hastert was speaker. Here's my piece on what it was like to be at the center of it all: www.politico.com/magazine/sto...
politico.com
The Page Who Took Down the GOP
Why I leaked the scandalous Mark Foley messages—and what I regret about it.
26427
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
He provided a lot of context that otherwise would not have been publicly known.
000
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Dan Piller asks, "Is Iowa ready for a Buc-ee’s?" A Buc-ee’s is consequential to a local economy. But critics worry about the size of the locations and their impact on traffic, nighttime lighting, and smaller existing C-stores and gas stations. www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/10/04/b...
bleedingheartland.com
Bucking for Buc-ee's; can Iowa contend?
Dan Piller: Buc-ee’s is less a fuel dispensary than an icon with its own cult following. But some worry about the huge locations' impact.
790
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
I asked about this. I believe they will be publishing their 2026 review any day now.
110
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
A few highlights from GOP State Senator Dan Dawson's jaw-dropping speech during #ialegis debate on Friday. Dawson chairs the Iowa Senate Ways and Means Committee and was one of six GOP senators to vote no on the bill to allow a huge tax giveaway for a proposed steel mill in southeast Iowa.
28524
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
We recorded the Iowa Down Ballot podcast a day late because we were all busy Friday (well into the evening) covering the legislature's special session. So much to say about that (and the first debate in #IA04): laurabelin.substack.com/p/iowa-down-...
laurabelin.substack.com
Iowa Down Ballot, October 4
Special legislative session and Congressional debates
092
Laura Belin @laurarbelin.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Forgot to tag @douglaswburns.bsky.social here!
143