Meet Iowa Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, farewell to Jim Leach

KHOI's Capitol Week

Iowa finally has a new lieutenant governor. Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks talk about Chris Cournoyer's background and work in the Iowa Senate, what was and wasn't surprising about Governor Kim Reynolds' choice, political reaction to the new LG, and what the pick signals about the 2026 governor's race. Other topics covered: Reynolds backs using the National Guard to assist with deportations, pathogenic avian influenza detected in five Iowa counties, state revenue projected to drop, state officials cancel planned Satanic event at the capitol, Attorney General Brenna Bird comments on a state constitutional amendment and January 6 pardons, an FBI informant admits he fabricated claims Senator Chuck Grassley publicized, Iowa Supreme Court issues important ruling on wage discrimination, and the legacy of longtime U.S. Representative Jim Leach, who passed away last week.