The Reynolds administration is targeting public retirement—again. Despite promising to "protect and defend" IPERS in 2018, Gov. Kim Reynolds's handpicked DOGE task force now wants to eliminate pensions for new state employees.

On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amie Rivers, and Avery Staker break down how wealthy business executives are targeting the 11th best-funded pension system in America.

Toss some bags at Iowa DOGE's pension grab... Josh Turek's Senate bid... And how cancer research cuts are shutting down labs across Iowa...

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. This podcast is produced by me and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and our show art is from Desirée Tapia.

SHOW RUNDOWN:

00:00 Cold Open: The Great Donut Debate

04:30 Iowa DOGE Targets Teacher and Police Pensions

06:00 What is IPERS and Why It Matters

10:30 Iowa Has the 11th Best Pension System in America

14:00 Josh Turek Announces Senate Bid Against Joni Ernst

27:00 Why Josh Turek Thinks Democrats Can Win in 2026

30:30 Cancer Research Funding Cuts Shut Down Iowa Labs

35:00 Why Private Funding Can't Replace Public Research

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