River to River

After the filing deadline, Auditor Rob Sand is the sole Democrat still in the race for governor. On this Politics Day, Caufield of Drake University and Jim McCormick of Iowa State analyze the gubernatorial race, rifts in the MAGA movement over the war in Iran and a legal challenge to Iowa's food stamp rules.

Iowa’s environment and public health are under stress. IPR’s Natalie Krebs discusses the basics of the new Cancer in Iowa Report, and Jason Clayworth of Axios Des Moines talks about the state’s impaired waters. After that, a new study examines how the U.S. investigates deaths in custody. Forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell, President of the National Medical Association, discusses the study’s findings and recommendations. Finally, a conversation with the new president of Iowa State University, David Cook.

If you're charged with a crime in Iowa and the charges are dropped, should you still get the bill for your public defender? The Iowa Supreme Court recently said no, but a bill could reverse that decision. Also, our indigent defense fund contributed to legal deserts in the state, a University of Iowa researcher says. Then, the executive director of the Iowa County Attorney Association says the issue of prosecutor shortages is being overlooked.

William Morris of the Des Moines Register shares the legal risks of using artificial intelligence in court cases and why attorneys warn it could expose sensitive information. Also on this Newsbuzz edition: Marissa Payne of the Des Moines Register gives an update on activity at the Iowa Statehouse; Grace Nieland of The Gazette explains how data center construction is reshaping housing demand in Cedar Rapids; and Kevin Baskins of the Des Moines Register discusses Iowa’s latest economic competitiveness report. Later, Kate Grumke of Harvest Public Media shares how scientists are studying engineered algae that could help remove microplastics from waterways. State Climatologist Justin Glisan joins the show to talk about Iowa’s recent wind patterns, and Studio One host Tressa Glass wraps up the week with new music picks.

Many Midwest residents distrust their tap water, opting to purchase water and ice from standalone kiosks. University of Iowa researchers recently found that these kiosks may contain at least trace amounts of lead. Rachel Schnelle investigated this research on behalf of the Midwest Newsroom. We talk with her and two University of Iowa researchers behind this study that sampled many kiosks around Iowa.

The Iran War is reshaping the Middle East. ISU’s Jonathan Hassid and Kelly Winfrey discuss the war and how it's reshaping the way we talk, think and argue about war itself. They also discuss a bill barring local civil rights protections that was signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds and the SAVE Act.

Over a week into the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, two Iranian-born Iowans give their differing perspectives on military intervention in the Middle East. Then, a conversation with the vice president of the Iowa chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, a nonprofit organization that provides support to fellow military families, veterans and gold star families.

Iowa House Republicans recently passed what they call a "tough on crime" package. The package is made up of three bills — a "three strikes" sentencing law, new rules for how judges set bail and a public dashboard tracking what happens inside Iowa's courtrooms. Iowa House Republicans say this legislation will crack down on crime and make Iowans safer. Opponents argue the bills could overcrowd state prisons and burden taxpayers. On this episode, lawmakers and a defense attorney discuss the package and its potential impact.

On this Newsbuzz edition of River to River, a conversation with Brian Katulis of the Middle East Institute about this week's developments on the United States and Israel's war with Iran which has included the deaths of six U.S. service members, including two Iowans. Also, IPR reporter James Kelley discusses Google’s change of plans for a proposed data center in Linn County, Robin Opsahl of Iowa Capital Dispatch gives an update on this week's activity at the statehouse and Studio One’s Nick Brunner shares this week’s new music picks.

For years, the Iowa State Patrol has set a goal of keeping traffic deaths below 300. In 2025, they not only met that goal, but had the fewest fatalities since 1925 at 259. We discuss some of the factors that have led to this decrease, including the hands-free driving law that took effect July 2025, with full enforcement beginning in January. We also learn about Alive at 25, a safety initiative launched by the Iowa Department of Transportation last fall to improve driving behavior among the state's youngest drivers. (This show was originally produced Jan. 8, 2026.)

An Iowa soldier killed. A war in its fifth day. This episode, analysis of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran — and Congressional moves to check the president. Political scientists Jim McCormick and Kelly Shaw join the program to discuss these developments.

Marketplace’s Kai Ryssdal joins Ben Kieffer for a wide-ranging conversation on the U.S. economy and Ryssdal's career. (This episode was originally produced in November 2025.)

Active bills at the Iowa Statehouse involving public libraries and public assistance programs are the focus of this Legislative Monday episode. First, Sam Helmick, shares their perspective on proposals that would impact public libraries as president of the American Library Association. Then, Rep. Heather Matson, D-Ankeny and Rep. Helena Hayes, R-New Sharon, share their differing perspectives on library bills. Then, Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames, and Rep. Austin Harris, R-Moulton, discuss proposed changes to SNAP and WIC. We also hear from Paige Chickering, vice chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition.

University of Iowa surgeon Dr. Ramy El-Diwany performed the first robotic living donor nephrectomy, which will lead to more precise surgeries and quicker recovery for kidney donors. UIHC hopes this will mean more living kidney donations. On this News Buzz edition, Ben Kieffer speaks with Dr. El-Diwany, but first, we get a legislative update from Statehouse reporter Katarina Sostaric, Clark Kauffman shares a recent First Amendment case in Newton, and we meet one of the Coralville residents who organized against the city's recently rescinded AI-camera contract.

One of the New York Times' 10 best books of 2025, Angel Down is a World War I story told as one continuous sentence, which vividly portrays the horrors of that conflict. Author Daniel Kraus is no stranger to horror. Growing up in Fairfield, he would watch horror movies like Night of the Living Dead and episodes of The Twilight Zone as a five year old with his mom. Kraus joins this episode to talk about his horror and Iowa roots, Angel Down, which is development for a film adaptation, and his 2023 novel Whalefall, whose film adaptation is to be released later this fall.

On this Politics Day, political experts analyze President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address and national Democrats' decision to pay special attention to two Iowa Congressional races.

A new study says Iowa’s bet on renewable energy is paying off. The Director of Policy and Research at the Common Sense Institute shares their new research on the economic impact of renewable energy in Iowa. We also explore obstacles to wind power projects in Iowa and what that all means for Iowa’s future, as a pioneer in wind energy. Then we remember Billie Ray, the beloved former first lady of Iowa, who died last week at age 97.

The Statehouse funneled down bills being considered last week with their first major deadline. Reporters Erin Murphy, Katarina Sostaric and Robin Opsahl share the bills that are still alive — from expanding a ban on LGBTQ+ topics in schools to limiting the governor's power — and those that died.

On this Newsbuzz edition, host Ben Kieffer speaks with guess and journalists from around Iowa about the news of the week, including the first funnel deadline at the Statehouse, how Iowa libraries became political lightning rods, the risks of lead in hunting, funding of the 988 crisis line and more.

A report published this week by Investigate Midwest dives into the connection between pesticide use and rising cases of cancer for those in farming communities nationwide. Editor in Chief Ben Felder details the findings, and we hear from two Iowans that recently fought cancer who are featured in the article. Later in the episode, Luther College junior Mansur Kasali led a student initiative focused on making the federal budget and national debt a matter of shared civic responsibility, rather than abstract politics.

A look at the top political stories of the week, including library and abortion bills in Iowa, the primary race for Senate and the death of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Political scientists Karen Kedrowski and Jim McCormick of Iowa State University offer their analysis on the recent headlines.

The International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. will feature the art of visual deception in its new exhibit, "Camouflage: Designed to Deceive." We hear about the new exhibit from the vice president of exhibits and collections, Katheryn Keane. Then, University of Northern Iowa camouflage expert Roy Behrens, who wrote the introduction to the exhibit, joins the program. Then, Isabel Muzzio grew up during a violent time in Argentina, but found that years later, some from her community viewed those events much differently. Today, she studies how memories are altered and joins the show to talk about how our politics impact our memories.

Legislatures are in session across the Midwest. Journalists covering statehouses in six states — Nebraska, Wisconsin and Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota and South Dakota — discuss many hot button issues in these states, including voter initiative battles, opposition to energy-hungry data centers, abortion access, property taxes, eminent domain and more.

In Early, Iowa, residents check their Facebook to see if their water is safe to drink. On this News Buzz edition of River to River, Sentient Media's Nina Elkadi shares her investigation into nitrate pollution in small towns' tap water. But first, Robin Opsahl of Iowa Capital Dispatch gives us a statehouse update. Also, Iowa Capital Dispatch's Cami Koons talks about a controversial piece of legislation that could change how Iowa's impaired waters list is managed. Iowa’s State Climatologist Justin Glisan explains this year’s snow drought and its consequences. Finally, we groove into the weekend with Studio One's CeCe Mitchell with new tracks from Buck Meek and Dogpark.

Political scientists Megan Goldberg and Dave Peterson break down the latest state and national debates — from DHS funding and ICE reform to Iowa lawmakers’ efforts to advance a bill restricting abortion pills.

Former ambassador to Venezuela Jimmy Story talks with Ben Kieffer about the country's regime change through U.S. military force and what it could mean for Latin America. Then, the murder of Jeff Signorelli has stuck with Willy Nast for decades. Nast released a podcast, City of Lights, which doesn't dig into the cold case, but follows the lives of the victim's parents.

On this Legislative Day episode, we talk with the House Higher Education Committee chair and ranking member, Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, and Rep. Timi Brown-Powers, D-Waterloo, about bills that would allow some community colleges to offer four-year degrees, place a tax on large endowments at colleges and universities, and more. Then, we talk with a former student regent Jenny Connolly about proposed legislation that would change student representation of the Board of Regents. We also hear from the presidents of Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge and Northwestern College in Orange City on their views of the four-year degree proposal.

On this Newsbuzz episode, IPR's Josie Fischels shares her reporting on how immigration enforcement is keeping artists from the Midwest. We also get a legislative update from IPR's Katarina Sostaric, with proposals to end vaccine requirements and expand a ban on LGBTQ+ materials in schools. The Gazette's Grace King talks about proposed school closures in the Cedar Rapids school district, Iowa writer Christina Fernandez-Morrow on the impact of Bad Bunny's Grammy win and Studio One host Tressa Glass shares new tunes from Mitski and Noah Kahan.

The Big Beautiful Bill brought some changes to federal taxes. An ISU Extension financial educator shares the changes you should know before you file and resources that can help. Then, University of Iowa researchers talk about the Cancer Analytics & Maps for Small Areas map (CAMSA), a new tool they’ve developed that maps cancer risk down to your ZIP code, and how this tool could be an asset to public health officials, advocates and others. Finally — the Trump administration is rewriting the safety rules for nuclear power. An NPR reporter discusses these changes and what they could mean for Iowans.

A Cedar Rapids church hosted a legal observer training, teaching attendees what they can do when witnessing Immigration Customs Enforcement activity in their community. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, said these trainings are only raising the temperature as civilians clash with ICE. On this Politics Day, we hear analysis from political scientists Peter Hanson from Grinnell College and Jonathan Hassid from Iowa State University on these trainings, as well as midterm fundraising numbers and President Donald Trump's comments on nationalizing elections.

New research on outer space, including simulating driving on the moon and studying the white dwarf stars. Then, remembering Dr. William Foege, whose public health contributions were essential in eradicating small pox.

For years, Iowans have watched their property tax bills climb. Lawmakers are under intense pressure to pass something after failing in 2025, but some city and county officials worry these proposals will hurt their ability to pay for city services. In this episode, the mayor of Dubuque, former mayor of Carroll and the president of Iowans for Tax Relief provide their perspectives. We also hear from our listeners on the issue.

On this Newsbuzz edition, 'Des Moines Register' Statehouse reporter Stephen Gruber Miller discusses the latest developments at the Capitol. IPR’s James Kelley reports on the growing mental health crisis among Iowa farmers — from financial stress to barriers in accessing care — and what resources may offer support during an especially vulnerable time for rural communities. Investigative reporter Tyler Jett of the 'Des Moines Register' explains new data showing a sharp drop in immigration to Iowa and what it means for the state’s population growth and workforce. Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines, D-Des Moines, discusses the history, purpose and recent expansion of the Iowa Black and Brown Caucus, and how lawmakers are working to advance equity-focused policy.

With data centers on the rise and an increased need for irrigation for farming, Iowa is seeing a bigger need for ground water, with not enough known about our supply.State Geologist Keith Schilling shares how the state's current groundwater monitoring paces far behind neighboring states, and what we should be doing now to reverse the trend. Linn County Sustainability Director Cara Matteson also joins to talk about how the county is prioritizing groundwater mapping and other water studies. Then, we look back at Christopher Merrill's 25 years as director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa.

A breakdown of the latest political news in Iowa, including Trump’s visit and immigration debates, with political scientists Kelly Shaw and Wayne Moyer.

The Pentagon recently launched a formal review of women in ground-combat positions. On today's episode, what lead to this review, and how could it impact the United States Armed Forces? Amy Rutenberg, an ISU historian, summarizes the long arc of women's service in the U.S. Military. Then, guests offer competing perspectives on combat effectiveness and standards.

The Iowa House voted to ban eminent domain for carbon pipelines, but the Senate has a different plan. We break down the divide and what it could mean for Iowa farmers and landowners. With IPR's Katarina Sostaric, we explore the House and Senate proposals. Two Iowa landowners share their perspective on the potential economic affect of the pipeline as well the affect on property rights. Then, Rep. Aime Wichtendahl, D-Hiawatha, and Rep. Chad Ingels, R-Randalia, explain their positions.

The Cedar Rapids School Board has approved deep budget cuts — and the consequences could ripple through classrooms, staff and students across the district. That story, plus a recap of this week's action in the Iowa Legislature, a look at this weekend's freezing temperatures and more on this Newsbuzz episode.

What happens when America steps back from the world stage? This hour, the view from a veteran diplomat. Uzra Zeya, the head of the organization Human Rights First and a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Foreign Service, watched last year as USAID was dismantled. Zeya, who joined River to River during a visit to Des Moines, argues that championing human rights is a vital strategic move for U.S. security.

A discussion on the contested primary race for Iowa agriculture secretary and more on this Politics Day episode with political scientists Megan Goldberg and Jim McCormick.

Kamyar Enshayan remembers the Iran he grew up in as vibrant, musical and secular. He left in 1978, not long before the Islamic Revolution, and never returned. In this episode, Enshayan shares his views on today's mass protests and the government's violent response. But first, Iowa State English professors Jenny Aune and Jo Mackiewicz share their research, which raises questions about how we may be attributing human qualities to artificial intelligence through language.

NASA’s Artemis II mission is nearing launch, and an Iowa State University professor and retired astronaut knows exactly what that moment feels like. Also on this Newsbuzz edition, we break down a busy first week at the Iowa Statehouse as Republican lawmakers roll out an ambitious — and contentious — legislative agenda. We’ll also take a closer look at why Iowa’s controversial school library book ban is back in federal court and what a new wave of billion-dollar natural disasters means for insurance coverage and risk management in Iowa and beyond. And we groove into the weekend with Studio One.

University of Iowa scholars are developing an AI system that monitors behavior to detect physical violence as it happens. (This episode was originally produced Nov. 4, 2025.)

During what may be her last Condition of the State, Gov. Kim Reynolds said our government needs to be reminded that "money doesn't grow on trees" as she eyes limits to municipal revenue growth. House Minority Leader Rep. Brian Meyer countered after her speech that Iowa is in a "fiscal death spiral" due to previous tax cuts. On this Politics Day edition of River to River, political analysts Dave Peterson and Jonathan Hassid help us dissect Iowa Republicans' legislative agenda, a growing number of independents and the future of Affordable Care Act subsidies.

New developments at the federal level have raised more questions than they've answered when it comes to cannabis and its use for treating various medical conditions. We talk with a reporter covering the cannabis industry as well as two medical researchers about what we do and don't know about the future of cannabis for medical use.

On the first day of the 2026 Legislative Session, we hear from Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh, House Speaker Pat Grassley, Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner and House Minority Leader Rep. Brian Meyer. The legislative leaders share their priorities, including property taxes, crime and eminent domain.

Iowa leads the nation with a federal education funding waiver — what does it mean for classrooms and students? We also explore farmers’ struggles, Iowa’s ties to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and other headlines from the week.

For years the Iowa State Patrol has set a goal of keeping traffic deaths below 300. In 2025, they not only met that goal, but had the smallest number since 1925 with 259 deaths. On this episode we discuss some of the factors that have led to this decrease, including the hands-free driving law that took effect in July with full enforcement beginning this January. We also learn about Alive at 25, a safety initiative aimed at improving driver behavior among the state's youngest drivers. Lastly, an update on the Iowa Bicycle Coalition's safety objectives for the next legislative session.

Recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela has ignited debate across the country, not only over the action against Maduro, but more broadly over the President Donald Trump's foreign policy doctrine. Political scientists Kelly Shaw of Iowa State University and Sara Mitchell of the University of Iowa join the program to analyze the international fallout of Trump's foreign policy doctrine. Later in the hour, discussion on how the White House rewrites the history of Jan. 6, 2021 and Tim Walz decision to not run for a third term as governor of Minnesota.

Surveillance cameras are spreading across Iowa and artificial intelligence makes them far more powerful. IPR's James Kelley shares his investigation into the controversial Flock cameras installed in dozens of Iowa communities. Later in the hour, legal scholar Megan Graham shares what rights citizens have in the AI area. (This episode was produced in October 2025.)