River to River

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.)

The Iowa Legislature gavels in for the 2026 session next week. On today's episode we take a closer look at the processes and people at the statehouse, starting with IPR reporters Katarina Sostaric and Isabella Luu to share their insights on reporting from the capitol. Then we talk about what's changed about the legislature over the decades with former state lawmaker Andy McKean and how Iowans can effectively get involved during the session with lobbyist Dustin Miller. Also, we talk with journalist and host of 'Iowa Press' on Iowa PBS O. Kay Henderson about Gov. Kim Reynolds' tenure and what's to...

An interview with Lee Rood of the Des Moines Register about the state's agreements with the Department of Homeland Security that took effect this January, and with IPR's Rachel Cramer on new restrictions on SNAP food purchases, and more.

Democrat Renee Hardman became the first Black woman to be elected to the Iowa Senate after winning a special election in the Des Moines area to replace the late Sen. Claire Celsi. Republicans saw the district as an opportunity to regain their supermajority, but Hardman had a decisive win in the historically blue district. On this politics day edition of 'River to River,' political experts Megan Goldberg and Rachel Caufield dissect this election, as well as reflect on the biggest political moments of 2025.

IPR's journalists rehash their most consequential moments of the last year — from raucous town halls to the arrest of Des Moines schools' superintendent. Assistant news director Grant Gerlock and reporters Katarina Sostaric, Natalie Krebs, James Kelley and Rachel Cramer bring us back through the biggest stories of 2025 and share what they'll be watching in the year to come.

Diogenes Ayala was named Iowa's Emergency Manager of the Year in 2022 for his response to a Madison County tornado that left six residents dead. In December 2024, Ayala was appointed to serve on the National Advisory Council for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but a few weeks later the entire council was dismissed by the Department of Homeland Security. Ayala discusses this brief appointment and what the future holds for FEMA. Then, Iowa Flood Center Director Larry Weber joins to discuss further investments in flood forecasting.

Iowa has some of the highest radon levels in the nation. By July of 2027, every public school building in Iowa must have tested for naturally occurring, cancer-causing radon gas. They're also required to post the results of that testing on their websites. With two years to go, fewer than half of school districts have met that requirement. We look at why many schools aren’t testing for radon — and how the Iowa Department of Education has responded to an investigation by 'The Midwest Newsroom.' (This episode was originally produced Oct. 14, 2025.)

What are the real solutions for the program you've paid into your entire life? Social Security's trust fund is projected to be depleted by 2033, which would trigger automatic benefit cuts unless Congress acts. Democrat Martin O’Malley, Former Social Security Commissioner, and Marc Goldwein from the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget discuss the outlook of the program.

Iowans share how they are trying to reduce pollutants in waterways on this archive episode.

We meet Henry Menniga, a remarkable young resident of Des Moines who was awarded the National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award for his work promoting voter education and community service. Henry and his mom, Molly, talk about the start of his civic interests, a mock election when he was 4. Then, we talk with University of Iowa law scholar Josephine Gittler about why she drafted legislation that is now law, requiring Iowa high schoolers to pass the U.S. citizenship test. And, Iowa State University's Karen Kedrowski and Kelly Shaw discuss the new Center for Cyclone Civics. The center...

Two Iowa National Guard soldiers were killed in Syria, the first American casualties there since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Political scientists Karen Kedrowski and Wayne Moyer break down what it means. Plus, Iowa politics including U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ role in the House GOP health care debate and a new Republican challenger in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. We also touch on campaign shakeups in the 4th District and other key political developments.

On this Newsbuzz episode, forecasts of budgeting in the 2026 legislative session, a recap of an inaugural summit at the University of Iowa's state legislature-imposed Center for Intellectual Freedom and the upcoming retirement of Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen. Also, Team USA women's wrestling coach Terry Steiner and Ukrainian wrestler Andrey Vorontsov discuss the two-week training camp they're having this month on the UI campus. This will culminate in a dual meet at the Xtream Arena on Dec. 18.

Former Ambassador George Kent spent 33 years in the foreign service, serving twice in diplomatic roles in Ukraine, and most recently as the ambassador to Estonia. He notably gave testimony in the 2019 House impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump. Host Ben Kieffer spoke with the diplomat while he visited Des Moines this week, speaking to the Greater Des Moines Committee on Foreign Relations. They spoke on several topics, including his cross-country bicycle ride, his termination from the federal government and what he calls the "decimation" of the United States' professional foreign service being carried out by President Trump and Secretary of...

Political scientists Wayne Moyer and Rachel Caufield react to President Donald Trump's announcement of a $12 billion relief package for farmers. They also discuss the results of a special election in northwest Iowa, polling on the presidential nominating calendar, and more.

Former Iowa Gov. Robert Ray made a decision 50 years ago that echoed beyond Iowa's borders — a bold choice to welcome Tai Dam refugees from Southeast Asia in their hour of need. Matt Walsh, author of The Good Governor: Robert Ray and the Indochinese Refugees of Iowa, joins the show to discuss Ray's history-making decisions post-Vietnam. Then, Vinh Nguyen and Hieu Pham discuss their experiences as refugees who made Iowa home.This show was originally produced in May 2025.

Veteran journalist Tom Chorneau discusses his book Mrs. Cook & The Klan, which examines an unsolved Iowa murder case from 1925. Chorneau’s true crime investigation also explains the complex social, political and cultural forces at work in 1920s America, where prohibition, the KKK's resurgence and the temperance movement created a volatile mix.This show was originally produced June 17, 2025.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bret Stephens is known for his willingness to challenge both the left and the right.

Having prediabetes means your body is struggling to manage blood sugar. Without changes, it can develop into full-blown diabetes and put you at risk for other chronic conditions. Host Ben Kieffer is joined by Dr. Cara Drew, a family medicine physician in Sioux City, and Corey Dion Lewis, a health coach based in Des Moines. They discuss the populations most at risk, how to get tested and how to prevent full-blown diabetes.

Analysts discuss the top political headlines of the week, including immigration crackdowns and election security.

A team of researchers at the University of Northern Iowa is exploring the deepest caves in the U.S. with NASA funding. This could inform the search for life on other planets. UNI associate professor Josh Sebree discusses the research he’s been leading with an interdisciplinary team of UNI students. We also hear from one of those researchers, Jacqueline Heggen, and Cheryl Johnson, president of the state’s chapter of the National Speleological Society.

Health policy analyst Emma Wager explains how the health care tax credits that are set to expire later this month work. Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen shares what Iowans should know during this ACA open enrollment season and Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman shares the impact these tax credits have on farmers. Later in the hour, sports columnist and reporter Mike Hlas reflects on his career at The Gazette, after he was informed that he would not be retained on staff effective this month,

Political scientists preview two statehouse special elections happening this December. Experts Jim McCormick and Rachel Caufield also discuss the latest candidate forums, health care tax credits and former Gov. Terry Branstad's upcoming award on this Politics Day edition of River to River.

Historian and bestselling author Colin Woodard argues America's divide isn’t red vs. blue at all — it’s a clash of distinct cultural nations.

A retired therapist and professor shares what Alzheimer's has felt like for him. Volker Thomas and Edie Pierce Thomas, his wife and primary caregiver, open up about diagnosis, caregiving and the moments that still bring relief.

Reaction to a newspaper acquisition and a tribute to two philanthropic giants from Iowa in this Newsbuzz episode.

For better or for worse, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Iowans to adapt.

Political analysts Megan Goldberg and Kelly Shaw break down why Iowa’s delegation waited for Trump’s approval before voting to release the Epstein files — plus insight on support for ACA subsidies, Texas redistricting, the farm bill and more.

The One Big Beautiful Bill includes sweeping changes to Medicaid, and is estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to increase the number of people uninsured by 10 million. We hear from Des Moines resident who insured by Medicaid about what these changes could mean for him, including new work requirements. Then, we hear more about how this overhaul will impact Iowans from UI professor and Rural Policy Research Director Keith Mueller. We also talk with a rural hospital administrator about how they expect to lose millions of dollars annually due to these changes, and we hear from a rural Emergency Medical...

This year's Iowa Climate Statement warns that extreme weather is already pushing insurance costs higher for homeowners and farmers. We break down what the data means for the state’s future.

What’s behind Iowa’s rapid move toward the GOP? Hear the latest analysis, meet ISU’s new leader, learn how auroras lit up Iowa skies and get ready for Cranksgiving.

How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the personal and professional lives of Iowans.

The longest government shutdown is nearing an end, but is it a fix or just a time-out?

A study from Iowa State University highlights areas deemed legal deserts, where the number of attorneys do not match the population's needs. Also, a new app warns users if their indoor temperatures reach unsafe levels.

In this extended edition of River to River, Marketplace’s Kai Ryssdal joins Ben Kieffer for a wide-ranging conversation on the U.S. economy and Ryssdal's career.

On this Newsbuzz episode we recap the results of two of Iowa's largest school bond referendums and we dissect this week's legal battles over SNAP funding.

A look back at interviews with nurse innovators and an ISU researcher who wants to quell aging anxiety.

What do this week’s election results tell us about the mood of voters — and what’s ahead for 2026? Plus, where blame lands in the ongoing shutdown.

Iowans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are awaiting relief. Later, we hear about a new podcast from ISU Extension.

University of Iowa scholars are developing an AI system that monitors behavior to detect physical violence as it happens.

Iowa families could soon face major food insecurity as the federal shutdown threatens SNAP benefits for more than 130,000 low-income households. Food banks are bracing and Iowa’s hunger relief leaders share what comes next.

After state funding cuts, a network of 60 sensors tracking pollution across Iowa will go dark next summer without new funding. Also, how a hurricane that struck an island nation led to mass hysteria over werewolves.

Farmers are hoping for relief as President Donald Trump visits Asia to resolve a trade war over tariffs and what's at stake for next week's local elections.

IPR's James Kelley shares his investigation into Flock surveillance cameras. Then, legal scholar Megan Graham on the legal limits of surveillance.

An Iowa federal judge reckons with the murders that rocked his hometown and changed the course of his life.

State Climatologist Justin Glisan shares how he and other state climatologists are helping cover National Weather Service functions amid the government shutdown. Also, a report released from Iowa's DOGE Task Force that may reshape the government.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bret Stephens is known for his willingness to challenge both the left and the right.

Analysts discuss the top political stories of the week, including Gov. Reynolds' DOGE task force report, the Gaza ceasefire and more.

The 2025 World Food Prize Laureate Mariangela Hungria talks about how soil science is shaping a more sustainable future.

A rundown of important news from this week, including an audit of DMPS, the latest on the carbon pipeline saga and what you should know about voting early in local elections.

As the federal government shutdown has entered its third week, we look at impacts on cybersecurity, research and nutrition programs.

Political analysts discuss the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East, the government shutdown and other major political stories impacting Iowans.

State and federal leaders want to grow nuclear energy. Supporters are excited about the job opportunities this could bring, while others are concerned about potential health and environmental effects.

Iowa has some of the nation’s highest radon levels. We look at why many schools still haven’t been tested for the radioactive gas — and what’s at stake.

Two weeks after the arrest of former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts, the district is finding its footing again.

Water: who controls it, who protects it and who decides its fate?

Political turmoil and trade disputes are putting new pressure on U.S. farmers. Today, political analysis of the latest news.

Vinh Nguyen has lived in Iowa for decades, but he grew up in Vietnam during the war, which ended April 30, 1975.

Political and environmental factors are challenging Iowa’s farmers as harvest season starts.

Health insurance expert Pete Damiano shares what is at stake for healthcare as it is wrapped up in a Congressional impasse. Also, IPR's Isabella Luu gives the latest on the Ian Roberts case.

Over a century ago, lawyer Clarence Darrow fought battles that sound remarkably similar to present day struggles.

Analysis from political experts Rachel Caufield of Drake University and Dave Peterson from Iowa State University on the latest news.

Alzheimer experts give an inside look at the first Iowa Heartland Cognitive Care Collective Summit.

Des Moines schools face uncertainty after Superintendent Ian Roberts’ arrest. Then, expert guidance on COVID-19 and flu vaccines this fall.

Hundreds of Midwest law enforcement agencies are now working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is raising big questions about civil rights and community trust.

Iowa and other states have recently passed laws that aim to help small, local pharmacies stay open. Also, a University of Iowa professor has launched an app to help first responders communicate with patients who are nonverbal or don't speak English.

Analysts discuss the top political stories of the week, including the looming government shutdown.

Experts talk about changes for old and new student loan borrowers. Then, an interview with the new director of the Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement.

83 million Americans live in areas without adequate access to primary care physicians, according to the American Medical Association. Iowa ranks 44th in physicians per capita.

Covenants in Iowa and across the country restricted Black Iowans from purchasing homes in response to the Great Migration. Iowa researchers are mapping where these covenants were put in place.

Photojournalist Mariam Abu Dagga hoped to change hearts and minds through her coverage of the war in Gaza. In August, she was among five journalists killed in an Israeli strike.

Charlie Kirk’s assassination sparks new debates over free speech in Iowa and across the country.

A conversation with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly and a tour of Sandy Boyd's legendary collection of historical artifacts

The service and sacrifice of Black Americans in defense of the United States is believed to be a driving force in the progress of civil rights over generations.

A resident of the University of Iowa International Writer's Program speakers with Ben Kieffer, plus we unpack the latest headlines with Iowa reporters.

Scott Detrow, host of All Things Considered on NPR, discusses the effects of federal funding cuts to public media. Then, we revisit a conversation with Green Beret John Paluska.

Trump endorses Rep. Ashley Hinson for Senate, Reynolds’ trade mission to India and more analysis of U.S. politics.

Running a farm is no easy task. This hour, how that becomes even more challenging when dementia enters the picture.

Former U.S. Senator and Ambassador Jeff Flake on party politics and restoring balance in Washington — plus how nature is shaping the future of vehicle safety.

The City of Ankeny is researching the use of drones as first responders, potentially dispatching them to emergencies ahead of police officers.

We hear from those working to address homelessness and affordable housing needs in Iowa — from a tiny home village for the homeless to youth advisory boards led by those impacted by housing insecurity.

Political scientists discuss recent headlines, including U.S. Rep. Hinson's run for Senate, another potential government shutdown and more.

Hundreds of people came to the Cedar Rapids Immigrations and Customs Enforcement office Tuesday morning as non-U.S. citizens had their immigration check-in appointments.

Important headlines from around the state, including expansion of a drug donation program, UI Health Care budget cuts and more.

Large-scale deportation can leave lasting impacts. At the same time, a workforce without legal status is left vulnerable to unsafe work environments.

Does Iowa's special election results give indication for the 2026 midterms?

A private liberal arts college in Indianola is laying the groundwork for research opportunities between its students and NASA.

Over a century ago, lawyer Clarence Darrow fought battles that sound remarkably similar to present day struggles.

IPR's Natalie Krebs shares how the Iowa's abortion law may be driving some physicians out of the state. Plus, unpacking the latest news on the West Nile virus, worker safety issues, regulatory failures at a pork processing facility and more.

Iowan Mike Rowley shares the detective work that revealed his ancestor's service. Then, we meet the pilot who flew around the world to raise awareness for polio eradication.

Candidates enter and exit the Iowa races for 2026. Today, a look at the shifting primary field with analysis from professor Jim McCormick of Iowa State University.

From household accidents to industrial exposures, we discuss the medical complexities of poison cases and learn about the Iowa Toxicology Clinic.

What you should know about detecting and managing prediabetes

A documentary tells how suspicious attempts to claim the 2019 Iowa Hot Lotto Jackpot led to the uncovering of the largest lottery rigging scheme in the United States.

Analysis from political scientists on the summit between Trump and Putin, Trump's expansion of federal authority over Washington, D.C., and more

It was the most expensive thunderstorm event in U.S. history. On this episode, three perspectives on the monster storm.

A conversation with former Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, D-Des Moines, about what he's learned from his time in office and years of activism — plus what still needs to change.

On this Newsbuzz edition of River to River, discussion of nitrates in Iowa's rivers and things to know before you go to the Meskwaki Annual Powwow this weekend.

When he's not acting in films and television, Marshalltown native Toby Huss is using his camera. Also in this episode, a conversation with the new executive editor of The Des Moines Register.

Blue states are considering redistricting in response to Texas' special session to redraw its Congressional lines, President Trump is teasing new migrant farm worker policies and more.