River to River

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.

A discussion on how federal cuts to Medicaid will impact Iowans and rural healthcare.

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.