River to River

After two centuries of expanding democracy, why has America become more unequal — not less? On this episode we listen to highlights from a recent conversation with political scientist Jeffrey Winters of Northwestern University. His new book, The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracy, examines the failure of democracy to address wealth inequality and why this issue is by design. This conversation was recorded on May 7 at the Englert Theatre, presented by the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council.

The legality of geofence warrants, where law enforcement can access the data of people in a geographic area, is being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court. University of Iowa Technology Law Clinic director Megan Graham walks us through the case. Also, fellow Iowa law professor Bethany Berger talks about the 1884 case being incorrectly cited in the Trump Administration's birthright citizenship case. Then, Cornell College's Megan Goldberg walks us through the 1st Congressional District primary races.

The U.S. Supreme Court has filed to preserve telehealth access to the abortion pill mifepristone as new Iowa restrictions await Gov. Kim Reynolds' signature. On this Newsbuzz edition of River to River, we break down what this SCOTUS action means with law professor Jill Wieber Lens and what may come next for abortion pill access. Plus, we kick off our 2026 primary election preview series, get a spring crop update with Mark Licht, say farewell to IPR's Josie Fischels and groove into the weekend with Studio One host Cece Mitchell.

On this archive episode we weigh the strengths and vulnerabilities of our current election infrastructure. David Levine, a senior fellow at University of Maryland's Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement joins the program to discuss election integrity in the United States and internationally, threats to democracy and ways to improve the election process. (This episode was originally produced in May 2025.)

The Alzheimer's Association has released a new report on brain health and the findings are eye-opening. Nine in 10 Americans said brain health matters deeply to them — but only 9% said they know enough about how to protect their brains. Heather Snyder of the Alzheimer's Association and dementia care specialist Dr. Yogesh Shah of the Broadlawns Memory Clinic in Des Moines discuss the findings of the report and ways to fill this knowledge gap.

Two psychologists from Iowa State University join the program. Their whose research seeks to improve accuracy in witness and suspect testimony in the criminal justice system. Professor of psychology Zlatan Krizan discusses how sleep deprivation may influence confessions and witness statements, while associate professor of psychology Andrew Smith explains how video recording of eyewitness suspect lineups could improve confidence in those practices and assist in criminal trials. Later, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine researcher Colin Kenny explains how using zebrafish in research can help to better understand a rare eye cancer and improve treatment.

As President Donald Trump has promised deregulation, experts share what that means for water quality and where regulations already fall short. Farmer and former Iowa Corn Growers Association President Tim Recker has dramatically changed his farm, going no-till and adding wetlands. Water quality proponent Silvia Secchi who gives a history of The Clean Water Act and argues regulations don't go far enough. Also, Nina Elkadi, an investigative reporter, shares her reporting on water quality issues. Then, Melissa Miller, the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative project director, speaks about the complexities of nutrient application on farms and the work they are doing to make this application more accurate. (This episode was produced in March 2025.)

On this Politics Day, political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Jonathan Hassid of Iowa State University dissect the debate between Democrat Senate hopefuls Josh Turek and Zach Wahls. They also reflect on the end of the 2026 Legislative session, Vice President J.D. Vance's stop in Iowa to campaign for Rep. Zach Nunn and the Iowa Secretary of State's choice to turn over voter data to the Trump administration.

The 2026 Legislative session has ended after a marathon weekend. Journalists who covered the statehouse share what passed, failed and what is already Iowa law.

On October 29, 1978, the city of Mount Pleasant was rocked by the murder of mother and daughter Clementine and Karol Beavers in their home. The case had gone cold until a third woman, Susan Wheelock, was killed in her place of work, six months later. CJ Williams, an Iowa federal judge, was Karol's classmate, a coworker of Susan's and he knew the convicted killer. These murders influenced Williams to seek a career in criminal justice, and his book delves into the multilayered story of these murders that rocked his hometown and changed the course of his life. (This episode was originally produced in October 2025.)

New student loan limits are set to hit Iowa families as tuition costs keep climbing. On this Newsbuzz edition of River to River, we look at how universities are preparing with The Gazette's Vanessa Miller. The Economist's Hollie Berman shares recent reporting on Iowa farmers' support for President Trump amid economic uncertainty. IPR's James Kelley shares updates on Google's planned data center in Palo. Plus, the latest from the Statehouse with Robin Opshahl, and we groove into the weekend with Studio One's Tressa Glass.

David Axelrod has been one of the most influential voices in American politics for four decades — he helped build the Obama coalition, he has watched the Democratic Party lose its way with working people and he's not pulling punches about what comes next. On this episode, we listen back to highlights from a recent wide-ranging conversation Axelrod, recorded live at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City.

King Charles addresses Congress as global tensions and domestic uncertainty collide in a packed politics hour. From a fragile Iran ceasefire to Iowa's MAHA bill and a surprise gubernatorial endorsement, political scientists Jim McCormick and Megan Goldberg break down the latest political news.

The Pentagon launched a formal review of women in ground-combat positions. On this archive 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. (This episode was originally produced in January 2026.)

A recent 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. (This episode was originally produced in November 2025.)

Analysis from political scientists Sara Mitchell of the University of Iowa and Peter Hanson of Grinnell College on statewide races, the latest fallout from the war with Iran and why some Republican Senators are quietly hoping for a Supreme Court retirement before the midterms.

On this episode we hear from three Iowans who were involved in the historic Artemis II mission that was completed on April 11. Madison Tuttle of West Des Moines, Jack Sieleman of Waukee, and Alex Brewer of Council Bluffs are all relatively early in their careers, but they've spent all that time working at either the Kennedy or Johnson space centers. They each share about their love of space exploration — whether lifelong or found on the job — and what their roles were in the preparation and execution of Artemis II.

In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed the definition of the Waters of the United States in the case Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. The result of that decision is estimated to have eliminated more than half of the nation's wetland acres eligible for protections by the Clean Water Act. Host Ben Kieffer discusses that decision and how it impacts Iowa with Royal Gardner, author of 'Waters of the United States: POTUS, SCOTUS, WOTUS, and the Politics of a National Resource.' (This episode was originally produced in October 2025.)

Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria was told she could never make a career researching environmental agriculture practices. Today, she is the 2025 World Food Prize Laureate. She joins the show to discuss how her groundbreaking research in soil microbiology and biological nitrogen fixation has transformed global agriculture. Hungria shares the impact her science-loving grandmother had on her life and explains how science and sustainability can coexist to feed the planet's growing population. (This episode was originally produced on Oct. 20, 2025)

A war at a volatile tipping point and a "barnburner" race for Iowa's governor. On this Politics Day episode, political scientists Karen Kedrowski and Jim McCormick of Iowa State University join to discuss how the Iran war is raising concerns about the global economy, as well as the Iowa governor's race now being rated a "toss up." Also, President Donald Trump's clashes with the Pope and what that could mean for Catholic voters and why two congressmen — including Iowa native Eric Swalwell, resigned this week.

From the first Iowan U.S. ambassador to Beijing, to Herbert Hoover's fortune in Chinese coal mines, to the soybean's journey from China to Iowa fields — Iowa and China's relationship is older, stranger and more consequential than you might think. Ben Kieffer unpacks the deep and surprising ties between Iowa and China with Iowa State historian Tao Wang and political expert Jonathan Hassid.

Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in the nation. A recent report points to contaminants in our water, soil and air as key culprits. On this episode, we talk with two of the authors of this report on environmental risk factors including pesticides, PFAS, nitrates and Iowa's cancer crisis. The report offers several policy and personal recommendations to reduce adverse environmental exposures, including expansion of the state's water monitoring network. The Iowa Legislature diverted funds for the Iowa Quality Information System in 2023. While county governments and other groups have helped fund the system the last few years, Iowa Flood Center Director Larry Weber is asking lawmakers to reappropriate funds before the end of this year's session. (The Harkin Institute and Iowa Environmental Council are sponsors of IPR.)

Iowa's hands-free law is now being enforced. On this Newsbuzz edition, what drivers need to know to stay safe and avoid fines. Also, it's crunch time at the Capitol — we check in with 'Des Moines Register' reporter Stephen Gruber-Miller on where key legislation stands. We also hear from IPR's Meghan McKinney about a new law changing foster parent training, and get a planting season preview from Iowa State agronomist Mark Licht as weather swings impact farmers. Plus, an Iowa State researcher explains how artificial intelligence is being used to predict virus evolution before it happens. And we wrap up with groove into the weekend with Nick Brunner.

Cindy Cohn, originally from Newton, Iowa, became one of the country's foremost digital rights lawyers. Her new memoir is titled "Privacy's Defender: My Thirty-Year Fight Against Digital Surveillance." Part legal history, part personal story and part rallying cry, it's front-row account of the legal battles that shaped the internet we use every day. Ahead of her visit to Iowa City, she joins the show the book, growing up in Iowa, your rights online and more

A fragile ceasefire came just hours after a threat to destroy a civilization. On this episode, we examine shifting attitudes toward the war in Iran and what it means for U.S. policy, with insights from political experts Jonathan Hassid and Megan Goldberg. They also break down a federal appeals court decision allowing enforcement of Iowa's book ban law. Plus, how political narratives intersect with major national moments, from the role of Artemis II in shaping presidential legacy and to intensifying Iowa primary races.

Two members of the 'Planet Money' team discuss their new book. Then, a look at how the SAVE America Act could impact elections in Iowa with Dave Peterson, Adam Wedmore and Linda Serra Hagedorn. Guests explain how voter registration would change under the proposed law and what groups would be most impacted.

State legislatures are debating new proposals on immigration policy. On this episode, we take a closer look at immigration bills under consideration in Iowa and our neighboring states and what those proposals could mean for immigrant families and communities. Erin Murphy breaks down the latest from Iowa, while Brenden Moore and Seth Tupper report on what's unfolding in Illinois and South Dakota. Harvest Public Media's Anna Pope also joins to explain how changes to food assistance are affecting immigrant families.

On this Newsbuzz edition, we unpack the headlines from the week, including the latest from the Capitol, funding for rural health, returning to the moon and more.

With spring planting around the corner, Iowa farmers are facing rising costs, global uncertainty, and shifting market pressures. This episode explores how fertilizer prices, international relations and climate conditions are shaping the future of agriculture and rural economies.

Political scientists talk about the top stories of the week, including the historical No Kings protests, Trump's surprise Iran announcement and threats to leave NATO, birthright citizenship at the Supreme Court and more.

The Cancer in Iowa Report published annually by the Iowa Cancer Registry gives an overview of the current burden of cancer in the state. This year's report features findings from the Agricultural Health Study, one of the world's largest and longest-running active studies of agricultural exposures and health. We talk with Iowa Cancer Registry Director Mary Charlton about this year's report which estimates this year that 21,700 Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer and 6,400 Iowans will die of cancer. We'll also talk with principal investigator of the Agricultural Health Study Laura Beane Freeman about the findings from their study that began in the mid-1990s with participants from Iowa and North Carolina. David Cwiertny of the University of Iowa's Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination also joins to discuss various environmental factors in the state that may be contributing to cancer diagnoses.

A proposal at the Statehouse would put new limits on the governor's emergency authority. Lawmakers for and against the legislation discuss what's behind this bill. Then, a bill at the Statehouse would bar new employment contracts with H1-B visa holders from certain countries. Later in the episode, we hear about a podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach that explores significant changes farmers have made in their business models. (The third segment of this program was produced in November 2025.)

On this Newsbuzz edition, we break down the latest from the Iowa Statehouse with Marissa Payne of the 'Des Moines Register' and NPR White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben joins to discuss how the war against Iran is impacting farmers. We also discuss the Hawkeye men's basketball team's historic run so far during March Madness and the Iowa State men's team with sports writer Mike Hlas. Plus the upcoming severe weather season and federal court rulings on immigration in Iowa.

At this year's Obermann Symposium, University of Iowa researchers are tackling the achievement gap for rural students, unequal access to nutritious food and communities not adapting to an aging population. The symposium is meant to harness the work being done in rural areas to better collaborate. Ben Kieffer speaks with one of the organizers, law professor Daria Fisher Page, and the experts focusing on rural issues; professor of gerontology Brian Kaskie; professor in learning sciences and educational psychology Duhita Mahatmya; and professor of occupational and environmental health Brandi Janssen.

President Trump's war in Iran is raising questions about U.S. foreign policy and its political consequences closer to home. In rural Iowa and across the Midwest, shifting opinions and economic concerns are putting pressure on traditional bases of support. Political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Wayne Moyer of Grinnell College join the program to analyze how the conflict is shaping voter attitudes, party dynamics and broader regional sentiment.

A new nation, a divided country, a lonely fort in a harbor. Bestselling author Erik Larson will be in Iowa to talk about his latest book, The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War. He joined the show ahead of his visit. Then, we hear firsthand accounts from two Iowans, Mary Sellers and Susan Judkins, who just returned from Cuba amid tensions with the U.S. and the energy crisis.

Iowa's second funnel deadline has passed. What bills are still alive, and what does it all mean for the rest of the legislative session? Today, statehouse reporters Katarina Sostaric of IPR, Stephen Gruber-Miller of the 'Des Moines Register', and Erin Murphy of 'The Gazette' join to break it all down. The conversation covers the biggest unresolved issues shaping the session, including competing property tax proposals, ongoing debates over eminent domain and carbon pipelines, and concerns about a projected budget deficit. The group also discusses key developments in education policy, criminal justice, and health care.

Jie Li, an Iowa State researcher originally from China, shares the harm a state bill targeting H-1B applicants from "foreign adversary" nations could cause. Also, updates after the second major deadline at the Statehouse and a major environmental group signaling cautious support for restarting Iowa's shuttered nuclear power plant.

A majority of U.S. teens say they use AI chatbots for school work, according to the Pew Research Center. On this episode we talk with Iowa educators who are working together in advancing ethical, human-centered approaches to artificial intelligence across K-12 education. Then — a recent report that shares of the potential negative risks that generative AI poses to students.

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.