River to River

Kratom is often found at gas stations and convenience stores and is marketed as a natural supplement for pain and anxiety. Gov. Kim Reynolds is calling for a total ban of the product and other synthetic varieties, alleging dozens of kratom-related deaths in Iowa since 2024. On this Newsbuzz edition of River to River, Ben Kieffer speaks with the 'Iowa Capital Dispatch's' Clark Kauffman about this call to ban kratom. Also, the 'Des Moines Register's' Brianne Pfannenstiel shares how candidates are approaching water quality this session, a registered nurse who found a side hustle fighting poison ivy and columnist Rekha Basu shares the impact of Gloria Steinem. Finally, our International Writing Program series returns with Mexican writer Juan Carlos Reyes and Studio One's Erin Fuller grooves us into the weekend.

Afghan soldiers stood beside American troops for 20 years. Now, five years after the evacuation, many still don't know if they'll be allowed to stay. On this episode, we take stock of what's happened since roughly one thousand Afghans resettled in Iowa. We talk with Fatima Saidi, national director of We Are All America and Robyn Barnard of Human Rights First. We also discuss what today's shifting immigration rules mean for Afghans still in limbo. Then, we talk with Cate Dicharry, the new director of the University of Iowa's International Writing Program. It's been a year and a half since federal funding cuts threatened the program, and we discuss what its future holds.

Canada is due to hit back in the trade war— and Iowa's farmers and manufacturers will feel it directly. On this Politics Day episode, analysis from political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Wayne Moyer of Grinnell College. We also get their views on escalating tension between the U.S. and Iran, Iowa's Senate and governor's races and more.

The midterm elections are ramping up. We launch our candidate series with Dave Dawson, the Democrat running in Iowa's 4th District. Dawson is running against Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president Chris McGowan, a seat currently held by Rep. Randy Feenstra. We talk with him about running as a Democrat in a red district. But first, we revisit a conversation with an astrophysicist who discusses new research on white dwarf stars 200 light-years away and learn about scientists at the University of Iowa working on a virtual lunar landscape complete with low gravity and lunar dirt. (Portions of the episode were originally produced Feb. 3, 2026.)

Iowa is caught in the middle of an escalating trade war between the U.S. and Canada. On this Newsbuzz edition, we talk about what that means for Iowa's economy, and your wallet. First, we learn about Iowa's new property tax law, then discuss the economic impacts the trade war will have in Iowa. We also discuss the two Iowa clergy members are running for Congress, visa rules on Iowa college campuses and we hear about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library early literacy skill building program in Iowa. Then, we groove into the weekend.

This November, Iowans will decide whether it should take two-thirds of the legislature — not a simple majority — to raise the state income tax. Guests explain what yes and no votes really mean. Then we meet an Iowa teenager who is building an award-winning, low-cost prosthetic hand.

Canada is Iowa's number one export market — and the trade war with our biggest customer just escalated. Political scientists Evan Renfro of UNI and Karen Kedrowski of ISU offer analysis on these tariffs, the new sanctions campaign against Iran, Iowa's toss-up Senate race, the Supreme Court's ruling on mail-in voting and more.

Companies are voluntarily phasing out the use of so called 'forever chemicals,' or PFAS, used in food packaging. On this episode, experts discuss what the phase out will look like and what consumers need to know. Host Ben Kieffer is joined by Lydia Jahl from the Green Science Policy Institute in Berkley. Later in the hour, Mark Early, Keith Vorst, and Katie Updegraff of the Polymer and Food Protection Consortium at Iowa State University also join the program. (This episode was originally produced Aug. 5, 2024.)

On this episode, we talk with both of Iowa's major political party chairs. First, Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart, then Iowa Republican Party chair Jeff Kaufmann. We discuss the open governor and Senate races and key Congressional and statehouse races in the November 3 midterm election, plus where the 2028 presidential caucuses stand.

The Democratic National Convention has finalized its 2028 presidential primary calendar, and Iowa is not in the early voting contest. On this Newsbuzz edition, Meghan McKinney sits in for Ben Kieffer. First, we hear from Iowans who competed in a weed identification contest at the state fair. Then, we talk with professor Megan Goldberg of Cornell College about the competition in the Iowa governor and Senate races. Daniel Wheaton of the Midwest Newsroom joins us to talk about childcare costs for Iowa families and we hear from IPR's Eliza Billingham about a new crisis aversion program coming to Scott County. Then, we hear about the new Studio One schedule from program director Nick Brunner, and he grooves us into the weekend.

An exhibit at the International Spy Museum explores the use of camouflage in war, espionage and how it relates to surveillance and deep fakes today. We hear about the exhibit from the vice president of exhibits and collections, Katheryn Keane. Then, University of Northern Iowa camouflage expert Roy Behrens wrote the introduction to the exhibit and joins the show. Later in the program, a conversation with Isabela Muzzio about how politics impact our memories. (This show was originally produced Feb. 17, 2026.)

Are America's divides truly political — or is something else at work? In his book 'Nations Apart: How Clashing Regional Cultures Shattered America,' historian and New York Times bestselling author Colin Woodard argues that today's polarization can't be explained by Democrat/Republican or urban/rural divides. Instead, he traces these conflicts back to regional worldviews rooted in the nation's earliest settlement patterns. (This show was originally produced Nov. 25, 2025.)

More than half of rural counties in Iowa are legal deserts. So, what happens when you need a lawyer but there isn't one? Sociologist David Peters and aspiring rural lawyer Emma Bartling join the program to talk about their research into rural deserts and the ways states are trying to incentivize lawyers to practice in rural areas. Then, University of Iowa legal expert Brian Farrell discusses how access to justice doesn't necessarily correlate with the number of attorneys in a community. Later in the program, Iowa State researchers are developing an app that can predict unsafe indoor temperatures. (This show was originally produced Nov. 11, 2025.)

On this episode we listen to highlights from a conversation with political scientist Jeffrey Winters of Northwestern University. His book, 'The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracy,' examines the failure of democracy to address wealth inequality, why it's by design. This conversation was recorded at The Englert Theatre, presented by the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council. (This episode was originally produced May 19, 2026.)

On this Politics Day episode, Dani Gehr sits in for host Ben Kieffer. We get analysis from political scientists Rachel Caufield of Drake University and Jim McCormick of Iowa State University on recent primary outcomes and how midterm races across the country compare to Iowa's. We also discuss a new political action committee born from an Iowa primary loss and more.

In this archive episode, host Ben Kieffer speaks with two members of the 'Planet Money team' about their new book. Then, the SAVE America Act has been called the most sweeping change to American voting law in decades if it goes into effect. Supporters say it's about election security, while critics say it could disenfranchise eligible voters. Guests explore what the legislation would it actually mean for Iowans at the polls and for the people who run our elections. (This show was originally produced April 7, 2026.)

How does family's private tragedy relate to 70 years of history? On this episode, we talk with journalist and author Paige Towers about her new book 'What They Stole: A Familicide Rooted in Intercountry Adoption.' It investigates the 2008 murder-suicide of the Sueppel family in Iowa City and how that tragedy sheds light on the fraught history of international adoptions in America.

The Senate's farm bill has stalled along with billions in conservation money. WCMU's Emma George-Griffin discusses what that means for farmers. On this Newsbuzz episode, we also take a look at new state rules for the biggest power line buildout in Iowa history, Pell Grants for workforce development, a medical malpractice shake-up at the Iowa Supreme Court and what it actually takes to bring the Iowa State Fair to life.

Iowa's record summer heat isn't just uncomfortable. Inside two of the state's oldest prisons, it's dangerous. For 15 years, the Iowa Department of Corrections has asked lawmakers to fund air conditioning at two of the state's oldest prisons in Anamosa and Mount Pleasant. This year, lawmakers said no again. On this episode, we talk with journalist Erin Jordan who first reported on this story. We also hear from Trent Keller, the chair of Iowa's Board of Corrections, and Todd Copley, president of the union representing Iowa's correctional officers. Then, we learn about a new Data Center Decision Tool developed at the University of Iowa.

A progressive won Michigan's Democratic Senate primary. Political scientists Sara Mitchell and Dave Peterson discuss what that may mean for the midterms, plus the Iowa State Fair's Political Soapbox schedule, the outside groups funding Iowa's Senate race, how President Trump's approval rating may impact Republican candidates and more.

The Iowa National Bar Association turns 125 this year. We look at the history of the Des Moines organization that gave rise to the nation's largest network of Black and African American lawyers and judges.

On this episode, we learn about Harvest Academy, a recovery program in Indianola that's building a new campus in Des Moines. We meet Derek Johnson, the program's COO who landed in this line of work after his own years-long struggle with addiction. We also talk with Troy Roberts, a graduate of the program who now goes into Polk County Jail to recruit future students. Then, we talk with Iowa State University professor Raquel Espin Palazon, whose white blood cell research could lead to new cancer treatments.

A fire at Postville's Agri Star meat plant has left hundreds of workers in limbo. On this episode, we talk with 'The Gazette's' Fern Alling about the community's response, and the plant's complicated history. We also hear how camping bans are pushing unhoused Iowans further from the resources they need with the Midwest Newsroom's Nicole Grundmeier. William Morris of the 'Des Moines Register' shares how a retired Iowa State professor wins some $2 million in a landmark equal pay case, and we talk with Vanessa Miller, higher education reporter at 'The Gazette' about new oversight questions at the UI Center for Intellectual Freedom. Then, we hear from IPR's Gavin McGough and Jake DeGroat of the Iowa Climbers Coalition about Iowa's new rock-climbing destination. And IPR Studio One Host Sean McClain grooves us into the weekend.

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. Cohn discusses the book, growing up in Iowa, your rights online and more. (This show was originally produced April 9, 2025.)

A judge says Iowa's Libertarian candidates for governor will stay off the November ballot. On this Politics Day episode, how that shapes the race, with political scientists Wayne Moyer of Grinnell College and Megan Goldberg of Cornell College. We also give play-by-play on former President Barack Obama's endorsement of U.S. Senate democratic candidate Josh Turek, the latest on the war in Iran, the urge to advance year-round E15 legislation, and more.

A bipartisan bill is meant to protect kids online, but privacy experts are worried it could do more harm than good. First, we talk with Megan Graham of the University of Iowa College of Law on why the KIDS Act has raised some alarms. We also talk with Iowa State psychologist Doug Gentile about what's at risk when young people use social media. Then, we learn about Iowa State University's new game design major with its director, Alenka Poplin. She shares how games can help us better understand the world around us.

Tariffs are squeezing Midwest households. On this episode, we talk about what that means for your grocery bill and Iowa's economy. First, we hear from Frank Manzo of the Midwest Economic Policy Institute on the impact of tariffs on Midwest household costs, manufacturing jobs and the GDP. Then, Ben Murrey of the Common Sense Institute offers his read on our economic outlook. He shares his insight on recent jobs and inflation, and manufacturing's outsized contributions in Iowa. We also talk with Kyle McMahon of Tractor Zoom, who turned used-tractor pricing into a business.

A new campaign wants to make it harder to raise taxes in Iowa — background on what that constitutional amendment would actually do. Then, we hear from IPR's Rachel Kramer about why farm income is down more than half since 2022. We also talk with Kate Melloy Goettel of the University of Iowa Law School about why government wants to strip a naturalized Iowan's citizenship, discuss the AI model that forecasts nitrate spikes in Iowa's river with University of Iowa professor Jesus Gomez Velez, and more.

For many disabled, elderly, and low-income Iowans, a simple trip to the dentist is anything but simple. On this episode, why care for these patients often falls through the cracks, and what's being done about it. We talk with two University of Iowa dental experts on the push to expand access to care: Leo Marchini, newly named to an international disability and oral health committee, and John Warren. Warren brings dental students into community health centers across the state. Then, we hear from gerontologist Elaine Eshbaugh of the University of Northern Iowa. She's the founder of the dementia simulation house and tells us about the hidden link between anxiety and dementia.

Congress keeps funding the Iran war with little oversight.Political scientists Karen Kedrowski and Kelly Shaw of Iowa State University offer analysis on this and other political issues from the week.

Our air was getting cleaner. Now, wildfire smoke has reversed that progress. On this episode, a new University of Iowa study finds wildfires have undone years of gains against ground-level ozone pollution, and the effects are reaching deep into the Midwest. First, we hear from former Iowa residents Jerry and Sue Prothero, who watched ash fall like snow in northern Minnesota. Then, we talk with Jun Wang, the study's lead author, about why ozone pollution is worsening and what it means for Iowans. We also talk with Peter Thorne of the University of Iowa College of Public Health about the health impacts of wildfire smoke and ozone pollution. And we address the health and air quality impacts of a proposed gas plant in Linn County with Abe Kellison of Save Morgan Valley. Save Morgan Valley is a community organization opposing Alliant Energy's proposed 720-megawatt natural gas power plant in unincorporated western Linn County.

A report from the Environmental Working Group claims thousands of feeding operations are off the DNR's radar. A representative with the Iowa Pork Producers Association says the DNR is following state law. Host Ben Kieffer speaks with the co-author of this report, Anne Schechinger, about how mapping animal operations relates to water quality issues, and Pork Association legal counsel Eldon McAfee shares what he thinks the report gets wrong. Then, Kieffer speaks with the recipient of the "Nobel Prize for statistics," University of Iowa professor emeritus Luke Tierney.

An Iowa man was nearly deported into a war zone. On this episode, how families are caught in the middle of third-country deportation. First, we hear from Midwest Newsroom reporting fellow Steph Conquest-Ware on families in limbo under the third-country deportation policy. We also talk about tips on how to protect yourself from this summer's fast-spreading cyclospora outbreak with disease prevention specialist Jennifer Miller. We hear from Guthrie Center RAGBRAI organizer Mike Underwood, as the town readies to host tens of thousands overnight on RAGBRAI. And, after 12 years at the helm, a conversation with IPR's outgoing CEO Myrna Johnson. Then, IPR's Erin Fuller grooves us into the weekend.

Two years, eight thousand miles, and according to a new book, a lot more heroes than just Lewis and Clark. On this episode, we talk with historian and author Craig Fehrman. He spent five years chasing down the real story behind the famous expedition, and found it wasn't just their story. His new book, 'This Vast Enterprise: A New History of Lewis & Clark,' rebuilds the history through 10 different voices, exploring new perspectives of American history.

President Donald Trump reverses course to endorse Zach Lahn. On this Politics Day episode, we take stock of the Iowa governor's race. We talk with political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Kelly Winfrey of Iowa State University. We also preview Trump's primetime address, talk about ICE shootings across the country, the scramble to replace Graham Platner in the Maine U.S. Senate race and more.

A history of murder, prostitution and police corruption have been buried for a century in Des Moines. On today's episode, we hear the true story of Erastus Wallace Scott, the saloon keeper the 'Des Moines Register' called 'the wickedest man in the wickedest part of town.' He was a killer, a con man and the head of a crime family that terrorized East Des Moines for a decade. We talk with Dave and Rose Donovan about their new book 'The Nastiest Saloon in Iowa: Murder, Prostitution, and Corruption in the Heartland.' The book uncovers century-old murder and corruption hiding in downtown Des Moines, and in Rose's own family tree.

Nationally, deaths from suicide, drugs and alcohol are declining. But in Iowa, they're rising, and they're often referred to as "deaths of despair." On this episode, we hear from Lauren Williams, an Iowa woman who lost her brother to suicide, and from Kayla Mayer of Cherokee County Public Health, who's working to decrease the local rate of suicide. We also talk with Daniel Wheaton of the Midwest Newsroom and Dr. Alison Lynch of the University of Iowa on why our state is seeing more deaths of despair and what can be done about it.

Iowa sees its first measles case of the year. On today's Newsbuzz edition episode, we talk with Polk County Public Health director Juliann Van Liew about how Polk County is guarding against the highly contagious virus. We talk with Luke Nozicka of NPR's Midwest Newsroom about the rise in dementia cases and lack of specialists to keep up. We hear how Iowa's drinking water nitrate violations more than doubled last year from Cami Koons of the Iowa Capital Dispatch. IPR's Rachel Kramer shares how Iowa volunteers are racing to track the state's disappearing bumblebees, and we talk with Des Moines City Manager Scott Sanders about the budget gap created by the new property tax law. Then, IPR's Cece Mitchell grooves us into the weekend.

The Supreme Court just finished one of its most consequential terms in years. Drake University law professors Sally Frank and Miguel Schor break down what the 2026 rulings mean for Iowans. They discuss the landmark win for birthright citizenship, the loss of deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants, new limits on transgender athletes and more.

Tensions flare again between the U.S. and Iran and NATO leaders wrap up a tense summit. On this Politics Day episode, we discuss the political fallout with political scientists Jim McCormick of Iowa State University and Evan Renfro of the University of Northern Iowa. We hear about the new round of U.S.-Iran hostilities that overshadows the days-long funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader, take a look back at the nation's 250th birthday celebration and more.

'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, his latest book, which won this year's Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and his 2023 novel 'Whalefall.' (This show was originally produced February 26, 2026.)

More than 100 new Iowa laws just took effect on abortion, crime, and policing. On this episode of River to River, we talk about what's changed and who it affects. We hear from Erin Murphy of the Gazette who gives us a quick survey of the most significant new laws. Then, IPR's Natalie Krebs explains the new telehealth restrictions and what options remain for abortion pill prescriptions. Mahaska County Attorney Andrew Ritland tells us about Iowa's new mandatory minimum for repeat felons. And state Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines shares her thoughts on a new law that removes the annual police bias training requirement.