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PODCAST

River to River

Iowa Public Radio

River to River is a conversation about the news with an Iowa perspective. Together we dig into the story behind the headlines - we talk with newsmakers and a diverse range of experts to find out how the news affects you. We take on challenging topics, explore issues from all sides, and foster conversation and understanding

news politics

All Episodes

48:02

Iowa campaigns heat up ahead of June primaries

River to River ·

2026/04/23

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.

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47:52

Meet three Iowans behind NASA's Artemis II mission

River to River ·

2026/04/22

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

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48:04

The power struggle over the country's water quality

River to River ·

2026/04/21

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

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A conversation with the 2025 World Food Prize Laureate

River to River ·

2026/04/17

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

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47:58

Reactions to President Trump's dispute with Pope Leo

River to River ·

2026/04/16

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

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47:31

The long history between Iowa and China

River to River ·

2026/04/15

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.

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47:56

Environmental risks at play in Iowa's cancer crisis

River to River ·

2026/04/14

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

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47:39

Iowa’s hands-free law now in effect

River to River ·

2026/04/11

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

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48:03

Meet the Iowan who has spent decades fighting for...

River to River ·

2026/04/10

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

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48:02

How the Iran ceasefire is shaping U.S. political...

River to River ·

2026/04/09

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

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48:00

How will the SAVE America Act impact Iowa voters?

River to River ·

2026/04/08

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.

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48:02

How immigration policies are taking shape across the...

River to River ·

2026/04/07

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

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47:47

Astronaut reflects on Artemis II Mission

River to River ·

2026/04/04

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.

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48:03

What’s shaping Iowa’s farm economy this spring?

River to River ·

2026/04/03

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.

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48:00

Is war with Iran coming to an end?

River to River ·

2026/04/02

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.

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48:03

National Agricultural Health Study featured in 2026...

River to River ·

2026/04/01

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

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47:58

Iowa bills examine visa access and governor's...

River to River ·

2026/03/31

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

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47:44

Iowa and Iowa State men's basketball making NCAA...

River to River ·

2026/03/28

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.

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2825:00

The experts cultivating rurality

River to River ·

2026/03/27

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

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47:56

What the Iran war means for farmers and rural support

River to River ·

2026/03/26

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.

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