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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
- 1890 - Protests of then and now
Parallels have been drawn between protests on college campuses during the Vietnam War and today's unrest in response to the war in Gaza. On this River to River, a presidential historian puts recent protests in a historical context.
Fri, 03 May 2024 - 1889 - House Democrats vow to back Republican speaker amid possible ousting attempt
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green announced she would call for a vote to oust Speaker Mike Johnson as Republican interparty rifts continue, but House Democrats said they would block the vote.
Thu, 02 May 2024 - 1888 - Advocacy continues after hands-free driving fails again at the Iowa Statehouse
While the Iowa Senate passed a bill that would ban motorists' handheld use of cell phones behind the wheel in 2023, it failed to advance in this year's session after the proposal was combined with legislation that would ban traffic enforcement cameras.
Tue, 30 Apr 2024 - 1887 - A potential TikTok ban, unrest at college campuses and more from Pints & Politics
Over a beer at Big Grove in Cedar Rapids, Iowa commentators discuss the latest headlines, including a recently passed foreign aid package and an Iowa law allowing teachers and school staff to carry guns in school.
Sat, 27 Apr 2024 - 1886 - How has vaping evolved over the last decade?Fri, 26 Apr 2024
- 1885 - Senate approves $95 billion foreign aid package
The bill, passed with the Senate voting 79 to 18, also includes a provision that could lead to a Tik Tok ban.
Thu, 25 Apr 2024 - 1884 - How inflatable tanks and other trickery saved thousands of soldiers' lives in WWII Europe
The Congressional Gold Medal was recently awarded to living and deceased members of the Ghost Army, a World War II deception unit that was kept secret for half a century after the war.
Wed, 24 Apr 2024 - 1883 - Statehouse reporters recap the legislative session and bills awaiting Governor Reynolds' signature
The Iowa Legislature adjourned this past weekend, the eighth session in a row with Republican control.
Tue, 23 Apr 2024 - 1882 - Severe weather rips through Midwest
Storms tore through parts of the Midwest this week, resulting in tornadoes in multiple states, including Iowa.
Sat, 20 Apr 2024 - 1881 - How good is the economy, really?
Economists say that traditional indicators are favorable, yet one in six Iowans has trouble making ends meet. Exploring the disconnect between good economic news and how Iowans experience the economy
Fri, 19 Apr 2024 - 1880 - The start of Donald Trump's first trial
Political scholars analyze the latest headlines, including the start of the fraud trial against Donald Trump, President Biden campaigning in Pennsylvania and the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas.
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 - 1879 - New EPA regulations aim to curb cancer-causing air pollution
A cancer cluster in Illinois was connected to a nearby chemical plant that emitted carcinogenic ethylene, a chemical targeted by new Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
Wed, 17 Apr 2024 - 1878 - Ex-UI employee lied about identity for decades
As a now ex-University of Iowa employee lied about his identity, the real William Woods ended up in a mental health facility after trying to convince authorities he was who he said he was.
Sat, 13 Apr 2024 - 1877 - NPR correspondent examines her religious upbringing in 'The Exvangelicals'
Growing up in a deeply evangelical Midwest family, NPR's Sarah McCammon was strictly taught to fear God, obey him and not question the faith.
Fri, 12 Apr 2024 - 1876 - Understanding the latest abortion news on the state and federal levels
Iowa's six-week abortion ban cleared a legislative hurdle this week, though it's still blocked until the state supreme court rules on an appeal.
Thu, 11 Apr 2024 - 1875 - Making the workplace work better for those with autismWed, 10 Apr 2024
- 1874 - A look at tax cuts proposed in Iowa
Iowa Republicans are currently working on a constitutional amendment that would require a flat tax rate and could raise the bar for increasing personal and corporate taxes in the future.
Tue, 09 Apr 2024 - 1873 - Former Des Moines librarian suing city and library system for mishandling explicit patron behavior
A former staff member of the Des Moines Public Library's North Side branch recently filed a lawsuit against the city and library system, alleging the library's policies, procedures and staff training are inadequate for addressing inappropriate patron behavior.
Sat, 06 Apr 2024 - 1872 - Traveling back in time to America's first eclipse chasersFri, 05 Apr 2024
- 1871 - The 15th anniversary of marriage equality in Iowa
Fifteen years ago on April 3, Iowa became the third state to establish marriage equality. Now, over a decade later, LGBTQ issues are still hotly debated.
Thu, 04 Apr 2024 - 1870 - What to expect and how to prepare for severe thunderstorms this summerWed, 03 Apr 2024
- 1869 - Legislative issues vary across the Midwest
There’s a mix of red and blue politics across the Midwest. Statehouse journalists share updates on new and proposed legislation in neighboring states.
Tue, 02 Apr 2024 - 1868 - Breaking down the Caitlin Clark effect
Caitlin Clark is a basketball phenomenon, catapulting women’s sports to a level previously untouched.
Sat, 30 Mar 2024 - 1867 - A bright or dystopian future with AI?
Artificial intelligence has been the subject of many dystopian novels and movies, but it's become apparent that AI will intersect with more and more aspects of our lives and careers. On this River to River, how AI can be wielded as a tool, and the concerns that make that future murky.
Fri, 29 Mar 2024 - 1866 - Judge issues limited gag order on Trump ahead of April trial
Political analysts discuss top stories, including FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, the war in Gaza, criminal charges against a former president and more.
Thu, 28 Mar 2024 - 1865 - What NPR's Frank Langfitt has learned covering international affairs for two decades
Frank Langfitt spent nearly two decades as an international correspondent reporting from more than 50 countries and territories. Now, he covers threats to democracy at home and abroad.
Wed, 27 Mar 2024 - 1864 - Unpacking Gov. Reynolds' mental health bill
Reynolds’ 80-page bill, introduced to the legislature in February, lays out a plan to reshape mental health and substance use treatment services offered in Iowa.
Tue, 26 Mar 2024 - 1863 - Chaos, violence and the impending famine in Haiti
A Haitian-born University of Iowa professor is working to raise awareness about the Caribbean nation of about 11.9 million people on the brink of famine.
Sat, 23 Mar 2024 - 1862 - A journalism legend's pursuit to understand America's division
After stepping down as anchor of the PBS Newshour, Judy Woodruff has been traveling the country to better understand what divides Americans in her latest reporting project, America at a Crossroads.
Fri, 22 Mar 2024 - 1861 - Grinnell poll shows broad support for protecting kids from social media, no consensus on how to stop school shootings
The latest Grinnell College poll shows Americans' attitudes on the Biden/Trump rematch, election integrity, the war in Gaza, children and social media and more
Thu, 21 Mar 2024 - 1860 - The bills that died and survived during the second Statehouse funnel week
Iowa lawmakers have passed their second funnel deadline of the 2024 legislative session. Numerous bills made it past the crucial deadline, but many others failed to meet the requirements to move forward.
Tue, 19 Mar 2024 - 1859 - Observing Ramadan in a time of war
Discussing headlines from around the state, including the closure of a Tyson plant in Perry, the acquittal of a trans Iowan on charges related to a protest, how Iowans are observing Ramadan and the war in Gaza continues and more.
Sat, 16 Mar 2024 - 1858 - Last year's drought could have massive effects on water quality this year
An ISU project could bring a resilient energy source with stable prices to the city of Montezuma, which could be replicated across the state.
Fri, 15 Mar 2024 - 1857 - Is time up for Tik Tok?
Political scientists discuss top headlines of the week, including responses to Biden's State of the Union address and his comments on Israel.
Thu, 14 Mar 2024 - 1856 - Giving students a voice
A Des Moines-area nonprofit has been holding youth town halls, a chance for students to bring their concerns directly to faculty and administrators — and the program has yielded some results.
Wed, 13 Mar 2024 - 1855 - OBGYN and lawmakers discuss pregnancy-related bills at statehouse
On this legislative episode of River to River, we look at some of the bills regarding reproductive health that have advanced at the Iowa Capitol.
Tue, 12 Mar 2024 - 1854 - Biden mentions Iowa while calling for stricter gun reform in State of the Union
President Joe Biden referenced former president Donald Trump's response to the Perry High School shooting in his State of the Union Thursday night.
Sat, 09 Mar 2024 - 1853 - Hearing from Iowans affected by the war in GazaFri, 08 Mar 2024
- 1852 - Nikki Haley withdraws from GOP primary, where do her voters go from here?
At the end of Super Tuesday, Nikki Haley withdrew from the Presidential Primary without endorsing Former President Donald Trump.
Thu, 07 Mar 2024 - 1851 - How will abortion restrictions affect healthcare?
Iowa has among the fewest number of OB-GYN specialists per capita of any state in the country, according to 2022 data from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Wed, 06 Mar 2024 - 1850 - Emotion trumps reason when it comes to conspiracy theories
One can find unfounded conspiracy theories throughout U.S. history. On this episode of River to River — how conspiracy theories take root, grow and do real damage.
Tue, 05 Mar 2024 - 1849 - Ukrainian refugees make a home in Iowa
Ukrainian refugees have made a home for themselves in Sioux City, a little over two years since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Sat, 02 Mar 2024 - 1848 - Iowa scientists say we're under-investing in solar
A one-acre solar farm produces as much energy as approximately 100 acres of ethanol from corn. Why isn't Iowa taking advantage?
Fri, 01 Mar 2024 - 1847 - Sen. McConnell to step down from leadership but says he's 'not going anywhere'
Iowa political experts analyze the latest headlines including results from the Michigan primary and the faction of Democrats who voted "uncommitted" in protest of President Biden's response to the war in Gaza.
Thu, 29 Feb 2024 - 1846 - The link between drinking and cancer
Experts discuss the role of alcohol use in developing cancer, along with other findings from the latest Cancer in Iowa report.
Wed, 28 Feb 2024 - 1845 - Banning meat substitute research and other state proposals discussed at Pints and Politics
Proposals to overhaul Iowa’s AEAs and address school safety, and a bill allowing state agencies to hire private auditing firms have been advanced by state lawmakers.
Sat, 24 Feb 2024 - 1844 - An octopus in a parking garage and the case for climate resilience
Best-selling author and climate law expert, Rob Verchick, examines the impact of climate change and makes the case for "climate resilience."
Fri, 23 Feb 2024 - 1843 - Democrats call Iowa religious freedom bill 'a blank check to discriminate'
Political experts analyze the latest headlines, including the elimination of gender balance requirements for boards and commissions that passed the Iowa Senate, an Alabama court ruling that frozen embryos have the same rights as children and more.
Thu, 22 Feb 2024 - 1842 - Statehouse reporters share which bills are still alive this sessionTue, 20 Feb 2024
- 1841 - Caitlin Clark breaks NCAA women's basketball scoring record
Two cicada broods that haven't overlapped since 1803 will emerge simultaneously this year. This won't happen again for 221 years.
Sat, 17 Feb 2024 - 1840 - Iowans face hefty public defender fees even when acquitted
Miranda Rights include a right to an attorney, but that right doesn't mean that an attorney will be free in states like Iowa. A Marshall Project investigation found Iowa imposes some of the highest fees in the nation.
Fri, 16 Feb 2024 - 1839 - House Republicans impeach the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary. Now what?
Political scientists offer context and analysis of the week's political headlines, including the House impeachment of the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, the special election in New York, Senate advancement of military aid packages and more.
Thu, 15 Feb 2024 - 1838 - Writers reflect on two years of war in Ukraine
Writers with different perspectives reflect on the Ukraine war nearly two years after Russia invaded the country.
Wed, 14 Feb 2024 - 1837 - Iowa lawmakers discuss bills affecting undocumented immingrantsTue, 13 Feb 2024
- 1836 - Adair police chief charged with illegal machine gun purchases
An Iowa native and former NFL kicker hopes for a Cyclone to Hawkeye touchdown pass during Sunday's Super Bowl game between the Chiefs and the 49ers.
Sat, 10 Feb 2024 - 1835 - Author details Harold Hughes' role in the 'Long Sixties' and Vietnam War
A man of working class origins who overcame severe alcoholism to become the governor of Iowa and a U.S. Senator — on this episode of River to River, the life of Harold Hughes.
Fri, 09 Feb 2024 - 1834 - Republicans abandon southern border compromise
Calling on President Biden to enforce current immigration policies, Governor Reynolds has dismissed the need for new immigration law.
Thu, 08 Feb 2024 - 1833 - What safety measures should be considered in the wake of the Perry shooting?
One month after the Perry High School shooting, we hear three perspectives on how to make schools safe.
Wed, 07 Feb 2024 - 1832 - Iowa Legislature attempting to narrow AEA services
The state of Iowa has nine Area Education Agencies that fill in the gaps for K-12 schools by offering disability and specialized services. Gov. Kim Reynolds thinks the agencies need to limit their scope, which has parents and educators concerned.
Tue, 06 Feb 2024 - 1831 - Meet the Iowa high school team in an app development competition for NASA
Five students from North High School in Des Moines have been spending most of their free time for the last two months developing an app to aid a lunar expedition.
Sat, 03 Feb 2024 - 1830 - Thunder from the Prairie: the life of Harold E. HughesFri, 02 Feb 2024
- 1829 - President Biden promises to shut the border down now, propping up bipartisan deal
House Speaker Mike Johnson has denied pushing to kill the Senate's pending immigration deal to help former president Donald Trump on the campaign trail.
Thu, 01 Feb 2024 - 1828 - Is it possible to slow cognitive decline?
An Iowan diagnosed with Alzheimer's and a dementia specialist discuss the latest research on dementia and what people can do to treat and prevent it.
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 - 1827 - Iowa investigators face scrutiny for university sports betting probe
Officials at the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are alleged to have lied to their own agents in pushing forward an investigation into online gambling by University of Iowa and Iowa State University student athletes.
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 - 1826 - Iowa ranks last in the number of state psychiatric beds available per 100,000 residents
A new report from the Treatment Advocacy Center shows that Iowa is last in the country for the number of state psychiatric beds, offering only two per 100,000 residents.
Sat, 27 Jan 2024 - 1825 - Changing attitudes on immigration
Connie Boesen, the first female mayor in Des Moines' history, joins the program to talk about her plans for the city.
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 - 1824 - And then there were twoThu, 25 Jan 2024
- 1823 - Drake's Harkin Center sets a new design standard for Iowans of all abilities
As former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin was preparing to retire after serving 40 years in Congress, he founded The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement in 2013 to carry on his legacy and policy work.
Wed, 24 Jan 2024 - 1822 - The boards and commissions at risk of elimination
A number of state boards and commissions are on the chopping block. The Home State series continues with Tom Byrne, of Delaware Public Media, discussing Joe Biden's rise to the presidency and current bid for reelection.
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 - 1821 - Psychedelic-based therapy shows incredible promise for treating veterans with PTSDSat, 20 Jan 2024
- 1820 - The scope of food insecurity across IowaFri, 19 Jan 2024
- 1819 - The Iowa Caucus aftermathThu, 18 Jan 2024
- 1818 - Trump dominates Iowa but Haley, DeSantis remain hopeful
Gov. Kim Reynolds endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. How does this impact her standing with GOP voters after Donald Trump dominated the Iowa caucuses?
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 - 1817 - What to expect on caucus night
It's caucus day, and this year marks big changes for the Democratic caucus, while Republican caucus-goers will follow a familiar process.
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 - 1816 - Will the snow blow away caucus goers?
Multiple rounds of heavy snow have pummeled Iowa this week, with temperatures expected dip below zero on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Sat, 13 Jan 2024 - 1815 - How MLK's legacy applies today
Organizers of the MLK NOW event discuss challenges Black Iowans face and how to address them. And Brian Lehrer offers a Home State View of frontrunner Donald Trump.
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 - 1814 - Governor Reynolds proposes increasing teacher pay as lawmakers begin session
Increasing minimum pay for teachers and reducing the income tax to a flat 3.5% by 2025 were among Governor Kim Reynolds' proposals in her annual Condition of the State Tuesday.
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 - 1813 - Ukrainian students in Iowa reflect on the war back home
Seven Ukrainian exchange students were in Iowa as they watched Russian forces invade their home country in February 2022.
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 - 1812 - Iowa lawmakers return to Capitol amid school safety concernsTue, 09 Jan 2024
- 1811 - Religious leader details community's response to Perry High School shooting
A Perry religious leader believes her community will eventually come out stronger following a fatal school shooting at Perry High School Thursday.
Sat, 06 Jan 2024 - 1810 - Investigation finds alarming cases of neglect at assisted living facilities
A Washington Post reporter discusses his investigation into numerous cases of neglect at assisted living facilities around the country.
Fri, 05 Jan 2024 - 1809 - Countdown to the caucuses
Political scientists discuss the upcoming GOP caucuses, the blocking of an Iowa law concerning books in schools, and more.
Thu, 04 Jan 2024 - 1808 - Advantages and disadvantages of presidential incumbency
Incumbent candidates have publicity and experience on their side. However, eleven presidents still have lost their reelection bids.
Wed, 03 Jan 2024 - 1807 - Is the Iowa Caucus a tradition in name only?
Presidential candidates have been rewarded in the Iowa caucuses for spending a lot of time traveling the state and meeting with voters. That strategy doesn’t seem to be working for those running against former President Donald Trump in 2024.
Sat, 30 Dec 2023 - 1806 - 2024 marks a new era for Iowa's Democratic Caucus
Everything seemed to go well during the 2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses — until it came time for results. Welcome back to Caucus Land.
Fri, 29 Dec 2023 - 1805 - Could a "Dry January" lead to a dry lifetime?
A look at dry January, plus a study by University of Iowa researchers shows a link between the location of a brain injury to levels in depression in patients.
Thu, 28 Dec 2023 - 1804 - How social media impacts adolescent health
A new report examines current research about social media's effects on the mental and physical health of young people.
Fri, 22 Dec 2023 - 1803 - Trump removed from Colorado's primary ballot
The Colorado Supreme Court voted 4-3 this week to declare former President Donald Trump ineligible for the state's presidential primary ballot.
Thu, 21 Dec 2023 - 1802 - Is a house an investment, or a home?Wed, 20 Dec 2023
- 1801 - A look back at the news of 2023
As 2023 comes to a close, River to River host Ben Kieffer asks IPR reporters about the biggest stories they covered this year and what they'll be watching in the coming year.
Tue, 19 Dec 2023 - 1800 - Man arrested for vandalism of Satanic Temple of Iowa display at state Capitol
Host Ben Kieffer and guests discuss the week's headlines from around the state, including the controversial Satanic Temple of Iowa display at the Capitol, UNI faculty criticizing the university for how it allocates funds and more.
Sat, 16 Dec 2023 - 1799 - Parallels between Nancy Pelosi and Theresa May
An Iowa State political expert co-published a book this year, Walking the Gendered Tightrope: Theresa May and Nancy Pelosi as Legislative Leaders, which analyzes gendered expectations in high offices.
Fri, 15 Dec 2023 - 1798 - New poll shows Trump's expanding lead ahead of January caucuses
The United Nations General Assembly Tuesday voted to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in a rebuke to the United States, which has repeatedly blocked ceasefire calls in the UN’s Security Council. And according to a new Iowa poll, former President Donald Trump has increased his lead in the race for the GOP nomination.
Thu, 14 Dec 2023 - 1797 - Iowans share climate change insight after attending COP28 in Dubai
The United Nations climate talks at COP28 are winding down in Dubai, and on this River to River, we hear from some of the Iowans who were in attendance.
Wed, 13 Dec 2023 - 1796 - AI has arrived in Hollywood
Following a summer of striking, professionals in the show business industry discuss the new contract and more.
Tue, 12 Dec 2023 - 1795 - Could Haley or DeSantis surge with six weeks until the Iowa Caucuses?
Our nation’s founders gathered in taverns for lively conversation — and during Pints & Politics presented by The Gazette and IPR — host Ben Kieffer and panelists do just that.
Sat, 09 Dec 2023 - 1794 - Author seeks to answer life's biggest questions through physics
How did the universe begin? How will it end? This episode of River to River tackles those and other big questions.
Fri, 08 Dec 2023 - 1793 - McCarthy to leave Congress at the end of this month
With less than 40 days until the Iowa Republican caucus, Ron DeSantis wraps up his 99-county tour and Nikki Haley launches her first official campaign television ad.
Thu, 07 Dec 2023 - 1792 - Opposing views on marijuana legalization
River to River host Ben Kieffer visits an Illinois dispensary 15 minutes from the Iowa border to see how much of its customer base comes from the Hawkeye state where recreational marijuana use remains illegal.
Wed, 06 Dec 2023 - 1791 - Recycling varies across the state and in the regionTue, 05 Dec 2023
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