River to River

The book explores the domination that a handful of companies have over America’s food economy.

A majority of Nebraskans voted last week to legalize and regulate medical cannabis in the state.

A Republican majority was prevalent nationally and here in Iowa.

Iowa's first transgender state lawmaker was elected Tuesday night.

On election night, Iowa politicians tore into the Ann Seltzer/Des Moines Register poll that predicted Iowa would go blue. Instead, for a third time, the state voted for former President Donald Trump.

The Ghost Army was kept a secret for decades after the war.

University of Iowa professor Jerry Schnoor gives the world a D in its response to climate change, based on the findings of a recent UN report.

On the last Friday before the presidential election, Ben Kieffer and guests explore headlines from around the state, including campaign finance and voter registration news.

President of the United States is not the only consequential race to watch in the Nov. 5 election.

Election Day is less than a week away. Here are the big stories shaping the final days.

Politics reporters discuss Statehouse races that could be close, and a look at some of the efforts to get Iowans to vote

World leaders and top experts in development, agriculture, economic policy, resource management and nutrition gather annually in Iowa for the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue.

This year, 16 counties in Iowa were impacted by historic flooding.

At 42-million strong, many political pundits are watching how Gen-Z, those between the ages of 18 and 27, will vote in this election. This hour, we explore their thoughts going into the election.

With less than two weeks to the 2024 election, national and statewide races are looking competitive.

Health care is a top concern for many voters. Experts weight in on how the parties differ in their approach.

At 42-million strong, many political pundits are watching how Gen-Z, those between the ages of 18 and 27, will vote in this election. This hour, we explore their thoughts going into the election.

On this episode of River to River, host Ben Kieffer explores some of the biggest headlines around Iowa this week.

Unemployment is low, job creation is robust and the economy is growing.

Early voting began Oct. 16 in Iowa. With less than three weeks until election day, polls show a tight race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

What can individuals do to combat climate change? Three authors of the Iowa Climate Statement share how people can be part of the solution.

An interview with Corban Addison, author of Wastelands: The True Story of Farm Country on Trial.

Iowa and 19 other states are suing the federal government over staffing requirements.

What Midwest voters say about abortion, immigration, higher education and other issues.

The non-partisan Cook Political Report has moved two Iowa congressional races from "leaning Republican" to "toss-up."

In April, the EPA announced a rule to reduce toxic air pollution coming from more than 200 chemical plants across the U.S.

A new DNR program helps monitor for PFAs in water supplies, an update on the Cedar Rapids Cargill strike and discussing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Early voting in Iowa begins Oct.16.

This year, Roscoe Jones Jr. took the helm of Drake University's law school and spoke with River to River host Ben Kieffer about his plans for the school.

Political analysts discuss the vice presidential debate, escalating violence in the Middle East, close election polling and more.

Bruno Pigott visited Iowa to see water quality issues and solutions first-hand. Then we learn about the “mini moon” that is temporarily orbiting the Earth.

This year, one Iowa Supreme Court Justice is up for retention — experts debate what should go into your vote.

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.

Political experts weigh in on the latest news, including Biden's farewell speech to the U.N., and Trump's threats of tariffs to John Deere.

Last week the Des Moines City Council approved ordinances aimed at preventing those who are homeless from camping or sleeping on public property.

Criminologist Matt Delisi discusses his new book, What DNA Evidence Reveals About Criminals: Cold Case Criminology.

The Russia invasion upended everything in their country. In this episode, first-hand accounts of war through the eyes of Ukrainian writers.

Experts discuss how to make the office more accommodable to employees on the autism spectrum.

A new Iowa Poll shows former President Donald Trump's lead in the state has shrunk significantly now that Vice President Kamala Harris is at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Public transportation in Iowa urban areas is important for commuters, but faces funding challenges.

As the top courtroom lawyer for the U.S. Government, Neal Katyal has argued over 50 cases before the Supreme Court.

Jeannine Ritchie, Dallas County Attorney has declared the report will not be released as a public document.

What happens to your trash and recycling, from your curb to the landfill and everywhere in between?

With a new Democratic nominee, Tuesday night's presidential debate greately contrasted the June debate.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs have been restricted at colleges across the country, including Iowa's public universities.

A presidential historian puts recent protests in a historical context.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection and cases are up nationally.

The pandemic has faded, but many workers have not returned to the office.

The U.S. presidential race is expected to heat up with two months until election day and Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump set to face off in their first debate next week.

Writers from 30 different countries are arriving in Iowa this week to take part in a 10-week residency.

As we celebrate the 130th anniversary of Labor Day weekend, approval of organized labor soars.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy show promise in treating anxiety, chronic pain and PTSD. Experts discuss the latest research in the area.

Iowa is among 16 Republican-led states trying to halt a program protecting undocumented spouses from deportation.

Exploring different perspectives on medication abortions afforded through telehealth providers.

The Farm Progress Show — the largest outdoor farm show in the country — puts the latest in farm technology on display.

Iowa's Kirk Ferentz is serving a one game suspension for recruiting violation.

New rules are in store for realtors across the country.

A ceasefire in Gaza, abortion, a campaign for change — all that and more are talking points during the DNC.

What is a war crime, and who gets held accountable?

Iowa has struggled to reduce pollutants in its waterways.

The Iowa State Fair is known for its creative food and passionate politics, and in this week's News Buzz, we sample from both.

A University of Iowa wrestler and Maui native shares the progress she's seen at home since a fire devastated the city of Lahaina.

Libertarian candidates defended their right to appear on state congressional ballots during speeches at the Des Moines Register's Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair.

If the founding fathers were here today, they would see a very different political landscape than they might have anticipated.

Wartime has complicated the work of farmers in Ukraine, but they still see agriculture as key to winning the war.

At Pints and Politics, panelists discuss the political fallout of Iowa's new abortion ban and how Kamala Harris "balanced" her ticket with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

The more we learn about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, the more experts agree that early detection and intervention are key.

Following weeks of speculation, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been named as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate for the 2024 presidential election.

The natural-cause death rate for those 25-54 years old is 43 percent higher in rural than urban areas, according to a report released from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in large amounts have been linked to serious health risks — and you probably come in contact with them regularly

Five years after Harris' caucus campaign fizzled, what are the differences in her campaign today?

President Biden has announced support for policy changes to the U.S. Supreme Court, but is there a political path to making them a reality?

The race to define Kamala Harris is on. How is the Trump campaign adapting to a new opponent?

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.

Monday morning, Iowa's 6-week abortion ban went into effect, changing the Midwest reproductive health landscape

Students reached a settlement with an Iowa community college accused of human trafficking.

The James Webb Telescope doesn't just offer views into the cosmos. The telescope has given insight into space's most intriguing mysteries — though often leading to even more questions.

In the campaign for president, Democrats have a new name at the top of the ticket.

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.

Author Jerry Harrington discusses his new book, Thunder from the Prairie: The Life of Harold E. Hughes.

Where can you find Ronald and Nancy Reagan slippers and artifacts from the 1800s? In the Boyd Collection

Trump makes first appearance since he was targeted in Butler, PA, names a running mate, and more from the first days at the Republican National Convention.

The Secret Service is facing sharp criticism in the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Trump.

On this archive episode of River to River, author Jerry Harrington discusses his book, Thunder from the Prairie: The Life of Harold E. Hughes

Deliberation took just an hour to find the defendant guilty. The trial was moved from Kossuth County to Dickinson County due to concerns about finding an impartial jury.

Last month, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to implement warning labels on social media platforms.

President Biden's future remains unclear as he hosts the NATO summit in Washington D.C. this week.

The pause comes after a recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.

Dementia, including Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, affects Latinos at a higher rate than whites.

Iowa is expected to receive about $174 million in opioid settlement funds over the next 18 years.

New U.S. Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity vastly expands the power of the executive branch and the notion of presidential power.

Last week, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared gun violence a public health crisis.

For the first time in four years, the U.S. Supreme Court session has carried over into July. On this River to River, legal experts dive into some of the most high-profile rulings.

In a 4-3 decision, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled Friday that a law banning abortions at about six weeks of pregnancy can go into effect.

With a looming deadline, the clock is ticking for Congress to come up with a new Farm Bill.

Two years since the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion access in Iowa also could change soon.

The director of the Flood Research Center shares how the center tracks flooding and helps with risk management as Northwest Iowa experiences historic flooding.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has adopted new energy standards for residential construction projects funded by the agency.

Ed Stone, the former director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and longtime project scientist of NASA’s Voyager mission, was known for his steady leadership and enthusiasm for engaging the public in science.