River to River

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.

William Morris of the Des Moines Register shares the legal risks of using artificial intelligence in court cases and why attorneys warn it could expose sensitive information. Also on this Newsbuzz edition: Marissa Payne of the Des Moines Register gives an update on activity at the Iowa Statehouse; Grace Nieland of The Gazette explains how data center construction is reshaping housing demand in Cedar Rapids; and Kevin Baskins of the Des Moines Register discusses Iowa’s latest economic competitiveness report. Later, Kate Grumke of Harvest Public Media shares how scientists are studying engineered algae that could help remove microplastics from waterways. State Climatologist Justin Glisan joins the show to talk about Iowa’s recent wind patterns, and Studio One host Tressa Glass wraps up the week with new music picks.

Many Midwest residents distrust their tap water, opting to purchase water and ice from standalone kiosks. University of Iowa researchers recently found that these kiosks may contain at least trace amounts of lead. Rachel Schnelle investigated this research on behalf of the Midwest Newsroom. We talk with her and two University of Iowa researchers behind this study that sampled many kiosks around Iowa.

The Iran War is reshaping the Middle East. ISU’s Jonathan Hassid and Kelly Winfrey discuss the war and how it's reshaping the way we talk, think and argue about war itself. They also discuss a bill barring local civil rights protections that was signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds and the SAVE Act.

Over a week into the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, two Iranian-born Iowans give their differing perspectives on military intervention in the Middle East. Then, a conversation with the vice president of the Iowa chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, a nonprofit organization that provides support to fellow military families, veterans and gold star families.

Iowa House Republicans recently passed what they call a "tough on crime" package. The package is made up of three bills — a "three strikes" sentencing law, new rules for how judges set bail and a public dashboard tracking what happens inside Iowa's courtrooms. Iowa House Republicans say this legislation will crack down on crime and make Iowans safer. Opponents argue the bills could overcrowd state prisons and burden taxpayers. On this episode, lawmakers and a defense attorney discuss the package and its potential impact.

On this Newsbuzz edition of River to River, a conversation with Brian Katulis of the Middle East Institute about this week's developments on the United States and Israel's war with Iran which has included the deaths of six U.S. service members, including two Iowans. Also, IPR reporter James Kelley discusses Google’s change of plans for a proposed data center in Linn County, Robin Opsahl of Iowa Capital Dispatch gives an update on this week's activity at the statehouse and Studio One’s Nick Brunner shares this week’s new music picks.

For years, the Iowa State Patrol has set a goal of keeping traffic deaths below 300. In 2025, they not only met that goal, but had the fewest fatalities since 1925 at 259. We discuss some of the factors that have led to this decrease, including the hands-free driving law that took effect July 2025, with full enforcement beginning in January. We also learn about Alive at 25, a safety initiative launched by the Iowa Department of Transportation last fall to improve driving behavior among the state's youngest drivers. (This show was originally produced Jan. 8, 2026.)

An Iowa soldier killed. A war in its fifth day. This episode, analysis of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran — and Congressional moves to check the president. Political scientists Jim McCormick and Kelly Shaw join the program to discuss these developments.

Marketplace’s Kai Ryssdal joins Ben Kieffer for a wide-ranging conversation on the U.S. economy and Ryssdal's career. (This episode was originally produced in November 2025.)