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Muscatine mass shooting raises questions about firearms and domestic violence Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

On June 1, 52-year-old Ryan Willis McFarland of Muscatine allegedly fatally shot six family members before taking his own life. On this episode, we get analysis on the tragedy and the community's response from Tom Loewy of 'Quad City Times.' Lindsay Pingel of the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence also joins to discuss how this incident reflects the state's landscape around domestic violence and gun laws. Then, Kerri Johannsen of the Iowa Environmental Council joins to clear the air on nitrates as Central Iowa Water Works is asking customers for the second year in a row to reduce water use because of high nitrate levels and water demand. This episode includes discussion of gun violence and suicide. If you are in need of support, call or text 988 to be connected with the Suicide & Crisis Helpline, or text 'NAMI' to 741741 for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling.

Iowa voters pick their nominees for the 2026 election Jun 04, 2026

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Iowa Republicans rejected a candidate President Donald Trump endorsed for governor. On this politics day episode, we dive into the primary results. Political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Kelly Shaw of Iowa State University analyze these results and look ahead to the midterms. They also discuss the Senate race and the competition in Iowa Congressional Districts.

Identifying how menopause impacts risks of stroke and Alzheimer's Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Women are more vulnerable to strokes, yet they're historically underreported and underdiagnosed. On this episode, the science of menopause and the aging brain. First, University of Iowa neurologist Dr. Hannah Roeder shares how stroke risk in women nearly doubles in the decade after menopause, and the gender disparities of stroke cases, response, and recovery. Then, we learn about a new study to examine whether the menopause transition quietly accelerates brain and blood vessel aging. Finally, University of Iowa Comprehensive Stroke Center Head Dr. Enrique Leira joins to share how the Code Stroke system has improved recognition and response to strokes for the past 20 years across the state.

Why an 800-year-old legal tool is under scrutiny in immigration law Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

Habeas corpus is at the center of a constitutional fight over immigration detention playing out in courtrooms across the Midwest, including here in Iowa. An analysis by The Marshall Project and The Midwest Newsroom found that habeas corpus filings in four Midwestern states have been overwhelmingly successful thus far, but the legal landscape is changing. We hear from the reporters involved in the recent investigation and from a law professor about what comes next. Then, researchers hope to expand water testing capabilities with a drone that carries its own water-testing lab.

Who has the most funding and the greater sway ahead of the gubernatorial primary? May 30, 2026

Show notes

On this Newsbuzz episode, political scientist Kelly Shaw joins to dissect the crowded race for the Republican nomination for governor during the June 2 primary election. IPR's Katarina Sostaric also joins to share the latest from the Secretary of State's office ahead of Election Day and the Iowa Democratic Party's latest caucus proposal to the Democratic National Committee. We also talk about tick season coming sooner and lasting longer with environmental reporter Jess Savage. State Climatologist Justin Glisan shares the latest drought conditions and the potential for a 'Super El Niño' this summer. Then, we welcome IPR's newest Studio One host Erin Fuller to groove into the weekend.

This biomechanic researcher's achievements stem from someone who pioneered orthopaedic advances May 29, 2026

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An internationally-renowned biomechanics researcher had his first job catching mice at six years old. On this episode, we talk with Walter Herzog, this year's recipient of the ORS Arthur Steindler, MD Award. Then, we learn more about the namesake of the award from the University of Iowa's Dr. Jody Buckwalter IV. Dr. Steindler emigrated to the U.S. from Vienna in 1907, and founded UI Healthcare's orthopedics department over a century ago. He also opened the doors for other groundbreaking doctors in Iowa and was instrumental in the passage of two state laws that significantly altered its healthcare landscape.

Democratic candidates for open Senate seat focus on electability ahead of primary race May 28, 2026

Show notes

Political scientists discuss the top stories of the week, including the results of the Texas primary. Then, a deep look at the two state lawmakers who are seeking the Democratic nomination for Sen. Joni Ernst’s open U.S. Senate seat.

Former Iowa lawmaker and trailblazer shares about growing up amid the civil rights movement May 27, 2026

Show notes

The memoir 'I Don't Swim' by former Iowa state Rep. Helen Miller reads like a chronicle of America itself. In this episode, Miller talks about her parents being part of the great migration of Black families to the north, becoming an adult during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, her political career and confronting the reasons why she didn't swim. Her book chronicles painful experiences with systemic racism and injustice, but remains an uplifting read. Later, Cathy Westercamp, an Iowa swim instructor, shares tips on swimming safety. (Rep. Helen Miller is a member of the IPR Board of Directors. This episode was originally produced July 17, 2025.)

JD Vance says the war with Iran isn't a 'forever war,' but the end isn't in sight May 21, 2026

Show notes

In March, President Donald Trump called the war with Iran a tremendous success. Weeks later, the countries are in a fragile ceasefire and the U.S. is prepared to resume strikes if a deal isn't met soon. University of Northern Iowa political scientist and former Air Force intelligence analyst Evan Renfro joins this Politics Day to discuss the war and the Trump administration's foreign policy. Then, Cornell College's Megan Goldberg breaks down the upcoming primaries for the open 2nd Congressional District seat.

How the U.S. has arrived at its most blatant era of oligarchy May 20, 2026

Show notes

After two centuries of expanding democracy, why has America become more unequal — not less? On this episode we listen to highlights from a recent conversation with political scientist Jeffrey Winters of Northwestern University. His new book, The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracy, examines the failure of democracy to address wealth inequality and why this issue is by design. This conversation was recorded on May 7 at the Englert Theatre, presented by the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council.

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