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Are America's divisions really about red versus blue? Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

Are America’s divides truly political — or is something else at work? In his book 'Nations Apart: How Clashing Regional Cultures Shattered America,' historian and New York Times bestselling author Colin Woodard argues that today’s polarization can’t be explained by Democrat/Republican or urban/rural divides. Instead, he traces these conflicts back to regional worldviews rooted in the nation’s earliest settlement patterns. (This show was originally produced Nov. 25, 2025.)

Rural areas struggle to attract, maintain lawyers Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

More than half of rural counties in Iowa are legal deserts. So, what happens when you need a lawyer but there isn't one? Sociologist David Peters and aspiring rural lawyer Emma Bartling join the program to talk about their research into rural deserts and the ways states are trying to incentivize lawyers to practice in rural areas. Then, University of Iowa legal expert Brian Farrell discusses how access to justice doesn't necessarily correlate with the number of attorneys in a community. Later in the program, Iowa State researchers are developing an app that can predict unsafe indoor temperatures. (This show was originally produced Nov. 11, 2025.)

How the U.S. has arrived at its most blatant era of oligarchy Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

On this episode we listen to highlights from a conversation with political scientist Jeffrey Winters of Northwestern University. His book, 'The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracy,' examines the failure of democracy to address wealth inequality, why it's by design. This conversation was recorded at The Englert Theatre, presented by the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council. (This episode was originally produced May 19, 2026.)

Analysis on neighboring states' primary results and latest Iowa campaign ads Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

On this Politics Day episode, Dani Gehr sits in for host Ben Kieffer. We get analysis from political scientists Rachel Caufield of Drake University and Jim McCormick of Iowa State University on recent primary outcomes and how midterm races across the country compare to Iowa’s. We also discuss a new political action committee born from an Iowa primary loss and more.

How will the SAVE America Act impact Iowa voters? Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

In this archive episode, host Ben Kieffer speaks with two members of the 'Planet Money team' about their new book. Then, the SAVE America Act has been called the most sweeping change to American voting law in decades if it goes into effect. Supporters say it's about election security, while critics say it could disenfranchise eligible voters. Guests explore what the legislation would it actually mean for Iowans at the polls and for the people who run our elections. (This show was originally produced April 7, 2026.)

New book examines ties between 2008 Iowa tragedy and international adoption Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

How does family's private tragedy relate to 70 years of history? On this episode, we talk with journalist and author Paige Towers about her new book 'What They Stole: A Familicide Rooted in Intercountry Adoption.' It investigates the 2008 murder-suicide of the Sueppel family in Iowa City and how that tragedy sheds light on the fraught history of international adoptions in America.

The Senate's Farm Bill stalls, along with billions in conservation dollars Aug 08, 2026

Show notes

The Senate's farm bill has stalled along with billions in conservation money. WCMU’s Emma George-Griffin discusses what that means for farmers. On this Newsbuzz episode, we also take a look at new state rules for the biggest power line buildout in Iowa history, Pell Grants for workforce development, a medical malpractice shake-up at the Iowa Supreme Court and what it actually takes to bring the Iowa State Fair to life.

Record high temperatures put Iowa prisons lacking air conditioning at risk Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

Iowa's record summer heat isn't just uncomfortable. Inside two of the state's oldest prisons, it's dangerous. For 15 years, the Iowa Department of Corrections has asked lawmakers to fund air conditioning at two of the state's oldest prisons in Anamosa and Mount Pleasant. This year, lawmakers said no again. On this episode, we talk with journalist Erin Jordan who first reported on this story. We also hear from Trent Keller, the chair of Iowa's Board of Corrections, and Todd Copley, president of the union representing Iowa's correctional officers. Then, we learn about a new Data Center Decision Tool developed at the University of Iowa.

It's almost soapbox time Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

A progressive won Michigan's Democratic Senate primary. Political scientists Sara Mitchell and Dave Peterson discuss what that may mean for the midterms, plus the Iowa State Fair's Political Soapbox schedule, the outside groups funding Iowa's Senate race, how President Trump’s approval rating may impact Republican candidates and more.

The country's oldest association for Black attorneys began in Iowa Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

The Iowa National Bar Association turns 125 this year. We look at the history of the Des Moines organization that gave rise to the nation's largest network of Black and African American lawyers and judges.

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