Iowa Public Radio

2 days ago | iowapublicradio.org | Sheila Brummer

“I will be a candidate for Congress — I will be running in the 4th District,” Chris McGowan said. At a campaign announcement in his hometown of Sioux City, McGowan said his experience gives him an edge. “My background as a veteran, as a lawyer, as an economic development professional, distinguishes me from many of the others who may decide to enter this race,” he said.

3 days ago | iowapublicradio.org | Anthony Scanga

Listening to The woods, vol. 1 is like walking into a room and stumbling on a jam session between Prince, Childish Gambino and Blood Orange. This is technically an EP from newcomer Sam Austins, but at eight songs it’s stronger than some of the full-length albums released by bigger acts this year. Sonically, this EP checks a lot boxes. Electro pop, R&B, dance, funk — all of those genres are represented in this album.

1 week ago | iowapublicradio.org | Ben Kieffer |Samantha McIntosh |Neve Kelley

On this Newsbuzz episode of River to River, this summer's unprecedented water crisis in Iowa. Iowans across the state have been asked to conserve water due to dry wells and high nitrate levels. This includes refraining from watering lawns, washing cars, and filling swimming pools. We also look back one year after the historic flooding that devastated northwest Iowa.

1 week ago | iowapublicradio.org | Sheila Brummer

The threat Damon Anderson, a Rock Valley police officer, faced a year ago came from his own backyard. The Rock River poured over a protective berm built after previous flooding. Flood water filled his home. “I didn't think that the water would get that high,” Anderson said. “The water got above the countertops in our kitchen on the main level.” Some of the few possessions that survived are family pictures that now decorate Anderson’s new home.

1 week ago | iowapublicradio.org | Ben Kieffer |Caitlin Troutman |Dani Gehr |Madeleine Willis

On this Juneteenth episode of River to River, host Ben Kieffer is joined by Dwana Bradley, the chair of Iowa Juneteenth, about the legacy and future of the holiday in Iowa. Historian Leslie Schwalm also joins the program to discuss emancipation celebrations in Iowa dating back to the 1800s. And Sheritta Stokes of the 1619 Freedom School discusses why learning about the holiday is important for everyone. This episode was originally produced on June 19, 2023.