Zoe Bentler

Iowa has some of the highest radon levels in the nation. By July of 2027, every public school building in Iowa must have tested for naturally occurring, cancer-causing radon gas. They're also required to post the results of that testing on their websites. With two years to go, fewer than half of school districts have met that requirement. We look at why many schools aren’t testing for radon — and how the Iowa Department of Education has responded to an investigation by 'The Midwest Newsroom.' (This episode was originally produced Oct. 14, 2025.)

As winter holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah and the solstice bring light into the darkest time of year, we’re taking a closer look at the plants tied to those traditions — beyond poinsettias and Christmas trees.

As winter holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah and the solstice bring light into the darkest time of year, we’re taking a closer look at the plants tied to those traditions — beyond poinsettias and Christmas trees.

Two Iowa National Guard soldiers were killed in Syria, the first American casualties there since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Political scientists Karen Kedrowski and Wayne Moyer break down what it means. Plus, Iowa politics including U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ role in the House GOP health care debate and a new Republican challenger in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. We also touch on campaign shakeups in the 4th District and other key political developments.

The holidays are often framed as a season of joy, generosity and togetherness. But for many families, they also bring financial stress — from buying gifts and hosting meals, to booking travel and navigating expectations, especially with kids in the mix. Chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz breaks down the latest data on holiday spending, debt and travel. Then, journalist Annaliese Griffin shares how her family has embraced secondhand gifts, experiences over things and open conversations about money. Lastly, developmental psychologist Maryam Abdullah discusses how kids experience gift-giving and what actually matters most for their well-being during the holidays.

Historian and bestselling author Colin Woodard argues America's divide isn’t red vs. blue at all — it’s a clash of distinct cultural nations.

A retired therapist and professor shares what Alzheimer's has felt like for him. Volker Thomas and Edie Pierce Thomas, his wife and primary caregiver, open up about diagnosis, caregiving and the moments that still bring relief.

Two new exhibitions at the Dubuque Museum of Art rethink representation through Indigenous, Latinx and community-centered storytelling. Then, two sisters organize an annual Thanksgiving day giveaway of pies, no questions asked.

Political analysts Megan Goldberg and Kelly Shaw break down why Iowa’s delegation waited for Trump’s approval before voting to release the Epstein files — plus insight on support for ACA subsidies, Texas redistricting, the farm bill and more.

This year's Iowa Climate Statement warns that extreme weather is already pushing insurance costs higher for homeowners and farmers. We break down what the data means for the state’s future.