The United World Wrestling Men’s Freestyle World Cup is this weekend. Athletes from teams all over the world are descending on Iowa City for that event. Noticeably absent is Russia. The U.S. embassy in Moscow was unable to expedite visa interviews, according to USA Wrestling.
Cedar Rapids Gazette wrestling reporter K.J. Pilcher says international politics play a part.
"If it were up to the wrestlers on both sides, everybody would be involved. I just think politics got in the way of competition here and Russia unfortunately isn't going to make it," he said.
Elsewhere in this news buzz edition of River to River, guest host Emily Woodbury talks with IPR reporter Amy Mayer about how the escalating tariffs threats might affect Iowa farmers, IPR's Joyce Russell reviews the past week at the Iowa statehouse, now-retired State Climatologist Harry Hillaker reflects on his career and Iowa weather patterns. We also hear a state lawmaker's experience bringing her newborn daughter to work with her this session, and the Des Moines Register's Kyle Munson reflects on the life of Ray Nauroth, the 108-year-old bartender from Dunlap who died this week.