For years, the Iowa State Patrol has set a goal of keeping traffic deaths below 300. In 2025, they not only met that goal, but had the fewest fatalities since 1925 at 259. We discuss some of the factors that have led to this decrease, including the hands-free driving law that took effect July 2025, with full enforcement beginning in January. We also learn about Alive at 25, a safety initiative launched by the Iowa Department of Transportation last fall to improve driving behavior among the state's youngest drivers. (This show was originally produced Jan. 8, 2026.)
Natalie Dunlap
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Iowa Public Radio
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The Iowa City Bike Library is working to broaden who a cyclist is and reduce barriers to biking. -
The Des Moines nonprofit shared their mission of mentoring at-risk youth through RAGBRAI training on national TV. The group received a donation of $10,000 from Casey's during the appearance. -
The Iowa State Fair is known for its creative food and passionate politics, and in this week's News Buzz, we sample from both.
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A long-anticipated connection between the Raccoon River Valley and High Trestle trails in central Iowa opens on Saturday, Aug. 17. -
The Courage Ride — which raises funds for Sarcoma research — will roll out of Iowa City on August 10.
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While the Iowa Senate passed a bill that would ban motorists' handheld use of cell phones behind the wheel in 2023, it failed to advance in this year's session after the proposal was combined with legislation that would ban traffic enforcement cameras.
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The network of the Underground Railroad spanned free and enslaved states across the U.S., including Iowa.
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The executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition looks back on what the organization has accomplished and what priorities remain. Then a University of Iowa professor discusses the history and cultural significance of pink and Barbie ahead of the Barbie movie.
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People in recovery for substance use disorder often need to attend medical appointments, recovery meetings or meet with a probation officer. But access to transportation can be a barrier to recovery.
