Iowa Politics

It's been six months since many of Iowa's city halls, schools and businesses closed their doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. Even as cases have continued to spread, much of the state has reopened, but some businesses remain closed to the public.

River to River kicks off its series of interviews with congressional candidates with former state senator, Democrat Rita Hart. She's vying to replace retiring Congressman Dave Loebsack in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District

On September 11th, 2001 Evan Renfro was just months into his first job as an Air Force intelligence analyst in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It’s a day that altered the course of his life and career forever. On this episode of River to River, host Ben Kieffer looks back on the single deadliest terrorist attack on the United States, nineteen years later.

Iowa homeowners and renters affected by last month's derecho have so far been awarded more than $5 million in federal aid, according to officials. More funding is available for housing assistance, debris removal and on-farm losses, among other impacts.

FEMA has approved individual assistance for an additional 10 Iowa counties three weeks after the powerful derecho hit the state. The delay had raised some concerns among residents and officials in rural Iowa that their communities would not get the aid, which they say is sorely needed.

A coalition of faculty, staff and students at the University of Iowa is organizing a sickout to call attention to the rapid spread of the coronavirus on campus. Organizers hope to pressure administrators to move to fully online instruction.

In the wake of the derecho, so far FEMA has only granted federal disaster assistance to individuals in Linn County. Meanwhile, in next door Benton County, residents are still reeling from the devastating impacts of the storm, and feel abandoned by state and federal officials.

The rare and powerful derecho storm that clobbered Iowa earlier this month came with little warning, but packed the punch of Category 4 hurricane. In the wake of the storm, some Iowans are reassessing how to better warn the public of future storms.

Scores of refugee families have transitioned into shelters and hotels, after living for days in and among buildings deemed unlivable after last Monday's derecho. Refugee advocates, service providers and local officials have worked with families to address concerns and find short-term housing solutions.

The Democratic National Convention continues today, and some say certain voices are missing from the programming.