On this episode we hear from three Iowans who were involved in the historic Artemis II mission that was completed on April 11. Madison Tuttle of West Des Moines, Jack Sieleman of Waukee, and Alex Brewer of Council Bluffs are all relatively early in their careers, but they've spent all that time working at either the Kennedy or Johnson space centers. They each share about their love of space exploration — whether lifelong or found on the job — and what their roles were in the preparation and execution of Artemis II.
-
A study by Iowa State University researchers found that using industrial soap to clean plastic in recycling transferred chemicals from the plastic to the water. The findings could help processors remove harmful chemicals from the final recycled product. -
A majority of U.S. teens say they use AI chatbots for school work, according to the Pew Research Center. On this episode we talk with Iowa educators who are working together in advancing ethical, human-centered approaches to artificial intelligence across K-12 education. Then — a recent report that shares of the potential negative risks that generative AI poses to students. -
Iowa’s environment and public health are under stress. IPR’s Natalie Krebs discusses the basics of the new Cancer in Iowa Report, and Jason Clayworth of Axios Des Moines talks about the state’s impaired waters. After that, a new study examines how the U.S. investigates deaths in custody. Forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell, President of the National Medical Association, discusses the study’s findings and recommendations. Finally, a conversation with the new president of Iowa State University, David Cook.
-
The Iowa House advanced proposals Thursday aimed at offering a fixed tuition rate to in-state students, adding more U.S history and government class requirements and reviewing general education courses with DEI content. -
Iowa State's women's basketball star Audi Crooks is one of the leading scorers in the country. The spotlight on her has also brought criticism, but it has helped Crooks emerge as a role model for young players. -
Kamyar Enshayan remembers the Iran he grew up in as vibrant, musical and secular. He left in 1978, not long before the Islamic Revolution, and never returned. In this episode, Enshayan shares his views on today's mass protests and the government's violent response. But first, Iowa State English professors Jenny Aune and Jo Mackiewicz share their research, which raises questions about how we may be attributing human qualities to artificial intelligence through language.
-
Paul Lasley has repaired and donated 18 used violins in the last year for students in need. Also in this episode, ISU psychology professor Doug Gentile shares how acts of kindness towards others can help us take better care of ourselves, too. -
On this Newsbuzz episode, forecasts of budgeting in the 2026 legislative session, a recap of an inaugural summit at the University of Iowa's state legislature-imposed Center for Intellectual Freedom and the upcoming retirement of Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen. Also, Team USA women's wrestling coach Terry Steiner and Ukrainian wrestler Andrey Vorontsov discuss the two-week training camp they're having this month on the UI campus. This will culminate in a dual meet at the Xtream Arena on Dec. 18.
-
It’s no secret people are moving away from rural areas of Iowa. The exodus toward bigger cities has been growing for decades. Fewer than a quarter of Iowans live in the country. In 1960, it was around 50%. One Iowan took an unusual route to reverse that trend.
