public safety

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 smallest number since 1925 with 259 deaths. On this episode we discuss some of the factors that have led to this decrease, including the hands-free driving law that took effect in July with full enforcement beginning this January. We also learn about Alive at 25, a safety initiative aimed at improving driver behavior among the state's youngest drivers. Lastly, an update on the Iowa Bicycle Coalition's safety objectives for the next legislative session.

Legal scholar David Rabban discusses academic freedom during a moment when it is at risk. Also, Gazette reporters share their answers to reader questions as part of their Curious Iowa series.

Women are more likely to be victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault, while men are more likely than women to be murdered. But we don't socialize boys and girls to understand the real threats to their safety.

As the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors considers passing a new ordinance allowing for nuclear energy, several residents voice their disapproval.

Former state Rep. Helen Miller on her memoir I Don't Swim. Then, water safety tips from an Iowa swim instructor.

A new state law that is now in effect says cities and counties cannot ban the use of fireworks on certain days — July 3, 4, and New Year’s Eve. Some local officials in cities that previously had year-round bans are preparing for a possible uptick in fireworks-related emergency calls.

Iowa's hands-free driving law aimed at combating distracted driving goes into effect July 1. Under the new law, drivers can't hold their phone in any way.

A detailed report by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation on the 2023 collapse of a downtown Davenport apartment building has been made public. It reveals more about the extent to which the building’s owner knew about its rapidly deteriorating condition before the collapse that killed three people, and that a city inspector altered a report in its aftermath.

A letter signed by attorneys general — including Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird — urged Cosco to drop its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy.

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