The midterm elections are ramping up. We launch our candidate series with Dave Dawson, the Democrat running in Iowa’s 4th District. Dawson is running against Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president Chris McGowan, a seat currently held by Rep. Randy Feenstra. We talk with him about running as a Democrat in a red district. But first, we revisit a conversation with an astrophysicist who discusses new research on white dwarf stars 200 light-years away and learn about scientists at the University of Iowa working on a virtual lunar landscape complete with low gravity and lunar dirt. (Portions of the episode were originally produced Feb. 3, 2026.)
Photo courtesy of NASA
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Photo courtesy of NASA
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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 fragile ceasefire came just hours after a threat to destroy a civilization. On this episode, we examine shifting attitudes toward the war in Iran and what it means for U.S. policy, with insights from political experts Jonathan Hassid and Megan Goldberg. They also break down a federal appeals court decision allowing enforcement of Iowa's book ban law. Plus, how political narratives intersect with major national moments, from the role of Artemis II in shaping presidential legacy and to intensifying Iowa primary races.
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On this Newsbuzz edition, we unpack the headlines from the week, including the latest from the Capitol, funding for rural health, returning to the moon and more.
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New research on outer space, including simulating driving on the moon and studying the white dwarf stars. Then, remembering Dr. William Foege, whose public health contributions were essential in eradicating small pox.
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NASA’s Artemis II mission is nearing launch, and an Iowa State University professor and retired astronaut knows exactly what that moment feels like. Also on this Newsbuzz edition, we break down a busy first week at the Iowa Statehouse as Republican lawmakers roll out an ambitious — and contentious — legislative agenda. We’ll also take a closer look at why Iowa’s controversial school library book ban is back in federal court and what a new wave of billion-dollar natural disasters means for insurance coverage and risk management in Iowa and beyond. And we groove into the weekend with Studio One.
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A team of researchers at the University of Northern Iowa is exploring the deepest caves in the U.S. with NASA funding. This could inform the search for life on other planets. UNI associate professor Josh Sebree discusses the research he’s been leading with an interdisciplinary team of UNI students. We also hear from one of those researchers, Jacqueline Heggen, and Cheryl Johnson, president of the state’s chapter of the National Speleological Society.
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A private liberal arts college in Indianola is laying the groundwork for research opportunities between its students and NASA.
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What if the secret to finding life on other planets is right beneath our feet?
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America’s most experienced astronaut, Iowa native Peggy Whitson, is scheduled to launch Tuesday on her fifth mission to the International Space Station.
