Iowa Public Radio

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Daily Series
Politics

Politics

Updated 05/04/2023
Government

Government

Updated 12/19/2023

1D AGO

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

Primary elections are a week away in Iowa. Community colleges are preparing for new state property tax laws. And Polk County has launched a website about water quality and health.

1d ago

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4 min
5D AGO

Friday, May 22nd, 2026

A new private behavioral health facility opens this June in Council Buffs. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group says testing has shown elevated nitrate levels in Des Moines and other Midwest cities. And a look inside a national competition in Oklahoma that draws hundreds of teenagers from across the country to show their skills judging soil.

5d ago

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9 min
4D AGO

Iowa's state tree is in trouble

The oak is the state tree of Iowa and an important part of native Iowa ecosystems, but Iowa’s oak woodlands are disappearing at an alarming rate. On this Horticulture Day, Charity Nebbe talks with DNR District Forester Mark Vitosh about why oak woodlands are at risk and what we can do about it. Then, Iowa State University Horticulture Specialist Aaron Steil joins to help answer your questions about plants and trees.

4d ago

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48 min
4D AGO

Diversi-tree is key

The oak is the state tree of Iowa. It’s a keystone species that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including over 500 species of butterflies and moths. But Iowa’s oak woodlands are disappearing at an alarming rate. Iowa Department of Natural Resources District Forester Mark Vitosh said planting a diversity of trees is crucial for a resilient canopy.

4d ago

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13 min
6D AGO

JD Vance says the war with Iran isn't a 'forever war,' but the end isn't in sight

In March, President Donald Trump called the war with Iran a tremendous success. Weeks later, the countries are in a fragile ceasefire and the U.S. is prepared to resume strikes if a deal isn't met soon. University of Northern Iowa political scientist and former Air Force intelligence analyst Evan Renfro joins this Politics Day to discuss the war and the Trump administration's foreign policy. Then, Cornell College's Megan Goldberg breaks down the upcoming primaries for the open 2nd Congressional District seat.

6d ago

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48 min
6D AGO

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was in Iowa yesterday. The governor has signed what she's calling Iowa's 'MAHA' law. And a lawsuit about Iowa jail fees is continuing in court.

6d ago

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4 min
MAY 20

How the U.S. has arrived at its most blatant era of oligarchy

After two centuries of expanding democracy, why has America become more unequal — not less? On this episode we listen to highlights from a recent conversation with political scientist Jeffrey Winters of Northwestern University. His new book, The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracy, examines the failure of democracy to address wealth inequality and why this issue is by design. This conversation was recorded on May 7 at the Englert Theatre, presented by the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council.

May 20

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48 min
MAY 20

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

The governor has signed a bill that further restricts abortion access in Iowa. Almost all the Republican candidates for governor debated water quality last night. And fundraising reports for the governor candidates are out.

May 20

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4 min
MAY 19

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026

The city of Des Moines is expecting a budget shortfall after Governor Kim Reynolds signed a property tax bill into law. Democratic candidate for governor Rob Sand says he would address PBMs. And who are the Republicans running to represent Iowa's Second Congressional District?

May 19

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4 min
MAY 18

Monday, May 18th, 2026

The Iowa Department of Transportation will have to check citizenship status when Iowans get or renew an ID. There are three Democrats wanting to represent Iowa's Second Congressional District. And the USDA is considering moving around seedbanks in the Midwest.

May 18

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4 min

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