Michael Leland
News DirectorExpertise: Organization, planning, listening, advocacy, editing, reporting, hosting and photography, all to help IPR listeners and readers understand and connect with their communities and the state where they live
Education: Masters degree from Kansas State University, Bachelors degree from Curry College
Favorite Iowa Destination: Lime Creek Nature Center in Mason City (particularly for cross-country skiing!)
Experience:
- Leads IPR's multi-award-winning news team in bringing top-quality reporting, features and stories to IPR's listening audience; has previously led newsrooms at Wisconsin Public Radio and Michigan Radio
- Edits stories from IPR reporters for style, accuracy and substance
- Has overseen growth initiatives for IPR, including the establishment of IPR's western Iowa beat and IPR's full-time health reporter
- Has reported from a variety of locations, from Chicago City Hall to a former coal mine 600 feet under southern Illinois to an Inuit community in far northern Canada
- Is a multi-award-winning reporter, receiving awards across his career, including during his time at Michigan Radio and Voice of America
- Has reported and produced features for Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Marketplace
- Served as a weekend newscaster for NPR
My Latest Stories
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This is the second legislative session legislators have heard from environmentalists' and landowners' concerns about three carbon capture pipelines in the state. Both chambers are putting forward proposals to set new restrictions. -
Two teenagers were shot and killed Monday at an alternative education program. Police identified an adult who was also shot and seriously injured as the program's founder. -
Halbur has had a career in banking, owns a school supply distribution company with his wife, and is a former CFO of the state Alcoholic Beverages Division. -
The Democrat hoping to unseat Rep. Hinson in November says the incumbent has voted against legislation that will help Iowans, such as the 2021 infrastructure bill and the Inflation Reduction Act. -
Democrat Rob Sand says the auditor's office should represent all Iowans and not just those of one political party. Sand made his case for a second term in office at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair.
