Zoe Bentler

A new documentary, 'Kamal’s,' follows a Muslim chef and his Catholic wife as they build a life together in Grinnell, blending Middle Eastern traditions with Midwestern ingredients. We talk with filmmaker Nich Perez, along with Kamal Hammouda and Laura Fendt, the couple at the heart of the film and co-founders of The Iowa Kitchen. Later in the episode, April is National Poetry Month, and Iowa poets are reaching audiences far beyond the Midwest.

Iowa’s hands-free law is now being enforced. On this Newsbuzz edition, what drivers need to know to stay safe and avoid fines. Also, it’s crunch time at the Capitol — we check in with 'Des Moines Register' reporter Stephen Gruber-Miller on where key legislation stands. We also hear from IPR’s Meghan McKinney about a new law changing foster parent training, and get a planting season preview from Iowa State agronomist Mark Licht as weather swings impact farmers. Plus, an Iowa State researcher explains how artificial intelligence is being used to predict virus evolution before it happens. And we wrap up with groove into the weekend with Nick Brunner.

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.

A map created by leaders of the Ioway Tribe in 1837 to defend claims of their homeland offers a powerful perspective on history, one that challenges how we understand early American mapping. We speak with author William Green and tribal historian Alan Kelley about what this map reveals. Plus, a look back at the 2020 Midwest Derecho and what scientists have learned in the years since.

State legislatures are debating new proposals on immigration policy. On this episode, we take a closer look at immigration bills under consideration in Iowa and our neighboring states and what those proposals could mean for immigrant families and communities. Erin Murphy breaks down the latest from Iowa, while Brenden Moore and Seth Tupper report on what’s unfolding in Illinois and South Dakota. Harvest Public Media's Anna Pope also joins to explain how changes to food assistance are affecting immigrant families.

Tinnitus affects an estimated 25 million Americans, yet many don’t seek help despite its strong connection to hearing loss. Audiologists Elise Dornier and Ann Perreau explain what causes tinnitus and how people can manage it. We also hear personal stories from John Wanamaker and Carol Montag about living with the condition and finding ways to cope.

With spring planting around the corner, Iowa farmers are facing rising costs, global uncertainty, and shifting market pressures. This episode explores how fertilizer prices, international relations and climate conditions are shaping the future of agriculture and rural economies.

In his new book, historian Kevin Mason looked into the 1835 Dragoon Expedition along the Des Moines River to better understand how Iowa’s landscape has transformed over time. He retraced the 371-mile expedition on foot. He joins 'Talk of Iowa' to share insights from his journey and new book.

Catalog descriptions and garden center tags can make every cultivar sound like the perfect choice, but sometimes you need advice from someone who’s actually grown them. On this Horticulture Day, we talk with Dan Fillius of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach about the cultivars he loves most in his own garden. Then, Aaron Steil joins the show to answer your gardening questions and help you make the best picks this planting season.

On this Newsbuzz edition, we break down the latest from the Iowa Statehouse with Marissa Payne of the 'Des Moines Register' and NPR White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben joins to discuss how the war against Iran is impacting farmers. We also discuss the Hawkeye men's basketball team's historic run so far during March Madness and the Iowa State men's team with sports writer Mike Hlas. Plus the upcoming severe weather season and federal court rulings on immigration in Iowa.