Zoe Bentler

Fire blight can spread fast through orchards and backyard fruit trees, leaving growers scrambling to protect their crops. On this Horticulture Day episode, we talk with Iowa State University assistant professor and fruit tree specialist Suzanne Slack about how fire blight develops, what warning signs to look for and the impact it can have on fruit trees across Iowa. Later, Aaron Steil, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, joins the conversation to share more gardening insight and answer listener questions.

The U.S. Supreme Court has filed to preserve telehealth access to the abortion pill mifepristone as new Iowa restrictions await Gov. Kim Reynolds' signature. On this Newsbuzz edition of River to River, we break down what this SCOTUS action means with law professor Jill Wieber Lens and what may come next for abortion pill access. Plus, we kick off our 2026 primary election preview series, get a spring crop update with Mark Licht, say farewell to IPR's Josie Fischels and groove into the weekend with Studio One host Cece Mitchell.

Fire blight can spread fast through orchards and backyard fruit trees, leaving growers scrambling to protect their crops. We talk with Iowa State University assistant professor and fruit tree specialist Suzanne Slack about how fire blight develops, what warning signs to look for and the impact it can have on fruit trees across Iowa.

Mother’s Day looks different for everyone, and for some, the holiday can bring difficult emotions and relationship challenges. We discuss how to navigate complicated family dynamics with University of Iowa communication expert Sylvia Mikucki-Enyart and hear from Erin Wissler Gerdes about her University of Iowa Three Minute Thesis research. Plus, we meet Monica Holt, the new president and CEO of Des Moines Performing Arts. Holt was previously at The Kennedy Center, but left following President Donald Trump's firing of Kennedy Center leadership and replacement of board members.

Two psychologists from Iowa State University join the program. Their whose research seeks to improve accuracy in witness and suspect testimony in the criminal justice system. Professor of psychology Zlatan Krizan discusses how sleep deprivation may influence confessions and witness statements, while associate professor of psychology Andrew Smith explains how video recording of eyewitness suspect lineups could improve confidence in those practices and assist in criminal trials. Later, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine researcher Colin Kenny explains how using zebrafish in research can help to better understand a rare eye cancer and improve treatment.

On this Politics Day, political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Jonathan Hassid of Iowa State University dissect the debate between Democrat Senate hopefuls Josh Turek and Zach Wahls. They also reflect on the end of the 2026 Legislative session, Vice President J.D. Vance's stop in Iowa to campaign for Rep. Zach Nunn and the Iowa Secretary of State's choice to turn over voter data to the Trump administration.

New student loan limits are set to hit Iowa families as tuition costs keep climbing. On this Newsbuzz edition of River to River, we look at how universities are preparing with The Gazette's Vanessa Miller. The Economist's Hollie Berman shares recent reporting on Iowa farmers' support for President Trump amid economic uncertainty. IPR's James Kelley shares updates on Google’s planned data center in Palo. Plus, the latest from the Statehouse with Robin Opshahl, and we groove into the weekend with Studio One’s Tressa Glass.

The magic of spring has done its work. Iowa is green again, and with lawns waking up across the state, it’s time to start thinking about spring yard care. From knowing when to mow for the first time to getting your grass off to a healthy start, the season’s first lawn decisions can shape how your yard looks all summer long. On this Horticulture Day episode, Adam Thoms, Iowa State University turfgrass specialist, joins to talk about spring lawn care and how to tell when it’s finally time to mow. Then, Aaron Steil, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, joins the conversation to answer listener questions about lawns, gardens and making the most of spring growth.

The magic of spring has done its work. Iowa is green again, and with lawns waking up across the state, it’s time to start thinking about spring yard care. From knowing when to mow for the first time to getting your grass off to a healthy start, the season’s first lawn decisions can shape how your yard looks all summer long.

King Charles addresses Congress as global tensions and domestic uncertainty collide in a packed politics hour. From a fragile Iran ceasefire to Iowa’s MAHA bill and a surprise gubernatorial endorsement, political scientists Jim McCormick and Megan Goldberg break down the latest political news.