Artificial Intelligence

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.

Cindy Cohn, originally from Newton, Iowa, became one of the country's foremost digital rights lawyers. Her new memoir is titled "Privacy's Defender: My Thirty-Year Fight Against Digital Surveillance." Part legal history, part personal story and part rallying cry, it's front-row account of the legal battles that shaped the internet we use every day. Ahead of her visit to Iowa City, she joins the show the book, growing up in Iowa, your rights online and more

Kamyar Enshayan remembers the Iran he grew up in as vibrant, musical and secular. He left in 1978, not long before the Islamic Revolution, and never returned. In this episode, Enshayan shares his views on today's mass protests and the government's violent response. But first, Iowa State English professors Jenny Aune and Jo Mackiewicz share their research, which raises questions about how we may be attributing human qualities to artificial intelligence through language.

University of Iowa scholars are developing an AI system that monitors behavior to detect physical violence as it happens. (This episode was originally produced Nov. 4, 2025.)

Surveillance cameras are spreading across Iowa and artificial intelligence makes them far more powerful. IPR's James Kelley shares his investigation into the controversial Flock cameras installed in dozens of Iowa communities. Later in the hour, legal scholar Megan Graham shares what rights citizens have in the AI area. (This episode was produced in October 2025.)

KFMW Rock 108 has been transparent from the start about their use of an AI DJ to introduce eastern Iowa to new rock 'n' roll music.

University of Iowa scholars are developing an AI system that monitors behavior to detect physical violence as it happens.

IPR's James Kelley shares his investigation into Flock surveillance cameras. Then, legal scholar Megan Graham on the legal limits of surveillance.

Local leaders are addressing AI’s impact on water, surveillance, transparency and more. A mostly hands-off approach at the federal level means regulating complex AI issues is–so far–evolving in a patchwork of laws.

Exploring the environmental impact of increased use of artificial intelligence, in Iowa and around the country.