The Lincoln and Jefferson highways were two of the nation's earliest transcontinental roads. These two highways intersected in Colo, Iowa, where a farmer named Charlie Reed had the idea to sell gas to motorists in 1923. He also let travelers pitch tents overnight on his property. On this episode, we learn about the history of the Reed-Niland Corner, with a former Reed Station employee, Scott Berka, who was also instrumental in the site's restoration project of the late 1990s to early 2000s. Then we learn about a new nonprofit, Reed-Niland Corner, Inc. that recently bought the site from the City of Colo to keep the history alive into the future. Later, we head east down the Lincoln Highway to Lisbon, where the McElmeel family has formed their own nonprofit to restore the Meyers Farmstead Historic District and open it to the public as Pleasant Grove Heritage Park.
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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. -
Writing in a journal is usually a personal and private act, but there are published diaries that have changed the world. There are scholars who study diaries and family members who treasure them. And if you have a diary, there just might be an archive that would like to collect it when you’re gone. Betsy Rubiner, a journalist, author and a life-long diarist discusses her book, 'Our Diaries, Ourselves: How Diarists Chronicle Their Lives and Document our World.' Later in the hour, we hear from Beth Hoffman, a farmer and journalist who is now the host of a new podcast called 'At the Iowa Farm Table.' The podcast focuses on sustainable agriculture, local food production and consumption, land and water conservation and some of the many challenges facing Iowa right now. (Portions of this episode were originally produced Feb. 24, 2026 and July 4, 2025) -
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.
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There are a number of nonprofits operating in Iowa that are focused on giving beginning farmers access to land, education and equipment. On this episode, we hear about four of these organizations, and how they've been impacted by the sudden termination of a grant program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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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.
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The Cancer in Iowa Report published annually by the Iowa Cancer Registry gives an overview of the current burden of cancer in the state. This year's report features findings from the Agricultural Health Study, one of the world's largest and longest-running active studies of agricultural exposures and health. We talk with Iowa Cancer Registry Director Mary Charlton about this year's report which estimates this year that 21,700 Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer and 6,400 Iowans will die of cancer. We'll also talk with principal investigator of the Agricultural Health Study Laura Beane Freeman about the findings from their study that began in the mid-1990s with participants from Iowa and North Carolina. David Cwiertny of the University of Iowa's Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination also joins to discuss various environmental factors in the state that may be contributing to cancer diagnoses.
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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.
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A report by the Iowa Environmental Council and Harkin Institute looked at peer-reviewed research on environmental factors and cancer. -
Corn growers in the Midwest are testing whether they can use less fertilizer and still maintain yields or improve their bottom line through on-farm research trials. The project is designed for producers who use practices to boost soil health.
