Iowa’s hands-free law now in effect

Iowa’s hands-free law now in effect

From River to River by Iowa Public Radio

April 11, 2026 · 48 min

About this episode

The episode discusses Iowa's new hands-free law, key legislative updates, changes in foster parent training, agricultural insights, and the use of AI in virus prediction.

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.

People in this episode

Host: Nick Brunner

Guests: Stephen Gruber-Miller, Meghan McKinney, Mark Licht

Topics covered

  • hands-free law
  • Iowa legislation
  • foster parent training
  • agriculture
  • artificial intelligence
  • virus prediction

Keywords

  • Iowa hands-free law
  • legislation
  • foster parent training
  • agriculture
  • artificial intelligence
  • virus evolution

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Des Moines Register, Iowa State, Iowa Public Radio

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