Across the country, restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus are being loosened in some states. On this news buzz edition of River to River , we get a snapshot of the picture here in Iowa.

On this episode of River to River , host Ben Kieffer is joined by former congressman Jim Leach, best known for his 30 years representing Iowa in Washington. Leach, who is also on faculty at the University of Iowa, offers his reflections on the COVID-19 crisis in the context of his latest course, titled “What is Precedented and Unprecedented in Contemporary Politics.”

Many childcare centers across the state have been forced to shut their doors because of COVID-19. For those who are still open, declining enrollment numbers, staff layoffs and difficulties in acquiring and affording necessary supplies has left providers facing tough decisions about the future of their childcare businesses, just as some Iowans begin returning to work.

Have you ever wondered who invented the wheel? Who told the first joke? Who drank the first beer? Who was the first surgeon? Who sparked the first fire?

For Democrats, flipping the Senate seat held by Republican Joni Ernst is likely to be an uphill battle. On this Newsbuzz edition of River to River , we take a look at the democratic challengers and the week's coronavirus news.

Things do not seem fine at all, but it’s hard to say why.

Stories of when things go wrong. Really wrong. When you leave the normal realm of human error, fumble, mishap, and mistake and enter the territory of really huge breakdowns. Fiascos. Things go so awry that normal social order collapses.

Words can seem so puny and ineffective sometimes. On this show, we have stories in which ordinary people make last ditch efforts to get through to their loved ones, using a combination of small talk and not-so-small talk.

We all know TV viewing is up these days, but data from Hub Entertainment and Wurl show just how much, and which services are seeing the biggest upticks.

Continuum targets regulated industries like banking, healthcare, and government, while Engage is designed for HR and other managers to keep employees engaged wherever they are

Today, video streaming solutions provider LiveU unveiled a new "State of Live" report, documenting increased "demand for live streaming, mobile apps, and live IP video sharing solutions" during the last five weeks of pandemic mitigation measures.

Output Syndication makes it easy to publish directly to social media platforms, while Content Control simplifies the creation of live linear channels and Smartplay Prebid improves the ad bidding process

Communications agency Brand Definition was ready to go live with their brand-new production studio when COVID-19 shut everything down. Here's how they pivoted to remote production to meet their clients' shifting needs.

With no NAB to bring customers to them this year, a group of streaming industry vendors have come together to create a virtual event and bring the trade show to their customers and partners.

New survey data from Hub Entertainment Research reveals the impact of COVID-19 on OTT services and pay TV

Former Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker defended the Justice Department's decision to dismiss its case against former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, arguing that a corrupt FBI culture led to Flynn's entrapment.

A Chinese push to include support for the World Health Organization in a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a global ceasefire is  putting the entire text in limbo – after strong U.S. opposition to the Beijing effort. 

Actress and #MeToo leader Rose McGowan has accused comedian Bill Maher of whispering a crude comment about his body when she appeared on his show "Politically Incorrect" in the late 1990s.

Tekashi 6ix9ine just released his first new song following his early release from prison amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Fox NFL Sunday co-host Terry Bradshaw predicted on Saturday that despite the coronavirus outbreak, the NFL would continue to hold games.

The NCAA has made it clear that unless college campuses are open to the entire student body in the fall, there are no plans to risk the health of student-athletes for the sake of sports. 

Recording audio or video podcasts at an event can present many challenges. Here's the onsite podcasting equipment I recommend to make your production great!

To "profit" from your podcast means money to many people. But I think "PROFIT" stands for something more, and every podcast needs it!

Attending events relevant or beneficial to your podcast can hold exciting opportunities—unless you make these mistakes.

Effective follow-up can make a huge difference to the growth and success of your podcast. Here are some tips to help you!

Apple released iOS 11 on September 19 for iPhones and iPads. It brings many new features to support podcasting and improve podcast consumption! Here's what I think you should love.

Podcasting is a time-shifted media. Some fans will binge on all your content, which can reveal some areas to improve your podcast. Here are 12 lessons.

Regardless of who you use to host your podcast media and generate your podcast RSS feed, check these eight things to own your platform.

Feed hits and monthly downloads are two podcast stats the may confuse or mislead podcasters. Here's why you should never rely on these meaningless numbers.

A podcast failure doesn't mean you should quit podcasting. Here are 9 steps to help you recover and keep moving forward!

Apple is cracking down on keyword-stuffing in podcast tags. Here's information from testing and experience to help you protect your podcast!

The network is retiring but the shows are continuing. Here's more information.

Podcast media and feed hosting performance comparisons between the most popular and some not-so-popular podcast hosting providers.

I'm selling several pieces of podcasting gear that I don't need anymore and that needs a loving new home.

Ready for a podcasting conference like no other? ShePodcasts Live focuses on serving, featuring, and celebrating women podcasters. All are welcome!

Mark Asquith shares what makes Captivate stand out from other podcast hosting providers.

Give your fans an easy way to support your podcast, and have the option to offer exclusive content!

Publishing your podcast is quick and easy with Alitu! Now, you can also add an introductory teaser to your episodes. Plus, Alitu will automatically enhance the audio. When it's finished, Alitu can automatically publish your episodes with the best podcast publishing tools. Thanks to Dr. Colin Gray for joining me in this video! Watch all...

Solve your sound echo and reverb before you hit record!

Stop stressing over camera-switching for live-streaming and video-podcasting!

Licensing music for your podcast doesn't have to be a pain!

Are you looking to monetize your podcast? Influencer Bridge offers a simple marketplace where you can find advertisers and affiliates that would be perfect fits for your podcast.

Carrying podcasting gear is rough on the equipment and everything has the potential add weight and bulk.

It takes a lot of guts—audacity!—to podcast. But sometimes, we get and get so focused on the process without ever actually podcasting.

Do you have a great idea for a podcast but need help to get it going and promoted?

Libsyn is the #1 commercial podcast hosting provider and is bringing new updates!

Focusrite makes my favorite USB audio interfaces. The new 3rd-generation Scarlett models bring improved audio quality with new preamps and more gain, audio enhancement, USB loopback, USB-C connectivity, and more! Thanks to John DiNicola for joining me in this video! Watch all my video interviews from Podcast Movement 2019, and click here to see the...

SquadCast's version 2 brings new support for more browsers and even mobile devices! Plus, more accessible pricing.

Podcasters need a WordPress theme designed with features and flexibility to support podcasting. Here's why I think SecondLine Themes are your new best choice!

What I'm learning, doing, and reminding myself to overcome perfectionism. I hope this will help you in your own podcasting journey, too.