Jonathan Ahl
Jonathan Ahl joined Iowa Public Radio as News Director in July 2008. He leads the news and talk show teams in field reporting, feature reporting, audio documentaries, and talk show content. With more than 17 years in public media, Jonathan is a nationally award-winning reporter that has worked at public radio stations in Macomb, Springfield and Peoria, IL. He served WCBU-FM in Peoria as news director before coming to Iowa. He also served as a part-time instructor at Bradley University teaching journalism and writing courses. Jonathan is currently serving a second term as president of PRNDI ââ
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Most grazing animals spend their time in open pastures. But there is a movement to raise livestock in the forest to benefit animals and the environment.
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Supporters cite the beefalo's hardiness, ease of breeding and the leaner, protein-rich healthier meat, but others say the costly crossbreed weakens the genetic line of the bison. -
Small town farm shows are reacting differently to COVID-19 restrictions. Some canceled, some went virtual and some are carrying on as usual.
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Instead of applying crushed limestone to balance pH levels in fields, some farmers are trying crushed basalt. It can trap carbon and could help fight climate change.
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The video game Farming Simulator has found a loyal and niche audience in the gaming world. This isn't the cheesy Farmville game from years ago, but one emulating the real challenges of running a farm.
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A new bar in St. Louis isn't charging by the drink, but by the hour. The all you can drink concept is raising concerns about excessive drinking. But two weeks in, the vibe is anything but wild.
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Food banks are flush with meat, cheese and milk, with twice as much as they usually have, as farmer supply outstrips demand. Some charities are scheduling extra distributions to prevent waste.
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At Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, the Army is testing new boots for boot camp. Responding to increases in injuries, the Army wants different models of boots with more focus on performance and comfort.
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Midwestern farmers experiencing unusually good yields are OK with losing some farm bill subsidies as Congress negotiates changes this year. But some of their Southern counterparts are arguing against it.
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The Texas congressman's message appeals to more than just the typical Republican caucus-goer. His strong poll numbers may come at the right time for the Iowa caucuses, but he can't seem to shake concerns over a so-called "isolationist" foreign policy position and controversial newsletters that bore his name.
