It’s What’s Cookin’ Wednesday and Doug spoke with Nate Whited from The Brick Kitchen in downtown Independence about what their customers are focusing on this Christmas season! www.TheBrickKitchenStore.com and all their social media.

The final holiday sprint is ON — at this point, we’re basically speed-shopping with cookies in one hand and gift wrap in the other. Tech-life columnist Jennifer Jolly is here with her final, fabulous picks of the year! www.Techish.com

President Donald Trump initiated a new set of payments to farmers/producers because of China’s attempted punishment of them. Doug spoke with Minnesota native and economist, Christian Briggs, about what President Trump is attempting to do in reorienting the ag economy.

A new study says that the consumption of digital media may be affecting the brains of children. NBC News Radio National Correspondent Rory O’Neill joined Doug with the story.

There are two medical degrees of note about which we’re talking today: MD and DO. DO is Doctor of Osteopathy. What does that mean and how do they shape healthcare in rural states like Iowa? Doug spoke with Dr. Robert Cain, President and CEO, The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Chair, The Health Professions Associations. https://www.aacom.org/

Joe Mitchell is running for the US House of Representatives in Iowa’s 1st District. Recently, he’s had a number of high profile endorsements and has been traveling the 1st CD to listen to Iowans. He spoke with Doug about what “affordability” means to Iowans. www.JoeMitchell.com

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, students in grades 3-12 are invited to enter a national writing and art contest reflecting on what America means to them. A total of 250 students will be awarded behind-the-scenes field trip experiences this summer or a cash prize, nearly double last year’s total. Doug spoke with the chair of America250, Rosie Rios, about how your student can get involved in America’s Field Trip. https://america250.org

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is intensifying its fight against the deadly threat of synthetic opioids with the launch of Fentanyl Free America, a comprehensive enforcement initiative and public awareness campaign aimed at reducing the supply and demand for fentanyl. Doug spoke with DEA Assistant Special Agent In Charge, Travis Ocken, about what the DEA has been doing in Iowa and the Midwest. dea.gov/fentanylfree

Overwhelmed by the constant stream of new gadgets and gifts? Don't worry! Digital Lifestyle Expert Mario Armstrong joined Doug to make it easy to "tech the halls," sharing his must-have tech gifts and ideas for the season. www.InTheNews.tv