What happens in the Iowa caucuses may determine who the next president will be. Today we kick off our new election series, States of the Union, with a look at which issues matter most to Iowans…..and whether the candidates are listening. Also: the origins of habeas corpus. We hear about Theresa Rebeck's new play, Mauritius. And on Underreported: why radio is such an important medium in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This Friday, Nov. 9, find out about the the causes and cures of insomnia on Please Explain. We want to hear about your solutions for sleeplessness. You can tell us by leaving a comment here.

And you can still submit your cartoon to our Thanksgiving cartoon contest here!