Here First

Gov. Kim Reynolds says more regulation isn't the answer to high nitrates in Iowa waterways. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services wants to work with churches to instill hope. And how could federal Medicaid cuts impact people living with HIV?

The option for the LGBTQ+ population on the 988 hotline is ending. AmeriCorps grants have been given back to some programs in Iowa. And high school COVID-19 graduates celebrate prom--five years later.

New students from surrounding states might be able to pay in-state tuition at the University of Northern Iowa. A new report on Iowa's ecology shows the state has lost a lot of habitats. And a transgender Iowan balances grief and hope in light of gender identity being removed from the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

A union for the state's prison employees is concerned that Iowa may privatize prison health care services. More Democrats are announcing runs for Iowa's seats in the U.S. House. And a look at the new water quality plan for central Iowa.

An eastern Iowa man has been deported under ICE's expedited removal process. Another Republican has announced a run for Iowa's fourth congressional seat. And what is agrivoltaics?

All four of Iowa's U.S. House representatives helped pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Some Iowa school districts are trying to figure out funding to support English language learner and migrant students. And Iowa historians are trying to save one of the state historical society's buildings.

Family and friends of a recent high school graduate in eastern Iowa are rallying for his release after being detained by ICE. Iowa Attorney Brenna Bird is not running for governor. And President Donald Trump will be in Des Moines today.

A new water quality analysis says there are threats to drinking water supplied by the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. Both of Iowa's U.S. senators voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. And another Republican has announced a run for state auditor in 2026.

Gender identity is no longer protected in the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Gov. Kim Reynolds is requiring the state's public universities to report antisemitism incidents that have happened since the start of Israel's war in Gaza. And the only Democratic candidate in Iowa's second congressional district has suspended his campaign.

New state handgun laws go into effect tomorrow. Farm equipment manufacturers are trying to find more workers in cybersecurity. And what is a legal desert?

Iowa's immigrant farm workers and employers brace for possible raids. A law requiring hands-free use of a cell phone while driving goes into effect July 1st. Friends and family mark the 30th anniversary of a Mason City news anchor's abduction, and how an experimental conservation practice can help farmers better deal with climate change.

A state lawmaker from northwest Iowa has died of pancreatic cancer. State auditor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand kicks off a 100 town hall tour. The first GOP candidate has entered the race for Iowa's 4th congressional district, and IPR health reporter Natalie Krebs reports on research into concerns about environmental causes of cancer in Iowa.

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley says President Donald Trump was protecting the American people when he ordered airstrikes against Iran over the weekend. U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra says he backs the president's “Big Beautiful Bill,” and expects it to pass the Senate. And, Central Iowa Water Works is stressing that water is safe to drink, as it continues removing elevated levels of nitrates.

A new law aimed at regulating pharmacy benefit managers is being challenged in court. Some people who sell fireworks in Iowa say sales are up over last year, after a change in state law on where fireworks can be used. And, a new study has found illegal tobacco sales to underage Iowans spiked in 2021.

All six members of Iowa's congressional delegation say they support President Trump's decision to bomb Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. Beef prices are at an all-time high as the size of U.S. cattle herds has declined, and people who help those who can't afford their energy bills say they're worried about possible funding cuts in the federal budget bill.

A long-disputed proposed casino in Cedar Rapids can continue as planned. Iowa has six confirmed cases of measles so far this year. And how are Northwest Iowa residents doing a year after historic flooding?

Job Corps locations could possibly stay open. Iowa will receive more opioid settlement funds. And a healthcare leader in eastern Iowa is concerned about proposed Medicaid work requirements.

A Democrat has announced a bid for an Iowa seat in the U.S. House, and another has suspended a campaign. A new report looks at Iowa's health system. And what is the Hinterland Music Festival doing this year for festival goers worried about possible high temperatures?

A church camp in southeastern Iowa is being investigated for allegations of child abuse. Gov. Kim Reynolds' summer food program is off to a rocky start. And a new tick-borne disease in the state is reaching cows.

The Minnesota state senator shot and injured along with his wife near the Twin Cities over the weekend once lived in Polk County. It was one of two shootings that also took the lives of a Minnesota state representative and her husband. Thousands of Iowans joined millions across the country in protests against Trump administration policies over the weekend. And a number of Iowa communities plan to observe Juneteenth later this week – commemorating the end of slavery in the United States in 1865.

Ames is closing its police review committee to comply with a new state law. Des Moines metro residents aren't allowed to water lawns in order to keep nitrate levels below safety standards. And what are federal lawmakers doing to regulate hemp?

Governor Kim Reynolds vetoed an eminent domain bill. Unhoused veterans in Polk County are becoming fewer. And how are Native American tribes in the Midwest getting their ancestral land back?

Protesters against ICE raids in Los Angeles rallied in Des Moines last night. A Democratic state lawmaker is running for U.S. Senator Joni Ernst's seat in 2026. And a look at the federal and state proposals for Medicaid.An earlier publication of this podcast said there was no police presence at the rally. There were Des Moines police officers observing from a distance in a nearby building, but there were no confrontations with protestors.

Iowa's ag secretary says he doesn't know yet how proposed federal cuts USDA programs could impact Iowa farms. Several central Iowa counties are making public health plans. And tractors are on the move in Eastern Iowa for a yearly showcase.

The state will seek federal permission to establish work requirements for Iowa's Medicaid expansion program. Iowa is ninth in the country for child well-being. And how are some trying to bring awareness to radon mitigation?

A Missouri woman has been released from jail after being detained by ICE for over a month. Corporate sponsorship for Pride month events is down across the country and in Iowa. And why are screwworms worrying cattle ranchers?

The ACLU of Iowa says some cities could unconstitutionally restrict drag performances. An Iowa DOGE Task Force member says Iowa should consolidate the counties. And there was a vigil for Afghan refugees.

A federally funded health care center in central Iowa is ending gender affirming care. Another Democrat has announced a campaign for governor. And an over century old Iowa history publication is trying to find a new publisher.

A Democrat has announced a campaign for U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst's seat. There are efforts to keep open two Job Corps in Iowa. And a southern Missouri community is advocating for the release of an immigrant who was detained by ICE at a routine meeting.

Senator Joni Ernst is facing backlash for a comment she made at her town hall in eastern Iowa. Healthcare workers in Ottumwa are unionizing. And a law that protects wetlands has been upheld by a federal court.

Local fundraising efforts will allow some AmeriCorps workers to stay in Davenport for the summer. Iowa Democrats are worried about the impact to rural healthcare under proposed federal Medicaid cuts. And why are more farmers taking out loans?

There's a new state law focused on addressing rural health care access. Another Democrat has announced a campaign for Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks' congressional seat in 2026. And a food pantry says more people are seeking assistance as tariff policies impact grocery prices at some stores.

Gov. Kim Reynolds is abandoning her goal to eliminate the state income tax. A new rule limiting events at the state capitol is upending a summer tradition. And residents in Davenport are still looking for answers two years after an apartment building collapsed that killed three people.

The federal government is requiring states to hand over all records associated with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, as it tries to prevent people without legal status from accessing the program. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says she's talking to people for and against a new bill to regulate hazardous liquid pipelines in the state before deciding whether to sign it. And Iowans throughout the state took time Monday to remember and honor fallen service members on Memorial Day.

SNAP benefits won't be able to cover some food items in Iowa soon. Gov. Kim Reynolds is starting a few initiatives aimed at improving access to child care. And all four of Iowa's U.S. House representatives voted for the so-called Big Beautiful Bill.

Greenfield residents honored lives lost in the EF4 tornado that tore through the small town last year. Several states are trying to restrict certain foods eligible under SNAP. And how is the town of Perry doing a year after its largest employer closed down?

Places of worship in Des Moines can offer shelter to people without it. At least five cities in Iowa will have to get rid of a citizen board that oversees local law enforcement. And a Democrat has announced a campaign for secretary of state.

The Dubuque County Sheriff is not participating in voluntary programs with ICE. Students speak out about proposed tuition increases at the state's public universities. And a new art installation in Davenport.

Local 911 service providers are concerned about a provision in the state budget bill. An environment conservation program in Cedar Rapids lost AmeriCorps members because of federal funding cuts. And the latest ruling on Iowa's law that bans LGBTQ instruction in schools.

The Iowa legislative session is over for the year. One Iowa resettlement agency worries about refugees who haven't been able to come to the U.S. And the state's share of national opioid maker settlement funds will go to substance use treatment programs, among other behavioral health efforts.

A student says she couldn't have gone to college without a federal program President Trump is proposing to cut. A bill is waiting on the governor's desk that would lower the unemployment taxes businesses pay. And a state lawmaker is raising concern with how a state agency tested out gambling surveillance technology.

Former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg was in Iowa last night. The Iowa House has passed a ban on Medicaid coverage for some gender affirming care. And Gov. Kim Reynolds is asking federal officials to restrict some foods through SNAP in Iowa.