Here First

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.

A bill involving eminent domain is heading to the governor's desk after a dozen lawmakers forced a vote on it. Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand says he's running for Iowa Governor. And how does brain drain impact Iowa?

Gov. Kim Reynolds' summer food assistance program won't help as many children as a different plan that she rejected. Voter materials can only be in English in Iowa under a recent state supreme court ruling. And the legislature is still figuring out budget plans.

Republicans in the Iowa House and Senate say they've reached an agreement on a new state budget. The spending plan is the last major bit of business to take care of before the Legislature adjourns for the year. House Democrats have elected Rep. Brian Meyer of Des Moines as the new minority leader. And the Roman Catholic bishop of Des Moines hopes newly-elected Pope Leo XIV will promote unity within the church.

The USDA has approved Governor Kim Reynolds' alternative to the federal summer EBT program. A Des Moines man has been charged with causing a diesel fuel spill last weekend, which is estimated to cost over $100,000 in environmental cleanup. And Kimballton residents in western Iowa are under a bottled water advisory after their water tower ran dry.

A University of Iowa professor says federal officials are using antisemitism as a cover up to dismantle free speech. Several Iowa arts organizations suddenly lost federal grants. And state lawmakers are disagreeing on higher education funding.

The first Democrat has announced a bid for Iowa's third congressional district. Sioux City has rolled back on several diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. And Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley shares his stance on proposed federal funding cuts to public media.

The International Writing Program won't have to reduce enrollment this fall after receiving a private donation. Gov. Kim Reynolds' request for redirecting Summer EBT funds for a grocery box program for low-income families might have a better chance of being granted under the Trump Administration. And why is the legislative session in overtime?

A dozen Iowa Republican state senators are refusing to vote on budget issues until another piece of legislation is voted on. Hundreds of AmeriCorps members in Iowa have been impacted by federal funding cuts. And more people are renting chickens amid the rise of egg prices.

A bill in the legislature wouldn't allow Medicaid coverage of some gender-affirming care. A leaked proposed budget shows some disability assistance programs in Iowa could lose federal funding. And a Latino festival in eastern Iowa was cancelled amid fears attendees could be targeted by law enforcement.

A northeast Iowa high school is investigating the circulation of AI-generated deepfake nude photos of several students. The Planned Parenthood in Des Moines won't have abortion care as it expands other services. And an Iowan who fought in the Vietnam War shares his experience flying one of the last helicopters out of Saigon.

Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer will be running for state auditor in 2026. Iowa House and Senate Republicans are still negotiating a state budget. And a worker's union in Iowa is concerned about the federal cuts to OSHA.

The governor is suing the Des Moines Register. An Iowa City nonprofit says the civil rights of several Latino construction workers were violated during a traffic stop. And what are state lawmakers still needing to get done?