Start your day equipped with the essential local news you need to know. Host Clay Masters shares the top news stories of the morning in under 15 minutes, available weekdays by 7 a.m. Listen Here First.
The Here First podcast has quickly become an essential part of my morning routine. As a resident of the Midwest, I appreciate having a podcast that provides a quick overview of state news and also delves into more in-depth coverage of important regional issues. It has become right up there with my morning cup of coffee as a must-have to start my day off informed and engaged.
One of the best aspects of The Here First podcast is its focus on Iowa-specific news. As someone who often struggles to catch Iowa Public Radio during normal radio hours, having this resource is a game-changer. It allows me to stay connected and informed about the happenings in my state, no matter what time it is. I especially appreciate how the podcast complements other national news shows like Up First. It provides a localized perspective that often gets overlooked in broader national coverage.
The host, Clay, is truly excellent at his job. He consistently delivers fair and timely content that keeps me coming back for more. His ability to cover a wide range of topics in an engaging manner is commendable. From political news to cultural events, Clay takes the time to delve deeper into important issues affecting the Midwest. His interviews are insightful, and he always manages to bring out the most relevant information from his guests.
While The Here First podcast has many strengths, there are a few aspects that could be improved upon. Firstly, the episodes tend to be on the shorter side, which sometimes leaves me craving more content. Although I understand that brevity can be beneficial for busy listeners, I would appreciate longer episodes that allow for more in-depth discussions on certain topics.
Additionally, while The Here First podcast does an excellent job covering Iowa-specific news, it would be great to see more coverage of surrounding states as well. As someone who resides in the Midwest, I am interested in hearing about developments and events taking place in neighboring states too.
In conclusion, The Here First podcast is a welcome addition to the world of news podcasts. It provides a much-needed localized perspective on regional issues and allows listeners like me to stay informed about Iowa-specific news even outside of traditional radio hours. Clay's excellent hosting skills, combined with the podcast's informative content, make it a must-listen for anyone interested in Midwest news. Despite some room for improvement in terms of episode length and scope, The Here First podcast is undoubtedly an invaluable resource for those looking to start their day off well-informed.

The U.S. Supreme Court sided with the maker of Roundup over cancer warnings on pesticide labels, a new facility could support more conservation on farms across the state, and some farms are growing something you might find in your own backyard, serviceberries.

A termination letter shows why a former IPERS official was fired. Libertarians running for Iowa governor and lieutenant governor are suing to be put on the ballot. And a museum in Waterloo is bracing for funding cuts.

Iowa's SNAP restrictions have been blocked by a federal court. Woodbury County has passed a moratorium on data center projects. And U.S. senators are still working on a new farm bill.

There are fewer Iowans enrolled in SNAP since a federal law change. The governor has appointed a new director of the state's largest agency. And Des Moines area residents are still under a lawn watering ban.

A program at the University of Iowa will study how environmental exposures affect human health. Gov. Kim Reynolds shares her thoughts on a gas tax. And year-round sale of E15 could hurt the soybean market.

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst says Congress needs to know the terms of an initial deal to end the war with Iran. Council Bluffs council members voted down a moratorium on data center projects. And there's a new coalition in central Iowa trying to address cancer rates.

A state auditor's report shows how much the state has spent on the ESA program in its first year. City council members in Des Moines are considering cutting back services to fill in an expected budget gap. And where is Iowa's trash going to go as the state's landfills fill up?

Another community is pushing back on data center development. There has to be an investigation into the water quality of Bloody Run Creek under a court ruling. And the state's public universities will offer a three year degree program.

A few Libertarian candidates have been kicked off the November ballot. Cedar Falls is building a gas power plant. And there's a new healthcare job board to recruit more healthcare workers to the state.

Republican candidate for governor Zach Lahn rallied party activists at the GOP state convention Saturday. A new report shows two of Iowa's rural hospitals are at immediate risk of closure, and the City of Ames is rolling out its first curbside recycling program this July.

Stores that accept federal food assistance will have to stock even more foods to meet the Trump administration's push toward healthier eating. Several Libertarian candidates face challenges to their attempt to appear on the November ballot in Iowa. And, this weekend is the first opportunity for people to see a restored Grant Wood mural in Sioux City.

Residents in Clinton are pushing back on a proposed data center. A basic income pilot program in Des Moines has ended. And State Auditor Rob Sand says pharmacy benefit managers may have used prohibited drug pricing strategies.

About 200 people will lose their jobs with the state as part of a plan to outsource state agency IT services. A Libertarian candidate has joined Iowa's 3rd Congressional District race. And Sioux City is adding more automated license plate readers in the city.

A lawn watering ban is in effect in the Des Moines area because of high nitrate levels in source water. The governor has signed an executive order to create the Office of Outdoor Recreation. And Democrat Rob Sand has announced his running mate in the race for governor.

Rob Sand has started campaigning as the official Democratic nominee for Iowa governor. The courts will decide what to do with scholarship money at the University of Iowa left behind for Black students. And Iowa has ranked 10th in the nation for child well-being.

The governor has signed a bill that requires immigration status checks for public workers. Death is more likely to occur in domestic violence when a gun is involved. And how have 1970's federal laws cleaned up rivers in the U.S.?

A new study will look at how environmental factors affect Iowan's health. Governor Kim Reynolds reflects on her last legislative session as governor. And former residents of a teen treatment center in Missouri say they were abused there.

Zach Lahn, who didn't receive President Trump's endorsement, will be the Republican candidate for Iowa governor. Josh Turek will be the Democratic candidate for Iowa's open U.S. Senate seat. And Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a few crime related bills into law.

There has been a mass shooting in Muscatine that has left seven people dead. Residents in Palo voiced their thoughts on a proposed data center ordinance. And today is the last day Iowans can vote in the primary elections.

President Trump has endorsed one of the five GOP candidates for Iowa governor days before the primary election. The former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent has been sentenced. And there are over 2,000 certified wildlife habitats in Iowa

Candidates for several offices are making their last-minute pitches to primary voters just days before the election. And what is the farmer-led movement?

Des Moines metro residents are being asked to limit some of their water usage. There's a new mobile memory clinic in Polk County to help treat dementia. And Simpson College is dealing with a budget deficit.

Iowa Democrats are talking to the DNC today about changing the caucus process. The governor has signed a bill into law that will provide funding for pediatric cancer research. And Republican candidate for governor Randy Feenstra shares why he hasn't been going to debates.

Primary elections are a week away in Iowa. Community colleges are preparing for new state property tax laws. And Polk County has launched a website about water quality and health.

A new private behavioral health facility opens this June in Council Buffs. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group says testing has shown elevated nitrate levels in Des Moines and other Midwest cities. And a look inside a national competition in Oklahoma that draws hundreds of teenagers from across the country to show their skills judging soil.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was in Iowa yesterday. The governor has signed what she's calling Iowa's 'MAHA' law. And a lawsuit about Iowa jail fees is continuing in court.

The governor has signed a bill that further restricts abortion access in Iowa. Almost all the Republican candidates for governor debated water quality last night. And fundraising reports for the governor candidates are out.

The city of Des Moines is expecting a budget shortfall after Governor Kim Reynolds signed a property tax bill into law. Democratic candidate for governor Rob Sand says he would address PBMs. And who are the Republicans running to represent Iowa's Second Congressional District?

The Iowa Department of Transportation will have to check citizenship status when Iowans get or renew an ID. There are three Democrats wanting to represent Iowa's Second Congressional District. And the USDA is considering moving around seedbanks in the Midwest.

Iowa environmental groups are suing the EPA over its decision to remove some Iowa waterways from the Impaired Waters List. Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Josh Turek and Zach Wahls had their second debate last night. And some voters aren't convinced Congressman Randy Feenstra is guaranteed to be the Republican candidate for governor.

The U.S. House has passed a bill to allow the year-round sale of E-15 fuel. Iowa is updating its IT system used to track foster and adoption cases. And the Democratic primary for Iowa's open U.S. Senate seat is competitive.

Gov. Reynolds signed a bill into law that includes her education priorities. The latest on the push for year-round E-15. And what you need to know about voting early in Iowa's primary election.

A new state law makes it a felony to torture an animal. A teenager has been charged with five counts of attempted murder in connection to the Iowa City shooting last month. And the Democratic candidate for state treasurer is asking for details about the departure of two top IPERS officials.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren was in Iowa yesterday. A new report ranks Iowa's public health emergency preparedness in the lowest tier. And a new series from IPR looks at divisions in our society.

The CEO of Iowa's public employee pension program has resigned after allegations of misconduct. There's development on a bird flu vaccine for poultry. And how has shopping patterns changed community supported agriculture boxes?

Electricians are asking the governor to veto proposed building codes. There is a need for nurses in Iowa. And there are a couple affordable housing projects in Des Moines.

JD Vance was in Iowa last night to support Republican Zach Nunn's reelection campaign. The Democratic candidates for Iowa's open U.S. Senate seat debated last night. And Iowa has given the federal government voter registration data.

Democrat candidates for Iowa's 4th Congressional District talked to voters last night. Iowans in the Des Moines area are being asked to voluntarily limit their water usage. And a bill on the governor's desk regulates hydrogen extraction.

The 2026 Iowa legislative session is over after a long weekend. Medication abortions could only be done in person under a bill. And Republican candidates for governor share their views on eminent domain.

Democrat Rob Sand talks more about his ideas for water quality as he campaigns to be Iowa's next governor. Implicit bias prevention training for law officers wouldn't be required under a bill on the governor's desk. And buying beef in bulk might be a way to save money on beef.

A bill in the legislature would ban warrant resolution clinics. An Iowan who's helped Ukrainian refugees resettle in the state went to D.C. last week to advocate for them. And lawmakers are considering a bill that would require passive radon mitigation systems in certain homes.

A few of the Republican candidates for governor debated abortion policy. A new study shows there are significant racial disparities across Iowa's health care system. And artificial intelligence is one factor behind the potential restart of a nuclear power plant in eastern Iowa.