Here First

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?

Iowa State University will expand a civic center and program. Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson held a town hall. And why are some farmers fearing another farm crisis?

Some Iowans are speaking out about the state's plan to add work requirements for some people on Medicaid. The state says all schools in Iowa are in compliance with a federal order to eliminate DEI-related programs. And a school district in northwest Iowa says students are finally back in a building that was heavily damaged in last summer's flooding.

Sioux City will be the first to launch a homeless court in the state. Summit Carbon Solutions' proposed pipeline is facing a setback. And four international students at the University of Iowa are working to restore their student statuses.

A Des Moines priest says the late Pope Francis stood up for everybody's dignity. A Republican state lawmaker is officially considering a run for governor. Magic mushrooms would be legal to treat PTSD and other conditions under a bill.

The governor has signed several bills into law. An advocacy group is bringing light to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People movement. And a couple Democrats announce campaigns for Iowa congressional seats.

A few public safety officers in Iowa will train to identify and detain people in the U.S. without legal status. Federal funding freezes could impact family planning services for low-income Iowans. And an environmental nonprofit and university will examine high cancer rates in Iowa.

Bills in the legislature would make cash tips and overtime pay income tax free. Emergency room wait times are especially long for older patients. And what other Republicans are considering running for governor?

There are now two attempts to add work requirements for some Medicaid recipients in Iowa. Five University of Iowa students have had their visas revoked. And tuition increase proposals for the public universities have been released.

Gerrymandering is a concern with a new state law that impacts a few counties' board representation. A bill that would make major changes to election recount policies has made it to the governor's desk. And how did a couple overcome homelessness in Des Moines?

Governor Kim Reynolds will not run for reelection in 2026. Iowa's top election official says it would be "pretty serious" if some federal election security programs ended. And how could psychedelics help treat alcohol use disorder?

Some student visas have been cancelled at two of the state's public universities. Millions of dollars in federal humanities funding has been terminated. And what is a state committee recommending to reduce maternal mortality?

Some everyday household items could be state sales tax free under a bill in the legislature. Iowa biodiesel producers are seeking certainty amidst tariffs and new tax credits. And an in-depth look at the push to restrict foods people can buy with SNAP.

The governor says she's looking forward to signing a bill that regulates cell phone use in Iowa schools. Senator Chuck Grassley is not backing down on his bill involving tariff policies. And a K-12 education funding bill is ready to be signed by the governor.

Legislation regulating handgun ownership in the state is headed to the governor's desk. State lawmakers have figured out K-12 education funding past the budget deadline. And why are some National Weather Service offices not launching weather balloons anymore?

An environmental advocacy group is concerned with amendments to Iowa legislation involving pipeline projects. Protests happened in over a dozen Iowa cities over the weekend against the Trump administration. And the legislature has reached a second critical deadline.

A bill banning DEI offices at several agencies across the state has been amended. The state legislative session has passed another critical deadline. And how do buildings kill birds?