Here First

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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.

Iowa Public Radio


    • Oct 24, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 7m AVG DURATION
    • 1,227 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    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.



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    Latest episodes from Here First

    Friday, October 24th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 8:44


    Immigrant rights advocates say a Des Moines high school student has been deported. Food pantries are preparing for higher need than normal. And beef producers are opposing President Trump's plan to lower beef prices.

    Thursday, October 23rd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 3:59


    A Democratic state lawmaker has requested an audit of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners' licensing procedures. A few eastern Iowa cities are asking voters to approve a sales tax. And a Republican candidate for an Iowa U.S. Senate seat says he wants to ban super PACs.

    Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 8:39


    Gov. Kim Reynolds says IPERS is not going anywhere. Polk County and crowdfunding sources are trying to fund water sensors throughout the state. And what do we know about high E. coli levels in Iowa's waterways?

    Tuesday, October 21st, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 3:32


    It's day 21 of the federal government shutdown. Des Moines' camping ban is stricter. And a federal court has blocked the Creston Community School District from firing a teacher for a social media post related to Charlie Kirk.

    Monday, October 20th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 3:46


    Iowans protested at No Kings rallies across the state. SNAP recipients might not get November food assistance benefits because of the government shutdown. And another Democrat is running for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District.

    Friday, October 17th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 8:32


    Iowa will rely more on reserve funds to fill a growing budget gap left by declining tax revenues. The chair of the Des Moines school board is out of the 2026 Senate race. And low levels on the Mississippi River could force farmers to pay higher prices for fertilizer.

    Thursday, October 16th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 8:11


    A second city in Iowa has affirmed protections for LGBTQ residents. Some airports are refusing to play a video from U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. And domestic violence homicide has gone up in Iowa.

    Wednesday, October 15th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 3:43


    Cancer researchers say the tobacco tax needs to be higher in Iowa. The state auditor is going to look into Des Moines Public Schools' finances. And another Republican is trying for Iowa's 4th Congressional District.

    Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 3:30


    A Republican has dropped out of the race for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. The nation's largest book supplier has suddenly closed. And lawmakers are trying to address agricultural cyberattacks.

    Monday, October 13th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 3:59


    A Democrat from eastern Iowa is running for U.S. Senate. Newspaper company Lee Enterprises will stop printing on Mondays. And new kinship licensing requirements makes it easier for kinship caregivers to get financial assistance.

    Friday, October 10th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 9:18


    A southwest Iowa teacher facing termination for her social media comments about Charlie Kirk's death is suing her school district. There is a woman county sheriff for the first time in over 100 years in Iowa. And how are Iowa farmers feeling about dropping land prices?

    Thursday, October 9th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 9:14


    Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order that requires work authorization checks for new state employees. The Iowa Supreme Court is deciding if low-income Iowans should have to pay court fees if their case is dismissed. And methane from landfills in Dubuque is converted into natural gas to power homes.

    Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 4:56


    Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks says she will hold a town hall when "hell freezes over." Community members had mixed feelings at the Des Moines school board meeting last night. And a request for a fence around an immigration enforcement office in eastern Iowa has been approved.

    Tuesday, October 7th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 8:32


    The Department of Homeland Security says former Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts has several past criminal charges. Google wants to build a data center in eastern Iowa. And how are Midwest grape growers dealing with low wine sales?

    Monday, October 6th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 3:40


    Des Moines Public Schools is suing the search firm they used to hire former superintendent Ian Roberts. Some Iowa immigrants are struggling to pay increased federal application fees. And an Iowa Libertarian has announced a bid for U.S. Senate.

    Friday, October 3rd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 9:00


    Community members attended a town hall for the former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent. The Johnson County Sheriff is now seeking a bond initiative to fund a new jail. And what can agricultural employers do to prepare for federal immigration officers showing up on U.S. farms?

    Thursday, October 2nd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 3:38


    Sen. Chuck Grassley says he isn't sold on President Trump's proposal to use tariff revenue for farmer aid. Early radon testing at Iowa public schools show some have high levels of the radioactive gas. And work-based learning is becoming more common in Iowa schools.

    Wednesday, October 1st, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 3:55


    The Des Moines Public School Board has accepted Ian Robert's resignation from superintendent. DMPS students walked out of classes yesterday in connection with ICE detaining Roberts. And DMPS is now under investigation for what the Department of Justice is calling race-based employment.

    Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 4:14


    The Des Moines School Board has placed Superintendent Ian Roberts on unpaid leave as he remains in federal detention, and the state has revoked his education license. Abortions provided by clinicians in Iowa dropped significantly in the first half of this year. And one of the Republicans running for Congress in northwest Iowa has dropped out of the race.

    Monday, September 29th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 4:09


    The Des Moines School Board voted over the weekend to place Superintendent Ian Roberts on paid administrative leave, following his arrest Friday by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. On Saturday, supporters for Roberts protested outside the Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center in Sioux City, where Roberts is currently being held. Farmers' soybeans may be stranded this harvest as China, the biggest buyer of soybeans on the international market, has yet to make a single purchase from the U.S. for the upcoming year.

    Friday, September 26th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 4:13


    Tax changes in President Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” will reduce Iowa's revenue by about $400 million this fiscal year. Iowa says its efforts to help a few dozen struggling public schools are showing encouraging results. And the University of Northern Iowa is set to kick off a year-long celebration for its 150th anniversary.

    Thursday, September 25th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 5:08


    Gov. Kim Reynolds says Iowa school performance is progressing because of her administration's policies. New law enforcement technology is coming to an eastern Iowa town, despite residents' pushback. And UnityPoint nurses in central Iowa say the company is trying to stop union efforts.

    Wednesday, September 24th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 4:23


    A Mount Pleasant man is suing the Trump Administration over a new immigration policy. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand backs the Oskaloosa school board for firing a teacher over comments about Charlie Kirk's death. And a community land trust is coming to the Des Moines area.

    Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 8:34


    More law enforcement agencies in the Midwest are working with ICE. The director of the state's largest agency has resigned. And an AmeriCorps program in Waterloo is back up and running.

    Monday, September 22nd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 4:04


    The Oskaloosa art teacher who was fired over a social media post about Charlie Kirk's death is now suing the school district. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird talks free speech on college campuses. And Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in Iowa over the weekend.

    iowa charlie kirk oskaloosa iowa attorney general brenna bird
    Friday, September 19th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 7:43


    The council has been formed for the Center for Intellectual Freedom on University of Iowa's campus. Another Republican has announced a bid for Iowa's second congressional district. And how is the new Area Education Agency law impacting school districts?

    Thursday, September 18th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 8:18


    An Oskaloosa teacher has lost his job after alleged social media posts that celebrate Charlie Kirk's death. Several Iowa university employees are on leave and being investigated for social media comments on Charlie Kirk's death. And more people want to buy locally-raised meat.

    Wednesday, September 17th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 3:50


    An Iowan is going to Rome to meet with the Pope. Some blind Iowans are concerned about changes to a state program. And Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver has stepped down.

    Tuesday, September 16th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 3:58


    Democrats will have a bit more power in the Iowa Senate when it comes to governor nominees for some state positions. There was a vigil last night for Charlie Kirk on University of Iowa's campus. And the Iowa DOGE Task Force had its final meeting.

    Monday, September 15th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 3:53


    U.S Republican Representative Ashley Hinson has formally launched her U.S. Senate campaign. Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen was in Iowa over the weekend. And the USDA is still making plans to reorganize its structure.

    Friday, September 12th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 8:04


    The Oskaloosa Community School District is investigating a teacher who allegedly posted comments that appeared to celebrate Charlie Kirk's death. The Iowa DNR is starting a new project to try to reduce E. coli in some Iowa water. And why are some Iowans concerned about Flock cameras?

    Thursday, September 11th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 4:46


    People who accompany immigrants with immigration check in appointments say it's getting harder to do so. The Iowa Supreme Court is trying to decide if school administrators can be held individually responsible for discrimination in their schools. And what Trump policies could impact where Iowa gets its energy?

    Wednesday, September 10th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 4:04


    No charges will be filed against the Denison police officer who shot and killed a homeless migrant last month. A northern Iowa school district issued a shelter-in-place protocol yesterday after reports of immigration officials in town. And the state of Iowa has settled a sexual orientation and gender identify discrimination lawsuit.

    Tuesday, September 9th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025


    An appointee from the Trump Administration is running for Iowa's second congressional seat. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins was in Des Moines yesterday. And the recidivism rate in Iowa is the lowest it's been in ten years.

    Monday, September 8th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025


    President Trump is backing Ashley Hinson for U.S. Senate. Another Republican is trying for Iowa's fourth congressional district seat. And Iowa business leaders say unresolved U.S. tariff policies is a concern.

    Friday, September 5th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025


    A new study links air pollution and animal feeding operations. The Meskwaki Nation and Iowa's top law enforcement officials have reached a settlement on how tribal police pursue suspects. And a food bank program that supports local food will continue for another year.

    Thursday, September 4th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025


    Des Moines' public transit system is taking public input on reducing its services. Several environmental groups are pushing back against a wastewater permit requested for a coal plant in Ottumwa. And Linn County has finalized zoning regulations for nuclear energy production.

    Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025


    Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says she's not seeking a third term – and fellow Republican Representative Ashley Hinson has quickly jumped into the already-crowded race for Senate. Also, the former Catholic bishop of Des Moines is calling for stronger gun laws following a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis last week.

    Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 8:51


    Des Moines' bus system proposes reducing services by about 10 percent under a new plan aimed at avoiding a major budget shortfall. A Democrat who was running for the US House now says he'll run for Senate instead. And health experts say this flu season could be a severe one – and they want more Iowans to get a flu shot.

    Friday, August 29th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 8:35


    Rep. Ashley Hinson says Iowa has a fair redistricting system, but other states should not be forced to copy it. Iowa officials are looking to expand exports for a predicted record corn crop. And immigrant workers in Ottumwa are struggling financially after the Trump administration revoked their legal statuses.

    Thursday, August 28th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 4:01


    The Trump administration has told 40 states, including Iowa, that they must remove all references to gender identity in sex education. Former state lawmaker Dave Dawson is running for the Democratic nomination for Iowa's 4th Congressional district. And Harvest Public Media reports that planned solar projects across the country are being halted after the EPA announced it's terminating $7 billion in federal Solar for All funding.

    Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 3:45


    The Republican supermajority in the Iowa Senate has been broken. Gov. Kim Reynolds spoke about teacher and medical professional shortages with other governors. And all of Polk County's ARPA funding has been allocated.

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