Here First

The Iowa attorney general says investigating the University of Iowa over alleged violations of state anti-DEI laws will take a bit. Iowa's child care website is getting positive feedback. And Des Moines hosted the National Senior Games.

A temporary director has been appointed for the new Center for Intellectual Freedom at University of Iowa. Southern rust is more widespread in corn this year in the state. And how far does some food have to travel to get to the table?

The Iowa attorney general says she's investigating the University of Iowa. Over 200 meatpacking workers in Ottumwa may be deported. And disputes over a new jail in northwest Iowa are now in court.

President Trump is proposing cutting states' funding for investigating abuse against patients with mental illness. The U.S. will be leaving UNESCO. And Iowa has a high rate for brain drain.

Haitian refugees are losing their jobs soon before legal protections go away. Cuts to SNAP could especially impact fruit and vegetable farmers. And FedEx is laying off over 80 employees in eastern Iowa.

It's been a year since Iowa's fetal heartbeat abortion law took effect. Some hospital associations say the rural health care fund in the Big Beautiful Bill won't outweigh cuts to Medicaid. And a northwest Iowa school district won't allow religious groups to evangelize on its school grounds anymore.

Dozens of unpermitted wells have been discovered at the construction site of a new data center in Cedar Rapids, the high price of beef, a state library book-sharing program is temporarily paused due to budget issues, and the new definition of drought due to climate change concerns.

A successful takeoff for a satellite mission led by the University of Iowa, poultry experts raise concern about the upcoming bird flu season due to USDA cuts, Iowa's 4th Congressional race heats up, and an Iowa baby sets a world record.

Woodbury County supervisors have given initial approval to a zoning rule change that could bring a small nuclear power plant to the county. The state Board of Regents is postponing discussion of a policy that would stop requiring students to take courses related to diversity, equity and inclusion. And, Iowa has its eight confirmed case of measles.

Woodbury County discusses a zoning change later today that would allow a small nuclear power plant to be built in the region. The head of Iowa's Democratic Party says it's “disappointing” the state recently lost a seat on a key national committee. And Iowa's state tax collections dropped a bit over the last year, mostly because of a new business tax credit.

Iowa has a teacher shortage in more than two dozen specialties. Some school districts are turning to online instruction to fill those gaps. Sixteen Afghan families in the Des Moines area face eviction as money that has helped pay for their housing runs out. And Iowa is exploring several options to help people affected by the closing of the Black Hawk Bridge in Lansing later this year. It's being closed this fall, about two years before a new crossing is completed.

Congress has approved significant funding cuts for foreign aid and public media. There were several protests in Iowa over civil rights. And Virgina Gov. Glenn Youngkin was in Iowa last night.

Advocates worry cuts to some federal benefits could impact how many people receive WIC benefits. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says she trusts the Trump administration to handle the Jeffrey Epstein controversy. And a new regional administrator for HUD went to Cedar Rapids.

The City of Des Moines is considering raising taxes on residents' utility bills for DART. The head of Des Moines Water Works talks about nitrate regulations. And what could the impact be if the USPS becomes private?

Another Republican announced a campaign for Iowa's fourth congressional district. AmeriCorps funding cuts could be souring trust with young people. And the latest ruling in a case involving four University of Iowa international students and the Department of Homeland Security.

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.