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


    • Aug 15, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 7m AVG DURATION
    • 1,178 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, August 15th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 8:24


    Des Moines Water Works leaders say the EPA was wrong to take some of the rivers off the impaired waters list. A Head Start program director says new federal enrollment requirements could bring extra paperwork for families. And how are some communities mitigating light pollution?

    epa head start des moines water works
    Thursday, August 14th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 4:20


    Joni Ernst says she has a good relationship with President Trump. A refugee resettlement nonprofit in Iowa says private donations have helped them continue their work. And a large portion of a bicycle trail in central Iowa has been paved.

    Wednesday, August 13th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 4:07


    There are now five Democrats running for U.S. Senator Joni Ernst's (R) seat. The head of the EPA won't say why five Iowa rivers were removed from the impaired waters list. And Gov. Kim Reynolds has directed twenty Iowa National Guard troops to support immigration enforcement efforts.

    Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 3:59


    Another undercover video of a state university employee allegedly working around DEI laws has been released. A proposed policy would require educators at the state universities to avoid teaching from one perspective. And new federal policies for wind and solar projects are causing uncertainty.

    Monday, August 11th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025


    A Starbucks in Des Moines is unionizing. A new map from the Iowa DNR shows the destruction to trees from the 2020 derecho. And what did U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego (D) have to say at the state fair?

    Friday, August 8th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 8:20


    Graduate students at the University of Iowa are accusing the president of the school of joining right-wing efforts. Federal funding for healthy food access for low-income people is going away. And a Boston-qualifier marathon is coming to Iowa next year.

    Thursday, August 7th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 3:24


    Iowa will help the Trump administration's deportation agenda. Colleges now have to verify applicants' citizenship status for some education programs. And the Iowa DOGE task force met again to discuss ways to save the state money.

    Wednesday, August 6th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 8:44


    Requests for mutual aid for transgender support are going up. Many immigrant workers in Iowa meatpacking plants are at risk of deportation. And how are some trying to reduce nitrates in Iowa drinking water?

    Tuesday, August 5th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 3:57


    Scientists studying Iowa's water quality say data collection is critical to improving water. Gov. Kim Reynolds says she's wanting to adopt MAHA policies in the next legislative session. And the Des Moines School board chair is running for a seat in the U.S. Senate.

    Monday, August 4th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 7:23


    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.

    Friday, August 1st, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 8:00


    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?

    Thursday, July 31st, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 3:52


    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.

    Wednesday, July 30th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 4:06


    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.

    Tuesday, July 29th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 3:30


    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.

    Monday, July 28th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 8:38


    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.

    Friday, July 25th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 7:57


    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.

    Thursday, July 24th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 5:11


    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.

    Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 4:15


    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.

    Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 4:09


    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.

    Monday, July 21st, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 4:16


    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.

    Friday, July 18th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 8:16


    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.

    Thursday, July 17th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 3:42


    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.

    Wednesday, July 16th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 8:25


    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?

    usps des moines dart des moines water works
    Tuesday, July 15th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 7:47


    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.

    Monday, July 14th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 8:38


    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?

    Friday, July 11th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 9:09


    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.

    Thursday, July 10th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 9:39


    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.

    Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 4:02


    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.

    Tuesday, July 8th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 4:08


    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?

    Monday, July 7th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 3:50


    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.

    Thursday, July 3rd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025


    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.

    Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025


    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.

    Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025


    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.

    Monday, June 30th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025


    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?

    Friday, June 27th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 8:31


    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.

    Thursday, June 26th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 8:52


    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.

    Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 4:13


    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.

    Tuesday, June 24th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 4:27


    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.

    Monday, June 23rd, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 4:11


    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.

    Friday, June 20th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 8:26


    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?

    Thursday, June 19th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 3:53


    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.

    Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 8:11


    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?

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