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Here First podcast from IPR
Here First
Monday – Friday before 7 a.m.

Start your day with the essentials. Coffee. Breakfast. And the local news you need to know. Host Meghan McKinney rises bright and early to bring you the top news stories from around Iowa in under 10 minutes. Wake up, grab that coffee and get your news Here First.

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Latest Episodes
  • 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?
  • Artificial intelligence is being used in an Iowa school for security purposes. Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a law to cut down on distracted driving. And how would a law that protects pesticide companies from cancer lawsuits impact Iowans?
  • Funds for substance abuse prevention and other state community health programs have been terminated. A state representative has resigned. And Iowa high school graduation rates have improved.