Meghan McKinney

Missouri is one of 11 states that require nurse practitioners to collaborate with a physician in order to practice. Nurse practitioners want to change that.

KSMU's Meghan McKinney interviewed Fereshte about her time in Springfield and what she hopes for her future.

Hospital emergency departments are continuing to recover from COVID-19 – and they’re looking at ways to better meet the needs of those needing emergency care. KSMU’s Meghan McKinney looks at how the pandemic impacted ER wait times. And she reports on what healthcare systems are doing to address the problem of people waiting hours for care.

According to the Missouri Department of Health in 2020, drug overdoses were the leading cause of death for Missourians 18 to 44-years-old.

Blueberry bushes can be a rewarding addition to any garden, but getting them to thrive takes the right balance of soil, sunlight and care. From choosing the best variety to understanding soil acidity, successful growth starts well before the first berries appear. On this Hort Day episode, guest host Meghan McKinney talks with Randall Vos, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, about the best tactics for growing healthy, productive blueberry bushes. Then, Vos and Aaron Steil answer listener questions about spring planting and how to set your garden up for success.

Blueberry bushes can be a rewarding addition to any garden, but getting them to thrive takes the right balance of soil, sunlight and care. From choosing the best variety to understanding soil acidity, successful growth starts well before the first berries appear. Guest host Meghan McKinney talks with Randall Vos, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, about the best tactics for growing healthy, productive blueberry bushes.

Under a bill on its way to the governor's desk, prospective foster care parents couldn't be denied licensure due to their sincerely held moral and religious beliefs around gender identity and sexual orientation. Opponents of the bill say it could harm LGBTQ youth in foster care.

Foster parent training will be based on a prospective parent's lived and professional experience under a new law set to take effect July 1. Some training topics are required, as well as safety vetting and background checks.

First generation, immigrant and refugee students at Valley High School in West Des Moines have an opportunity for a scholarship to go to college through a student-led fundraising effort.

The Iowa Senate passed a bill that would change Iowa's foster care training requirements. Under the proposal, the state would determine a training course for each prospective foster parent, with some areas of training still required.

In the year since Iowa lawmakers repealed state civil rights based on gender identity, transgender and nonbinary Iowans have experienced fear, anxiety and uncertainty. The historic legislation has forced transgender Iowans to contemplate their future in the state. Some have left, and others are navigating how to continue living in the state.

Actor, comedian and writer Tom Arnold is performing for the first time in Iowa in over 15 years this week. He joins the show to talk about his childhood in Iowa, how he made his way to Hollywood, and life as a single dad now. Then, Des Moines native Zach Stoppelmoor is the first Iowan to make the U.S. Olympic speedskating team. He spoke with IPR 'Morning Edition' host Meghan McKinney. Then, host Charity Nebbe talks with hockey players and roommates Samuel Hlavaj and David Spacek. They've been playing the last few years for the Iowa Wild team, and will be competing for Team Slovakia and Team Czechia.

Zach Stoppelmoor is on his way to the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy. The 26-year-old from West Des Moines is the first Iowan to make the U.S. Speedskating team at the Olympics.

A study by the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence found that women and children make up the majority of victims of domestic violence homicides in the state. According to the lead researcher, access to guns and a lack of affordable housing could be contributing factors.