
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.
Latest Episodes
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A northeast Iowa high school is investigating the circulation of AI-generated deepfake nude photos of several students. The Planned Parenthood in Des Moines won't have abortion care as it expands other services. And an Iowan who fought in the Vietnam War shares his experience flying one of the last helicopters out of Saigon.
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Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer will be running for state auditor in 2026. Iowa House and Senate Republicans are still negotiating a state budget. And a worker's union in Iowa is concerned about the federal cuts to OSHA.
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The governor is suing the Des Moines Register. An Iowa City nonprofit says the civil rights of several Latino construction workers were violated during a traffic stop. And what are state lawmakers still needing to get done?
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Iowa State University will expand a civic center and program. Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson held a town hall. And why are some farmers fearing another farm crisis?
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Some Iowans are speaking out about the state’s plan to add work requirements for some people on Medicaid. The state says all schools in Iowa are in compliance with a federal order to eliminate DEI-related programs. And a school district in northwest Iowa says students are finally back in a building that was heavily damaged in last summer’s flooding.
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Sioux City will be the first to launch a homeless court in the state. Summit Carbon Solutions' proposed pipeline is facing a setback. And four international students at the University of Iowa are working to restore their student statuses.
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A Des Moines priest says the late Pope Francis stood up for everybody's dignity. A Republican state lawmaker is officially considering a run for governor. Magic mushrooms would be legal to treat PTSD and other conditions under a bill.
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The governor has signed several bills into law. An advocacy group is bringing light to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People movement. And a couple Democrats announce campaigns for Iowa congressional seats.
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A few public safety officers in Iowa will train to identify and detain people in the U.S. without legal status. Federal funding freezes could impact family planning services for low-income Iowans. And an environmental nonprofit and university will examine high cancer rates in Iowa.
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Bills in the legislature would make cash tips and overtime pay income tax free. Emergency room wait times are especially long for older patients. And what other Republicans are considering running for governor?