Here First

Here First

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Here First episodes

  • Wednesday, May 27th, 2026
    Iowa Democrats are talking to the DNC today about changing the caucus process. The governor has signed a bill into law that will provide funding for pediatric cancer research. And Republican candidate for governor Randy Feenstra shares why he hasn't been going to debates.
    5 min
  • Tuesday, May 26th, 2026
    Primary elections are a week away in Iowa. Community colleges are preparing for new state property tax laws. And Polk County has launched a website about water quality and health.
    5 min
  • Friday, May 22nd, 2026
    A new private behavioral health facility opens this June in Council Buffs. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group says testing has shown elevated nitrate levels in Des Moines and other Midwest cities. And a look inside a national competition in Oklahoma that draws hundreds of teenagers from across the country to show their skills judging soil.
    10 min
  • Thursday, May 21st, 2026
    Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was in Iowa yesterday. The governor has signed what she's calling Iowa's 'MAHA' law. And a lawsuit about Iowa jail fees is continuing in court.
    4 min
  • Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
    The governor has signed a bill that further restricts abortion access in Iowa. Almost all the Republican candidates for governor debated water quality last night. And fundraising reports for the governor candidates are out.
    5 min
  • Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
    The city of Des Moines is expecting a budget shortfall after Governor Kim Reynolds signed a property tax bill into law. Democratic candidate for governor Rob Sand says he would address PBMs. And who are the Republicans running to represent Iowa's Second Congressional District?
    5 min
  • Monday, May 18th, 2026
    The Iowa Department of Transportation will have to check citizenship status when Iowans get or renew an ID. There are three Democrats wanting to represent Iowa's Second Congressional District. And the USDA is considering moving around seedbanks in the Midwest.
    5 min
  • Friday, May 15th, 2026
    Iowa environmental groups are suing the EPA over its decision to remove some Iowa waterways from the Impaired Waters List. Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Josh Turek and Zach Wahls had their second debate last night. And some voters aren't convinced Congressman Randy Feenstra is guaranteed to be the Republican candidate for governor.
    10 min
  • Thursday, May 14th, 2026
    The U.S. House has passed a bill to allow the year-round sale of E-15 fuel. Iowa is updating its IT system used to track foster and adoption cases. And the Democratic primary for Iowa's open U.S. Senate seat is competitive.
    10 min
  • Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
    Gov. Reynolds signed a bill into law that includes her education priorities. The latest on the push for year-round E-15. And what you need to know about voting early in Iowa's primary election.
    5 min

About Here First

From the publisher's feed

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…

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