Here First

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

A church camp in southeastern Iowa is being investigated for allegations of child abuse. Gov. Kim Reynolds' summer food program is off to a rocky start. And a new tick-borne disease in the state is reaching cows.

The Minnesota state senator shot and injured along with his wife near the Twin Cities over the weekend once lived in Polk County. It was one of two shootings that also took the lives of a Minnesota state representative and her husband. Thousands of Iowans joined millions across the country in protests against Trump administration policies over the weekend. And a number of Iowa communities plan to observe Juneteenth later this week – commemorating the end of slavery in the United States in 1865.

Ames is closing its police review committee to comply with a new state law. Des Moines metro residents aren't allowed to water lawns in order to keep nitrate levels below safety standards. And what are federal lawmakers doing to regulate hemp?