Here First

It’s been a year since the federal government created a new designation to help rural hospitals, but so far no hospitals in Iowa have signed up for it. The end of COVID-19 assistance payments is straining the budgets for senior meal delivery services. And some counties in Iowa say they need more attorneys.

Des Moines’ longest-serving mayor wraps up 20 years on the job this weekend. Some Republican lawmakers in Iowa are calling on others to join in stopping the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines. And Iowa’s blood banks are putting out the call for more people to roll up their sleeves this winter.

Anti-hunger advocates say research on food insecurity doesn’t match Gov. Kim Reynolds’ reasoning for opting out of a summer food program for kids. Traffic deaths are up in Iowa for 2023. And Iowa is a leading state for volunteering.

With the Iowa Caucuses just over 2 weeks away, GOP voters supporting Donald Trump appear set on their decision. Sioux City schools are making budget cuts with the loss of COVID funding and doctors warn respiratory illnesses are causing more hospitalizations.

Republican Statehouse leaders say they’re not sure if lawmakers will take action against future Satanic displays in the Iowa Capitol. A Dubuque native who's been in the Iowa legislature since 1993 has a new role in the Iowa Senate, but she hasn't decided whether to seek reelection in 2024. Plus, a new report on social media use among teens shows there are both mental health harms and benefits that can come from it.

Iowa's unemployment rate increased to 3.3% in November. Schools in Iowa are preparing for enforcement to take effect for a state law banning any books that show or describe sexual acts. Plus, the debate over National Forests as climate solutions.

The West Des Moines Water Works is the latest utility to sign off on plans to establish a new regional drinking water system. One Iowa recycling center’s holiday work should go quite a bit faster this season. Plus, a conversation with Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Former President Donald Trump is defending his comments about migrants crossing the southern border. Iowa lawmakers will likely soon consider repealing a law that requires state boards and commissions to be “gender balanced.” Plus, a conversation with Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley.

There's been a huge increase in traffic fatalities in Iowa this year. Top Republicans in the Iowa House and Senate say they want to speed up existing income tax cuts. Plus, a group of Native American women from Nebraska and Iowa are using sewing to help heal from trauma.

Nikki Haley has denounced Republican presidential rival Ron DeSantis in Iowa for campaigning in the state with Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie. The state of Iowa is expanding a water quality program to try and clean up one of most polluted rivers in the state. Plus, labor unions in Iowa were more active in 2022 and 2023 than in previous years.