PlatPhorm Podcasts
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. You can support what you hear on this podcast at ipr.org/donate.
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5/5/2026
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Democrat candidates for Iowa's 4th Congressional District talked to voters last night. Iowans in the Des Moines area are being asked to voluntarily limit their water usage. And a bill on the governor's desk regulates hydrogen extraction.
View original5/4/2026
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The 2026 Iowa legislative session is over after a long weekend. Medication abortions could only be done in person under a bill. And Republican candidates for governor share their views on eminent domain.
View original5/1/2026
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Democrat Rob Sand talks more about his ideas for water quality as he campaigns to be Iowa's next governor. Implicit bias prevention training for law officers wouldn't be required under a bill on the governor's desk. And buying beef in bulk might be a way to save money on beef.
View original4/30/2026
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A bill in the legislature would ban warrant resolution clinics. An Iowan who's helped Ukrainian refugees resettle in the state went to D.C. last week to advocate for them. And lawmakers are considering a bill that would require passive radon mitigation systems in certain homes.
View original4/29/2026
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A few of the Republican candidates for governor debated abortion policy. A new study shows there are significant racial disparities across Iowa's health care system. And artificial intelligence is one factor behind the potential restart of a nuclear power plant in eastern Iowa.
View original4/28/2026
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Several schools are closing in the Cedar Rapids school district. The MAHA bill has passed the Iowa House and Senate. And some community newspapers in Iowa that were at risk of shutting down have a new owner.
View original4/27/2026
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The U.S. Energy Secretary visited a data center campus near Cedar Rapids. The Board of Regents is considering a policy that requires review of general education courses to check for race-related content. And disagreement on a property tax policy could be the hold up for Iowa's legislative session.
View original4/24/2026
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Iowans could see an extra tax on alternative nicotine products under a bill in the legislature. A survey shows staff at the state's public universities don't feel as free to express their viewpoints like they did in the previous years. And how has more extreme weather impacted farmers and ranchers?
View original4/23/2026
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Some degree programs could be eliminated at the state's public universities. A study shows Midwest residents don't typically test their well water for nitrates. And volunteers in northwest Iowa are coming together to support immigrants.
View original4/22/2026
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Senate Democrats have rejected the governor's nomination to lead the largest state agency. Landlords are voicing their concerns with a property tax bill. And Google's proposed data center in eastern Iowa is bringing tension between two local jurisdictions.
View original4/21/2026
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A vigil was held last night to mourn the Iowa City shooting. Candidates for governor announce more of their policy plans. And a high school club in Des Moines is the oldest synchronized swimming group in the nation.
View original4/20/2026
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Five were injured in a shooting in Iowa City. Iowa's population growth is slowing. And the latest on the Iowa legislative session.
View original4/17/2026
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Campaign finance reports are published. There's a bill in the state legislature that would make it harder to get medication abortions. And why did George Foreman decide to be buried in Iowa?
View original4/16/2026
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An independent candidate is running to represent Iowa's 1st Congressional District. Public health officials in Polk County have created a plan to address community needs. And a bill would regulate AI used by minors.
View original4/15/2026
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A federal commission met last night about the Duane Arnold Energy Center. A bill on the governor's desk would no longer allow minors to get vaccines that prevent STIs. And the gender pay gap in Iowa's state employees has widened.
View original4/14/2026
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Congressman Zach Nunn talked to MAGA Nation last night. There's a bill on the governor's desk that changes time limits on subacute mental health care. And the Catholic Archdiocese of Dubuque is consolidating parishes.
View original4/13/2026
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The Iowa State Education Association is endorsing Democrat Rob Sand for governor. A nonprofit is starting new legal services for refugees and other immigrants. And the latest on the Iowa legislative session.
View original4/10/2026
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Child care workers will receive child care assistance under a new state law. The Cook Political Report says Iowa governor's race is a toss-up. And an in-depth look at how USDA funding cuts could impact the honeybee industry.
View original4/9/2026
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A Republican candidate for governor shares his thoughts on education savings accounts. Iowa Senate lawmakers have passed a bill to overhaul Iowa's property tax system. And a Democratic candidate for an Iowa U.S. Senate seat talks policies on water quality.
View original4/8/2026
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Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin was in Iowa last night rallying Democrats. Gov. Kim Reynolds won't say why top officials for Iowa's public employee pension system were put on leave. And foster parent training requirements will change in Iowa.
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