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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4/7/2026
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Iowa's Nuclear Energy Task Force learned what it could cost Iowa to build a modular nuclear reactor. The Mayor of Palo is saying news reports about private discussions over a data center project aren't accurate. And opponents of a bill that regulate H-1B visa employment say it could make Iowa less competitive.
View original4/6/2026
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A local publisher has agreed to buy six rural Iowa newspapers following the announced closure of Mid-America Publishing. A nonprofit that prevents and responds to child abuse says Iowa has a long way to go. And State Representative Hans Wilz (R-Ottumwa) says lawmakers should come up with some state guidelines for modular nuclear reactors.
View original4/3/2026
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Democratic candidate for governor Rob Sand is proposing term and age limits, and cognitive tests for state officials. A bill to regulate prediction markets in the state is moving ahead. And a second top official at Iowa’s public employees’ retirement system has been put on leave while an investigation into possible misconduct is conducted.
View original4/2/2026
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An Iowa agriculture leader says President Trump's initiatives for farmers aren't enough. A bill would raise the minimum speed limit on some highways. And lawmakers are considering a bill that aims to recruit health care professionals to certain areas of the state.
View original4/1/2026
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Commercial drivers would have to pass an English proficiency test under a bill. Republican candidate for governor Randy Feenstra says he wants to lower the state income tax even more. And will federal funds for rural health care be enough to offset losses from Medicaid cuts?
View original3/31/2026
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A bill on the governor's desk could help child care workers with their own children. Several small newspapers in Iowa may not have to close. And the National Weather Service is recruiting severe weather spotters.
View original3/30/2026
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Iowans across the state rallied as part of the No Kings protests. Enrollment in federal food assistance has dropped. And the USDA cancelled a grant program for underserved producers.
View original3/27/2026
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Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill that will temporarily raise taxes on HMO health insurance plans. Residents in Cedar Falls are concerned about a proposed cryptocurrency mine. And how Kansas communities deal with tumbleweeds.
View original3/26/2026
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A new report looks at environmental factors and Iowa's cancer rates. Candidate for governor Eddie Andrews will be on the primary ballot. And Governor Kim Reynolds shares some thoughts on property tax proposals.
View original3/25/2026
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The mayor of Palo is showing support for Google's data center plans. A few candidates were kicked off the primary election ballot. And lawmakers are considering towing regulations.
View original3/24/2026
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Abortions in Iowa dropped last year. A bill on the governor's desk would let health care providers decline to participate in services if it conflicts with their conscience. And residents in Linn County are concerned about plans for a gas-fired power plant.
View original3/23/2026
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There was a rally against a bill that would end some H-1B visa employment at Iowa colleges. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on if Roundup should have a cancer warning. And the latest on the Iowa legislative session.
View original3/20/2026
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The Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa went way over budget on an event. A library book club in central Iowa was cancelled after community backlash over the book. And taking a look at perspectives on laws regulating big cat ownership.
View original3/19/2026
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A bill would allow so-called 'magic mushrooms' for treating some mental illnesses. A bill about foster parents' beliefs on gender identity and sexual orientation is advancing. And the Sioux City Library budget won't shrink as much as originally planned.
View original3/18/2026
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A new poll shows most Iowa voters support raising the tobacco tax. The Iowa House has passed a bill that would create stricter employment verification for people working at schools. And there are new gubernatorial endorsements.
View original3/17/2026
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A proposed tax increase on HMO health insurance plans is moving ahead at the Iowa Statehouse. A proposal to keep school districts from rejecting partnerships with community-based preschool program providers is also moving ahead. And Waterloo’s Grout Museum District is speaking out against the city’s proposal to reduce its funding.
View original3/16/2026
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A blizzard across Iowa Sunday into Monday didn’t drop a lot of snow – but it did close major interstate highways because of low visibility. New reports suggest bills aimed at cutting tuition at Iowa’s public universities could have wide-ranging effects on the campuses. And a federal wildlife refuge in central Iowa is making plans to renovate and reopen a visitor’s center that was damaged by a 2024 storm.
View original3/13/2026
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Revenue estimates show the state likely won't bring in enough money to cover the next state budget. A billionaire with Iowa ties is testifying in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. And a high school senior is raising money for immigrant and refugee students to go to college
View original3/12/2026
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Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law that will likely affect cities that have local gender identity anti-discrimination protections. More candidates for governor and a U.S. Senate seat are submitting paperwork for the primaries. And a look at the effort to change Iowa's Medicaid income limits for people with disabilities.
View original3/11/2026
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A northwest Iowa school district is trying to address racist bullying. The Iowa House has passed a bill that bans mothers without legal status from a federal food assistance program. And why are there more FFA chapters being created in urban schools?
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