Just The News Iowa

From Taco Trucks to National Parks: Iowans and Americans Feel the Pinch as Popularity Drives Up Costs

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:00:47 GMT

From taco trucks to national parks, Americans say popularity has made once-affordable activities and goods too expensive and overcrowded. One Iowan shares how the French Quarter lost its charm.

Netflix Brings New Look, Iowa Connection to MLB Home Run Derby

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 20:01:07 GMT

Netflix is stepping up to the plate in a big way. The streaming giant will exclusively broadcast Monday night's MLB Home Run Derby from Philadelphia, marking a major shift in how fans watch one of baseball's most popular events. And for Iowans, there is an extra reason to tune in: Netflix is already scouting locations in the state for the upcoming Field of Dreams game.

Caitlin Clark vs Paige Bueckers: Two Icons, Two Very Different Paths

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 19:01:13 GMT

Two of the biggest stars in women's basketball, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, have taken vastly different journeys to the top of the WNBA. While both are White, Midwestern-born phenoms, their cultural perceptions could not be more distinct.

Ranking the Best Iowa Hawkeyes Quarterbacks of the 2020s

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 18:02:25 GMT

A look back at the quarterbacks who have taken snaps for the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2020s, from the forgettable to the unforgettable.

Senator Lindsey Graham’s Death Shakes GOP Senate Agenda and Iowa Priorities

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 17:02:34 GMT

Senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden death upends GOP Senate plans on defense spending, judicial confirmations, and budget negotiations, with direct implications for Iowa’s economy and Senator Chuck Grassley’s potential new role.

Charlie Becker: Iowa's Missed Recruit Shines as NFL Draft Prospect

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 16:01:00 GMT

Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker, a former Iowa recruit, is a top NFL Draft prospect after a breakout season that included a national championship and big-play ability.

Iowa's Fran McCaffery Returns to Champaign With Penn Quakers in November

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 15:04:01 GMT

Iowa basketball fans will see former Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery return to Champaign on Nov. 5 when his Penn Quakers face Illinois at State Farm Center.

Lindsey Graham Enters 2016 Race: 5 Key Facts Iowa Voters Should Know

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 14:00:51 GMT

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham officially entered the 2016 presidential race Monday. Here are five key facts Iowa voters should know about the Republican candidate.

Chuck Grassley in line to lead powerful Senate Budget Committee after Lindsey Graham's death

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 13:01:23 GMT

The death of Senator Lindsey Graham opens the door for Iowa's Chuck Grassley to lead the powerful Senate Budget Committee, a key post for advancing President Trump's agenda through reconciliation.

Iowa Football Looks to End Kinnick Stadium Woes Against Iowa State in 2026

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 12:01:40 GMT

Iowa football looks to end its home losing streak against Iowa State when the Cy-Hawk rivalry returns to Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 12, 2026.

Sterling man restores forgotten Iowa cemeteries, honoring lost families

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:01:17 GMT

Dana Fellows of Sterling has restored over 100 tombstones in Whiteside County cemeteries, uncovering the stories of forgotten families and children of tenant farmers. His mission honors the dead and inspires others to help.

Rural and Working-Class Voters Sour on Trump Economy Ahead of Midterms

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 08:01:32 GMT

A growing number of white working-class and rural voters, a core part of President Donald Trump's political base, are expressing deep dissatisfaction with his economic leadership, raising concerns for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Iowa Bettors Can Score Up to $1,000 in FanCash with Fanatics Sportsbook Promo for McGregor vs. Holloway 2

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 07:02:32 GMT

Iowa bettors can claim up to $1,000 in FanCash with the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code COVERS, available now for the McGregor vs. Holloway 2 rematch at UFC 329.

Iowa's Luke Lessei Headlines ONE Fight Night 45 in Must-Watch Main Event

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 04:01:24 GMT

Iowa native Luke Lessei headlines ONE Fight Night 45 against Algeria's Mohamed Younes Rabah in a featherweight Muay Thai showdown live from Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium on Prime Video this Friday.

Democratic Pastors Challenge Trump's Hold on Christian Voters in 2026 Midterms

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 03:00:42 GMT

A growing number of white Democratic pastors are running for Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, arguing that Republicans have distorted Christian values for political gain.

Iowa's Landon Brown among top prospects still available on Day 2 of MLB Draft

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 02:01:19 GMT

Iowa prep pitcher Landon Brown remains a top prospect as the 2026 MLB Draft enters Day 2. Here's what to watch for in Rounds 5-20.

Iowa's TJ Hall: A Hawkeye Cornerback's NFL Path and What It Means for Local Fans

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 01:01:43 GMT

Former Hawkeye cornerback TJ Hall heads to the New Orleans Saints as a seventh-round pick, bringing the physical, blue-collar style that Iowa football is known for. Here's what his NFL path means for local fans and fantasy football players.

Cubs reliever Phil Maton returns from IL, hopes for better second half

John Damon — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:01:39 GMT

Chicago Cubs reliever Phil Maton returns from the injured list hoping to bounce back from a rough first half. Manager Craig Counsell also shares a lighthearted story about his own draft-day bonus.

NYC Mayor Mamdani's Homeless Policy Draws Fire as Manhattan Encampments Grow

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 23:01:35 GMT

A New York City homeless encampment near the Intrepid Museum has become a flashpoint in the debate over Mayor Zohran Mamdani's approach to urban order, with local business owners saying the city enables the crisis rather than solving it.

Iowa ranks among top 10 cheapest states for 2026, CNBC says

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:01:16 GMT

Iowa ranks among the top 10 cheapest states for 2026, according to CNBC's cost of living analysis, with low rents and home prices offset by high insurance costs.

Chicago Linebacker Igwebuike Commits to Notre Dame Over Iowa

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:00:57 GMT

Chicago Mount Carmel linebacker Roman Igwebuike, a top-150 national recruit who held offers from Iowa and Iowa State, committed to Notre Dame over dozens of programs.

Iowa First Responders Deserve Fair Pay to Keep Communities Safe

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 20:01:15 GMT

Nate Willems, Democratic candidate for Iowa attorney general, argues that fair pay for police and firefighters is essential for public safety in Iowa's small towns and rural communities.

ESPN Rankings Put Notre Dame at No. 3, But Iowa Hawkeyes Crack Top 25

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 19:01:42 GMT

ESPN's 2026 FPI rankings place Iowa at No. 25, highlighting the Big Ten's depth and the Hawkeyes' potential for a strong season.

Gay GOP candidate sues fellow Republicans over 'pedophile' smear

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 18:02:55 GMT

An openly gay Republican candidate for Congress has filed multiple defamation lawsuits against fellow party members, accusing them of spreading false 'pedophile' claims. The case exposes internal GOP tensions over LGBTQ issues in conservative Wyoming.

CLAAS FarmPoint Opens New Location, Strengthening Iowa Supply Chain for Farmers

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:02:33 GMT

CLAAS FarmPoint opens a new Jamestown location with expanded parts and service, leveraging an Iowa warehouse to deliver faster support for farmers.

Could Merging These 4 Iowa Libraries Save Taxpayer Money? A Conservative Idea Worth Studying

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:01:22 GMT

A proposal to merge four central Iowa libraries could save taxpayer money and preserve services without raising taxes. Plus: rural health, agriculture, and political shifts.

Iowa's Chuck Grassley at 92: Is Congress Becoming an Assisted-Living Facility?

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 15:01:21 GMT

With Senator Chuck Grassley at 92 and Mitch McConnell at 84, a national debate intensifies: Is America's government too old to lead effectively?

Elin Hilderbrand's 'Five-Star Weekend' Hits Peacock; Iowa Writers' Workshop Roots Revealed

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 14:00:53 GMT

Bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand credits the Iowa Writers' Workshop with launching her career after a dark period in Iowa City. Her latest adaptation, 'The Five-Star Weekend,' premieres on Peacock this week.

Iowa Hawkeyes 1996 Team Would Have Shaken Up a 24-Team College Football Playoff

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 13:01:25 GMT

The 1996 Iowa Hawkeyes under Hayden Fry boasted a dynamic offense and would have been a dangerous dark horse in a 24-team College Football Playoff. Here is why this forgotten team deserves a second look.

New Baby Gnome and Children's Book Bring Big Summer Fun to Reiman Gardens

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:01:17 GMT

Reiman Gardens in Ames welcomes a new four-foot Baby Gnome alongside the iconic 15-foot Elwood, plus a new children's book and summer events.

Maryland Democrat Chris Van Hollen Eyes 2028 Presidential Run, Touts Anti-Trump Record

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 09:01:22 GMT

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen is considering a 2028 presidential run, citing his anti-Trump record and recent trips to Iowa and New Hampshire as signs of early momentum.

Democrats scramble after Maine candidate's downfall exposes party divisions

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 08:01:35 GMT

The Democratic Party's hopes of flipping a key Senate seat in Maine have collapsed after candidate Graham Platner withdrew following a sexual assault allegation, exposing deep internal divisions.

WNBA Star Caitlin Clark Faces Backlash From Media, But Iowa Fans Aren't Buying It

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:02:42 GMT

Iowa native Caitlin Clark faces backlash from an ESPN writer who says the WNBA isn't treating her unfairly. But fans and a WNBA legend disagree.

Maine Democrat Chaos Exposes National Party Divide as Senate Control Hangs in Balance

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 04:00:48 GMT

Maine's Democratic Senate campaign implodes as party infighting over socialist candidates threatens Senate control. Iowa's own race with Ashley Hinson could be affected.

Lahn Touts Trump Endorsement, Hinson Warns of Democrat 'Dark Money' at Iowa GOP Dinner

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 03:01:03 GMT

At the Iowa GOP Lincoln Dinner, Zach Lahn touted President Trump's endorsement while Rep. Ashley Hinson warned of Democrat 'dark money' spending to flip Iowa seats.

Iowa Board of Education Approves Eighth Graders for High School Varsity Sports

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 02:01:16 GMT

Iowa schools can now allow eighth graders to play high school varsity sports. Local districts decide, with Oskaloosa taking a cautious approach.

Tom Hardy's MobLand Returns for Season 2 on Paramount+ This September

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 01:01:53 GMT

Tom Hardy's MobLand returns for Season 2 on Paramount+ September 18, 2026. The crime drama starring Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan is the streamer's biggest non-Yellowstone hit.

ESPN Projects Nebraska Football for Another Bowl Season, But Big Ten Path Remains Tough

John Damon — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:02:07 GMT

ESPN's FPI projects Nebraska for 6.7 wins in 2026, ranking them 30th nationally but ninth in the Big Ten. A tough schedule and slim playoff odds define the Huskers' outlook.

NASCAR's Inconsistent Penalties Exposed: Chase Briscoe Calls Out System That Forces Drivers to Lie

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 23:01:10 GMT

Chase Briscoe says NASCAR's penalty system forces drivers to lie about intentional wrecks, citing inconsistent rulings that punish some but let others off the hook.

Iowa Attorney Theodore Sporer Hit With 90-Day License Suspension, Eighth Sanction

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 22:01:02 GMT

The Iowa Supreme Court suspended Des Moines attorney Theodore Sporer's license for 90 days, his eighth sanction, after finding he neglected cases and practiced while suspended.

Nunn Backs Cancer Research, Calls for 'Sustainable' Health Care Model at Adel Event

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:00:40 GMT

Rep. Zach Nunn pledges support for cancer research and sustainable health care models at an Adel event, hearing from survivors and advocates.

Iowa's Zach Lutmer Gets Mixed Reviews in Early 2027 NFL Draft Scouting

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:00:51 GMT

But Damon was not impressed. 'I did not see a great caliber of athlete,' he wrote. 'When he was pressed in man coverage, his transitional quickness and explosiveness were lacking. When he had to turn and run, he labored.'

Damon also noted that Lutmer's run-game instincts were inconsistent, with some bad angles showing up on film. 'He is getting top-100 buzz, but I did not see that caliber of

Texas Senate Race Tightens: Cruz Warns Talarico Has 'Real Chance' to Flip State

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 19:01:20 GMT

Senator Ted Cruz warns Democrat James Talarico has a 'real chance' to flip Texas red as polls show a deadlocked Senate race against Republican Ken Paxton.

Fired University of Dubuque Professor Wins Unemployment Benefits After Grooming Charge Dismissed

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:02:30 GMT

A fired University of Dubuque professor wins unemployment benefits after a grooming charge is dismissed due to a conflict between Iowa's age of consent and its grooming law.

Indiana Fever Survive Without Caitlin Clark, But Can They Thrive?

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:02:05 GMT

The Indiana Fever have gone 4-0 without Caitlin Clark this season, but a deep dive into the numbers shows the team's ceiling is limited without the former Iowa star. Can they truly thrive in her absence?

Ohio Governor Race Tightens: Ramaswamy vs. Acton Now a 'Toss-Up'

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:01:52 GMT

The Cook Political Report shifts the Ohio governor race to 'toss-up,' highlighting a competitive battle between Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton, with implications for Iowa and the 2026 midterms.

Big Ten Helmet Rankings: Where Do Iowa Hawkeyes Stand in 2025?

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:01:32 GMT

Iowa's American flag alternate helmet ranked No. 12 in Big Ten helmet rankings for 2025, praised for its classy design but not among the conference's best.

Iowa Wave leads list of most inspiring college football traditions

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:01:22 GMT

College football is about more than touchdowns and trophies. It is about traditions that bring communities together and create lasting memories. For Iowa fans, one tradition stands above the rest.

From Lenox to Buffalo: Northern Iowa’s Spencer Brown Battles Injuries, Aims for Breakout Year

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:01:54 GMT

Buffalo Bills right tackle Spencer Brown, a Northern Iowa product from Lenox, Iowa, enters his sixth NFL season determined to overcome a long injury history and become a consistent force for a Super Bowl contender.

Iowa Hawkeyes Face Michigan in 2026: A Look Back at the Greatest Game

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:01:32 GMT

As the Iowa Hawkeyes prepare to face Michigan in 2026, a look back at the 1997 classic that nearly derailed the Wolverines' national title run offers lessons for today's team.