Just The News Iowa

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.

Iowa Flags to Fly at Half-Staff for Air Force Major Killed in B-52 Crash

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:01:05 GMT

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds orders flags at half-staff for Air Force Major Brad Hovey, killed in a B-52 crash. A weeklong tribute honors his service and sacrifice.

Illinois Basketball's 2026 Non-Conference Slate Puts Hawkeye State Rivalry in Spotlight

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:01:11 GMT

Illinois basketball's 2026-27 non-conference schedule features a reunion with former Iowa coach Fran McCaffery and the Penn Quakers, plus tough tests against Duke, UConn, and Missouri.

USC Football's CFP Hopes Rest on Beating Big Ten's Best in 2026

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 07:02:22 GMT

USC enters 2026 with a loaded offense and a brutal Big Ten schedule. Can Lincoln Riley finally deliver a playoff berth, or will another 9-3 season spark more calls for change?

Iowa Cubs Crush St. Paul Saints 21-7 in Record-Setting Offensive Explosion

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:01:17 GMT

The Iowa Cubs crushed the St. Paul Saints 21-7 Thursday night, with every batter recording at least two hits or a home run. Christian Bethancourt and Jonathan Long led the offensive explosion.

Iowa Baseball Star Loses Ole Miss Scholarship Amid Brain Tumor Battle, Hawkeyes Step In

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 03:00:37 GMT

An Iowa high school baseball standout who spent four years battling a cancerous brain tumor has lost his scholarship to the University of Mississippi just weeks before he was set to enroll. But the University of Iowa quickly stepped up to offer him a new opportunity.

Congress Demands WNBA Protect Caitlin Clark After Violent Fouls Ignite National Debate

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 02:01:35 GMT

Iowa native Caitlin Clark is at the center of a national debate over player safety in the WNBA, with Congress demanding answers after violent fouls and a lack of officiating accountability.

Congress demands WNBA protect Caitlin Clark from 'physical hostility'

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:01:28 GMT

House Republicans demand the WNBA protect Caitlin Clark from 'physical hostility' by July 24, following a flagrant foul incident and concerns over player safety.

Illinois Coach Bret Bielema Lands Spot on Prestigious Dodd Trophy Watch List

John Damon — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:02:05 GMT

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has been named to the 2026 Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List, placing him among the top 20 coaches in college football. The award recognizes scholarship, leadership, and integrity.

Reynolds Hopes Feds Appeal Ruling Blocking Iowa SNAP Restrictions on Junk Food

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 23:01:33 GMT

Governor Kim Reynolds hopes the federal government will appeal a ruling that blocked Iowa from restricting SNAP purchases of soda and candy. Meanwhile, Iowa celebrates a low payment error rate.

Twins Pitcher Bailey Ober Returns From Injury, Boost for Iowa-Backed Roster

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:00:41 GMT

Minnesota Twins pitcher Bailey Ober returned from the injured list Thursday, and catcher Ryan Jeffers is close behind after a rehab stint with the Triple-A Saints in Des Moines, Iowa.

New Poll Reveals Swing Voters Favor Democrats Despite Unfavorable Views

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:01:00 GMT

A new Data for Progress poll reveals swing voters view Democrats more unfavorably than Republicans but still prefer them at the ballot box. The survey highlights a key challenge for Democrats heading into the 2026 midterms.

Nebraska Basketball's Cale Jacobsen: 'It's a Super Competitive Gym' as Huskers Eye Another NCAA Run

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 20:00:51 GMT

Nebraska basketball's Cale Jacobsen discusses the team's competitive summer workouts, new additions, and the push for another NCAA Tournament run. The Huskers are blending eight newcomers with a veteran core.

NASCAR Feud: Zane Smith Blasts 'Coward' Carson Hocevar After Chicagoland Wreck

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:01:18 GMT

Zane Smith calls Carson Hocevar a 'coward' after a Chicagoland wreck, escalating a feud that highlights growing tensions over aggressive driving in NASCAR's Cup Series.

Dolphins QB Room Lacks Star Power as Training Camp Opens Under Hafley

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:02:37 GMT

Miami's quarterback room is thin as training camp begins. Malik Willis is the starter, but depth behind him is unproven. A look at the QBs on the roster.

College Football's Biggest Drop-Offs in 2026: Iowa State, North Texas Lead the Pack

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:02:13 GMT

Iowa State Cyclones fans may need to brace for a tough season. A new analysis from Covers.com projects the Cyclones as one of the five least improved teams in college football for 2026, with the team expected to miss a bowl game after an eight-win campaign last year.

Maine Senate Race in Turmoil: Platner's Exit Shakes Democratic Hopes for 2026

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:00:46 GMT

Democratic plans to flip a critical U.S. Senate seat in Maine have been thrown into chaos after progressive candidate Graham Platner announced he is suspending his campaign.

Iowa Congressman Demands WNBA Protect Caitlin Clark From Excessive Physicality

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:01:21 GMT

Iowa Congressman Zach Nunn demands the WNBA protect Caitlin Clark from excessive physicality, citing her impact on women's basketball and the league's failure to ensure player safety.

Congress warns WNBA to protect Caitlin Clark or face federal civil rights probe

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:00:53 GMT

The largest caucus on Capitol Hill warns the WNBA that failing to protect Caitlin Clark could lead to a federal civil rights investigation.

Big 12 football 2026: Iowa State faces rebuild, but conference chaos could open door for Cyclones

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:01:20 GMT

Iowa State faces a tough rebuild in 2026 after losing most starters to Penn State, but the Big 12's parity means the Cyclones could still play spoiler. Full conference predictions inside.

Former Iowa Hawkeye Geno Stone Fighting for Roster Spot with Buffalo Bills

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:01:42 GMT

Former Iowa Hawkeye safety Geno Stone is fighting for a roster spot with the Buffalo Bills after signing a one-year deal. Despite a career-high 104 tackles in 2025, missed tackles and coverage issues put his future in doubt.

Planned Parenthood Drops $47M to Oust Iowa Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:01:10 GMT

Planned Parenthood is spending $47 million to unseat Iowa Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks and other GOP lawmakers who cut its federal funding. The massive midterm blitz targets 10 House races and two Senate contests.

Maine Democrat drops Senate race after sexual assault allegation, handing party a crisis

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:01:13 GMT

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner ended his campaign Wednesday after a sexual assault allegation, leaving the party scrambling to find a replacement and potentially boosting Republican Senator Susan Collins in a race that could determine Senate control.

AI Prescription Refills Spark Debate as Iowa Lawmakers Consider Licensing Medical Bots

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:02:27 GMT

A Utah program allowing AI chatbots to refill prescriptions without a doctor visit has sparked debate over safety and regulation, as Iowa lawmakers consider licensing AI medical services.

New Big 12 Coaches Bring Fresh Energy to Iowa State and Conference

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:00:52 GMT

The Big 12 Conference is seeing its largest turnover of head football coaches in seven years, and for Iowa State fans, the change brings a familiar face with championship pedigree. Jimmy Rogers, who led South Dakota State to an FCS national title just 18 months ago, takes over the Cyclones program with a clear mission: win the Big 12 and punch a ticket to the College Football Playoff.

Maine Democrat drops out of Senate race after sexual assault allegation, giving party a chance to replace him

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 03:00:38 GMT

A Maine Democratic Senate candidate has abruptly dropped out after a sexual assault allegation, giving the party a chance to replace him before facing Republican Senator Susan Collins this fall.

Iowa’s Ryan Stedman Among Top MLB Draft Prospects from Every State

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 02:01:08 GMT

As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches, Iowa's top prospect is Valley High School right-hander Ryan Stedman. The 6-foot-3 pitcher from West Des Moines has shown impressive velocity and could be selected in the later rounds.

Maine Democrat Drops Out of Senate Race After Assault Allegations, Shaking Up GOP Hopes

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 01:01:10 GMT

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner suspended his campaign Wednesday after new sexual assault allegations emerged, throwing the race against Republican Senator Susan Collins into chaos and giving Iowa Republicans a clearer path to holding the Senate majority.

Cubs' Justin Steele won't return as starter in 2026, but could boost Iowa Cubs bullpen

John Damon — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:01:31 GMT

Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele won't return as a starter this season, but his rehab path could bring him to Des Moines — and Phil Maton is already there.

Democrats' Maine Meltdown Strengthens GOP Senate Prospects, Benefits Iowa Races

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:01:32 GMT

Democrats' Maine meltdown over sexual assault allegations against Senate candidate Graham Platner strengthens GOP Senate prospects and frees up resources for Iowa races.

GOP Lawmakers Warn WNBA: Protect Caitlin Clark or Face Federal Action

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:00:53 GMT

Republican lawmakers demand the WNBA protect Caitlin Clark from physical attacks or face federal action. Iowa Rep. Zach Nunn joins the call for accountability.

Democrats' Senate Control Could Reshape Supreme Court for a Generation, Shapiro Warns Iowa Voters

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:01:02 GMT

Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro warns that a Democratic Senate majority in 2026 could reshape the Supreme Court for a generation, with Iowa's Senate race playing a key role in the outcome.

Fire Up the Grill: Iowa's Ultimate Summer BBQ Recipe Roundup

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 20:01:19 GMT

Discover 100 summer barbecue recipes perfect for Iowa cookouts, from Iowa-grown watermelon sorbet to hearty burgers and grilled corn.

Iowa Basketball Lands 7-Foot-3 Transfer Andrew McKeever, Ready for Big Ten Spotlight

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:01:35 GMT

Iowa adds 7-foot-3 rebounding leader Andrew McKeever from Saint Mary's, aiming to bolster frontcourt depth after Elite Eight run.

Dale Jr. Blasts Zane Smith for Self-Destructive Move at Chicagoland: 'He Crossed a Line'

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:02:34 GMT

What in the hell? What was that?

Iowa’s new university civics center faces enrollment struggles, echoing WVU program

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:02:40 GMT

Iowa taxpayers may want to keep a close eye on a new academic center at the University of Iowa that was mandated by state lawmakers to combat woke ideology. Early signs from a similar program in West Virginia suggest that low enrollment and questions about the use of public funds could become a problem.

Iowa Women’s Basketball Summer Practice Kicks Off with New Faces and Fresh Rules

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:00:49 GMT

Iowa women's basketball coach Jan Jensen opens summer practice with new transfers, a five-year eligibility rule change, and a focus on fundamentals.

EA Sports snubs Kinnick Stadium: Iowa's 'hardest place to play' ranked only No. 19

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:01:37 GMT

EA Sports ranks Kinnick Stadium only No. 19 among toughest places to play, despite rival coaches calling it the hardest in the country.

Fort Leonard Wood's No-Mow Zones: A Model for Conservation and Readiness

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:01:18 GMT

Fort Leonard Wood's no-mow zones balance military readiness with conservation, offering a model for Iowa's agricultural and environmental communities.

Iowa Families Overpaid for Eggs for Years as Producers Inflated Prices, Feds Say

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:01:45 GMT

Iowa consumers overpaid for eggs for years as federal lawsuit alleges three major producers conspired to inflate prices. Settlement includes $3.3 million in fines and 53 million donated eggs.

Arizona Toddler Declared Dead After Pool Accident Found Alive in Hospital Morgue

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:01:41 GMT

An Arizona toddler declared dead after a pool accident was found alive hours later in a hospital morgue. Police recommend negligence charges against the parents.

UK slashes red tape, aims to cut business regulation costs by $7 billion

John Damon — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:01:23 GMT

The UK government is slashing red tape with a plan to cut business regulation costs by 25 percent, offering a potential blueprint for Iowa and the U.S.