https://iowa-news.com Just The News Iowa delivers timely coverage of Iowa politics, local government, business, community affairs, education, and public policy. Dedicated to factual reporting and balanced journalism, the publication keeps readers informed about the issues, decisions, and events shaping Iowa and its communities. en Fri, 31 Jul 2026 22:34:01 GMT Hannibal Media Platform © 2026 Just The News Iowa 60 https://iowa-news.com/article/former-iowa-volleyball-star-kari-pekar-dies-at-33-claire-kittle-pays-tribute https://iowa-news.com/article/former-iowa-volleyball-star-kari-pekar-dies-at-33-claire-kittle-pays-tribute Former University of Iowa volleyball standout Kari Pekar has died at age 33 after a courageous battle with cancer. Claire Kittle, wife of 49ers star George Kittle, paid tribute to her longtime friend. Sports John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 22:00:51 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/new-drone-killer-ammo-gives-soldiers-taxpayers-a-bargain-against-uavs https://iowa-news.com/article/new-drone-killer-ammo-gives-soldiers-taxpayers-a-bargain-against-uavs The U.S. military's new Drone Killer Cartridge turns standard rifles into effective UAV killers at a fraction of the cost of guided interceptors, with a 92% success rate in recent tests. Technology John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:01:24 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/16-iowa-beaches-unsafe-for-swimming-as-e-coli-spikes-during-heat-wave https://iowa-news.com/article/16-iowa-beaches-unsafe-for-swimming-as-e-coli-spikes-during-heat-wave The Iowa DNR has posted a season-high 16 beaches as unsafe for swimming due to elevated E. coli and algae levels. Check the full list before heading out this weekend. Environment John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:01:01 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-youtube-tv-directv-subscribers-may-get-cash-from-disney-settlement https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-youtube-tv-directv-subscribers-may-get-cash-from-disney-settlement Iowans who subscribed to YouTube TV or DirecTV since 2019 could get cash from a $50 million Disney antitrust settlement. Learn how to claim your payout by September 8. Business John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:06:55 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/judge-rules-fired-dmps-secretary-can-collect-unemployment-after-passport-photo-dispute https://iowa-news.com/article/judge-rules-fired-dmps-secretary-can-collect-unemployment-after-passport-photo-dispute A former Des Moines Public Schools secretary fired for allegedly photographing a principal's passport and I-9 form can collect unemployment benefits, an administrative law judge ruled. Politics John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 18:02:53 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/justice-delayed-but-not-denied-murder-charges-filed-5-years-after-lakeland-grandmothers-christmas-ev https://iowa-news.com/article/justice-delayed-but-not-denied-murder-charges-filed-5-years-after-lakeland-grandmothers-christmas-ev Five years after a Christmas Eve shooting killed a 70-year-old grandmother in Lakeland, murder charges have been filed. The breakthrough came from a separate mass shooting. Politics John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:02:19 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/california-cannabis-brand-muha-meds-enters-iowa-hemp-market-with-frosted-cherries-thca-flower https://iowa-news.com/article/california-cannabis-brand-muha-meds-enters-iowa-hemp-market-with-frosted-cherries-thca-flower Muha Meds, a California cannabis brand, now offers its Frosted Cherries THCA hemp flower to Iowa consumers. This 4-gram jar provides premium, potent effects with a berry-gas aroma, but buyers must navigate shipping restrictions and counterfeit risks. Business John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:01:06 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-land-at-no-8-in-big-ten-preseason-power-rankings https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-land-at-no-8-in-big-ten-preseason-power-rankings The Iowa Hawkeyes are projected to finish eighth in the Big Ten this season, with a dominant defense but an unsettled quarterback battle and a brutal early-season schedule. Sports John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:01:52 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/oregon-qb-dante-moores-unconventional-huddle-habit-shows-team-bonding-heisman-focus https://iowa-news.com/article/oregon-qb-dante-moores-unconventional-huddle-habit-shows-team-bonding-heisman-focus Oregon QB Dante Moore's unusual huddle habit shows how top college football teams build chemistry. The Heisman contender's story resonates with Iowa's own team traditions. Sports John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:01:13 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/caitlin-clarks-pre-game-warmups-are-a-spectacle-and-one-nurse-makes-it-magic-for-iowa-families https://iowa-news.com/article/caitlin-clarks-pre-game-warmups-are-a-spectacle-and-one-nurse-makes-it-magic-for-iowa-families A night nurse from Indianapolis has turned her courtside seat into a mission to help young fans meet Caitlin Clark. The story of one Iowa family's unforgettable night shows why Clark's pre-game warmups are a spectacle and why her impact goes far beyond basketball. Sports John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:01:39 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-halloween-showdown-highlights-badgers-2026-schedule https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-halloween-showdown-highlights-badgers-2026-schedule The Wisconsin Badgers face a pivotal 2026 season with a schedule that could finally end their multi-year bowl drought. But for Iowa fans, one date stands out above the rest: Halloween at Kinnick Stadium. Sports John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:01:26 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/10-greatest-college-athletes-from-iowa-ranked-usa250-list https://iowa-news.com/article/10-greatest-college-athletes-from-iowa-ranked-usa250-list From Dan Gable to Caitlin Clark, Iowa's college athletes have dominated wrestling, basketball, football, and more. See the full USA250 list of the 10 greatest. Sports John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:03:00 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/illini-on-upset-alert-iowa-hawkeyes-among-big-ten-trap-games-for-2026-27 https://iowa-news.com/article/illini-on-upset-alert-iowa-hawkeyes-among-big-ten-trap-games-for-2026-27 Illinois basketball is on upset alert against Iowa, Ohio State, and Minnesota in 2026-27. For Iowa fans, Ben McCollum's Hawkeyes are a legitimate threat. Sports John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:01:21 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-native-tops-california-real-estate-charts-after-30-years https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-native-tops-california-real-estate-charts-after-30-years Kurt Congdon, an Iowa native who moved to California after childhood vacations, has been named a top realtor in Nevada City after 30 years and $350 million in sales. Business John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:02:32 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/exelon-ceo-grid-should-not-have-to-operate-this-close-to-the-edge-as-demand-surges https://iowa-news.com/article/exelon-ceo-grid-should-not-have-to-operate-this-close-to-the-edge-as-demand-surges Exelon CEO Calvin Butler warns the power grid is under dangerous strain as demand surges, while the company reports strong earnings and pushes for more transmission, battery storage, and utility-owned generation. Business John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 04:01:09 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-picked-near-bottom-of-big-ten-volleyball-preseason-poll https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-picked-near-bottom-of-big-ten-volleyball-preseason-poll The Iowa Hawkeyes volleyball team has been projected to finish 14th in the Big Ten preseason coaches poll, highlighting the challenges ahead for a program in rebuilding mode. Sports John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 03:00:48 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/elon-musk-plans-major-midterm-investment-to-boost-gop-turnout-sources-say https://iowa-news.com/article/elon-musk-plans-major-midterm-investment-to-boost-gop-turnout-sources-say Elon Musk is preparing a major financial push for the 2026 midterms, targeting GOP turnout in key Senate races including Iowa. Sources say America PAC could spend up to $120 million to help Republicans hold Congress. Politics John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 02:01:12 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/hinson-took-cash-from-epstein-linked-billionaires-records-show https://iowa-news.com/article/hinson-took-cash-from-epstein-linked-billionaires-records-show Iowa Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson accepted nearly $100,000 from billionaires named in the Jeffrey Epstein files while working to block their release. Politics John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 01:01:34 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/college-sports-reform-bill-in-jeopardy-as-big-ten-sec-push-back-on-federal-rules https://iowa-news.com/article/college-sports-reform-bill-in-jeopardy-as-big-ten-sec-push-back-on-federal-rules A bipartisan bill to overhaul college athletics is teetering on the brink of failure as the Senate races toward its August recess, with the Big Ten and SEC refusing to get on board. Sports John Damon Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:01:36 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-sec-opposition-stalls-senate-college-sports-bill-as-iowa-ad-weighs-in https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-sec-opposition-stalls-senate-college-sports-bill-as-iowa-ad-weighs-in The U.S. Senate adjourned without voting on the Protect College Sports Act after Big Ten and SEC opposition. Iowa AD Beth Goetz warns self-regulation is difficult as the future of college sports hangs in the balance. Sports John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 23:01:26 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/hawkeye-camp-preview-key-position-battles-that-will-define-iowa-football-in-2026 https://iowa-news.com/article/hawkeye-camp-preview-key-position-battles-that-will-define-iowa-football-in-2026 As Iowa Hawkeyes training camp opens, key position battles at quarterback, cornerback, and kicker will define the 2026 season. Here's what to watch. Sports John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 22:00:52 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-coach-fires-back-at-sec-excuses-we-dont-cry-a-river https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-coach-fires-back-at-sec-excuses-we-dont-cry-a-river Indiana coach Curt Cignetti called out SEC excuses at Big Ten media days, defending the Big Ten's dominance and dismissing the narrative that the SEC's tough schedule leaves teams too battered for the playoff. Sports John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 21:00:56 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/huskies-coach-jedd-fisch-this-team-was-built-not-bought-ahead-of-2026-season https://iowa-news.com/article/huskies-coach-jedd-fisch-this-team-was-built-not-bought-ahead-of-2026-season Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch delivered a pointed message at Big Ten Media Day: his program is winning through player development and loyalty, not through the checkbook. Sports John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 20:00:59 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-leads-push-to-limit-classroom-screen-time-as-schools-rethink-laptops-for-every-student https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-leads-push-to-limit-classroom-screen-time-as-schools-rethink-laptops-for-every-student Iowa leads a national push to limit classroom screen time as schools rethink the pandemic-era assumption that every student needs a laptop. New research shows passive screen use harms learning, while hands-on instruction builds critical thinking. Technology John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:01:27 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-baby-born-at-21-weeks-weighing-less-than-a-pound-celebrates-second-birthday https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-baby-born-at-21-weeks-weighing-less-than-a-pound-celebrates-second-birthday An Iowa baby born at 21 weeks weighing just 10 ounces — the most premature birth ever recorded — is now a thriving toddler celebrating his second birthday. Health John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:03:00 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/boone-woman-killed-in-highway-30-crash-roundabout-project-planned-for-2027 https://iowa-news.com/article/boone-woman-killed-in-highway-30-crash-roundabout-project-planned-for-2027 A Boone woman died from injuries in a Highway 30 crash. The Iowa DOT has planned roundabout construction for 2027 at the same intersection, part of safety improvements tied to the new Daisy Brand plant. Business John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:02:18 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-heisman-hopes-can-iowas-kinnick-legacy-spark-another-trophy-run https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-heisman-hopes-can-iowas-kinnick-legacy-spark-another-trophy-run The Big Ten is chasing a rare back-to-back Heisman Trophy win, a feat that started with Iowa legend Nile Kinnick in 1939. Four Big Ten players are among the top betting favorites for 2026. Sports John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:01:02 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-recruit-lafavor-signs-record-bonus-with-red-sox-bypasses-hawkeyes https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-recruit-lafavor-signs-record-bonus-with-red-sox-bypasses-hawkeyes Iowa baseball recruit Kaleb LaFavor signed with the Boston Red Sox for $847,500, bypassing the Hawkeyes. The 6-foot-7 pitcher chose a professional contract over a college scholarship. Sports John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 15:01:41 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-logan-jones-primed-to-anchor-bears-o-line-as-rookie-standout https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-logan-jones-primed-to-anchor-bears-o-line-as-rookie-standout Iowa center Logan Jones, a Rimington Award winner with 50 career starts, is poised to start immediately for the Chicago Bears and protect franchise QB Caleb Williams. Sports John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:01:20 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-football-ranked-8th-in-big-ten-preseason-poll-as-oregon-qb-moore-adds-17-pounds https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-football-ranked-8th-in-big-ten-preseason-poll-as-oregon-qb-moore-adds-17-pounds Iowa football is ranked 8th in the Big Ten preseason media poll, while Oregon QB Dante Moore adds 17 pounds and Hawkeyes lineman Kade Pieper makes the All-Big Ten preseason team. Sports John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:01:38 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/grassley-cancels-blanche-vote-as-gop-senators-dig-in https://iowa-news.com/article/grassley-cancels-blanche-vote-as-gop-senators-dig-in Sen. Chuck Grassley canceled a vote on Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination after GOP holdouts demanded written assurance that a controversial IRS settlement is dead. The move highlights tensions between Trump and his own party. Politics John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:01:48 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/freeport-weekend-events-corn-boil-jeep-run-art-shows-and-more https://iowa-news.com/article/freeport-weekend-events-corn-boil-jeep-run-art-shows-and-more Freeport and the surrounding area are packed with family-friendly events this weekend, from a Jeep run supporting local schools to a summer corn boil for Pheasants Forever. Arts and Entertainment John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:01:23 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-1950s-erosion-fix-now-choking-out-native-plants-across-the-state https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-1950s-erosion-fix-now-choking-out-native-plants-across-the-state A plant once hailed as a solution for roadside erosion in the 1950s has become a costly environmental headache for Iowa landowners and conservationists. Environment John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 08:01:43 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-study-shows-liquid-can-stop-tooth-decay-without-drilling-or-needles https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-study-shows-liquid-can-stop-tooth-decay-without-drilling-or-needles A major clinical trial involving Iowa children found that silver diamine fluoride, a liquid painted onto cavities in seconds, stopped tooth decay in more than half of treated baby teeth without drilling or needles. Health John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:02:38 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/grassley-plays-key-role-as-cornyn-blocks-trump-ag-pick-over-doj-fund https://iowa-news.com/article/grassley-plays-key-role-as-cornyn-blocks-trump-ag-pick-over-doj-fund Senator Chuck Grassley is working behind the scenes as Senator John Cornyn blocks Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general over a controversial Justice Department fund. Politics John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:01:02 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/illinois-coach-bielema-calls-indianas-turnaround-under-cignetti-the-most-impressive-story-hes-ever-s https://iowa-news.com/article/illinois-coach-bielema-calls-indianas-turnaround-under-cignetti-the-most-impressive-story-hes-ever-s Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, a former Iowa Hawkeye, called Indiana's turnaround under Curt Cignetti the most impressive story he has ever seen in college football, comparing it favorably to Bill Snyder's legendary rebuild at Kansas State. Sports John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 03:01:04 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/cornyn-blocks-blanche-ag-nomination-over-doj-anti-weaponization-fund https://iowa-news.com/article/cornyn-blocks-blanche-ag-nomination-over-doj-anti-weaponization-fund Senator John Cornyn blocks Todd Blanche's AG nomination over the DOJ 'anti-weaponization fund,' demanding a written agreement to kill it. Iowa's Chuck Grassley is in the middle. Politics John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 02:01:17 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/former-northwestern-coach-pat-fitzgerald-takes-over-at-michigan-state-eyes-big-ten-title https://iowa-news.com/article/former-northwestern-coach-pat-fitzgerald-takes-over-at-michigan-state-eyes-big-ten-title Pat Fitzgerald, former Northwestern coach, is back in college football at Michigan State, aiming to restore the Spartans to Big Ten title contention after a four-year losing streak. Sports John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 01:01:39 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-fights-back-as-new-york-tries-to-regulate-ethanol-plants-hundreds-of-miles-away https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-fights-back-as-new-york-tries-to-regulate-ethanol-plants-hundreds-of-miles-away Iowa and Missouri are taking New York to federal court over a climate rule that would force ethanol and biodiesel plants in the Heartland to comply with Empire State regulations, even if those plants never directly sold fuel there. Politics John Damon Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:01:55 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-board-of-regents-approves-dollar937b-university-budgets-uni-faces-cuts https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-board-of-regents-approves-dollar937b-university-budgets-uni-faces-cuts The Iowa Board of Regents approved $9.37 billion in university budgets for fiscal year 2027, with UNI facing a 1.7% cut while UI and ISU see increases. Business John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:01:29 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/judge-denies-unemployment-benefits-to-former-fairfax-city-administrator-who-resigned-amid-meme-dispu https://iowa-news.com/article/judge-denies-unemployment-benefits-to-former-fairfax-city-administrator-who-resigned-amid-meme-dispu An Iowa judge ruled that a former Fairfax city administrator who resigned after a meme dispute with the mayor must repay over $3,000 in unemployment benefits. Politics John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 22:01:06 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-kooper-schulte-shines-in-pro-debut-with-new-york-mets-organization https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-kooper-schulte-shines-in-pro-debut-with-new-york-mets-organization Former Iowa Hawkeye Kooper Schulte reached base three times and scored two runs in his professional debut with the New York Mets' Single-A affiliate, part of a standout night for four 2026 draft picks. Sports John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:00:57 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/wisconsin-coach-luke-fickell-admits-hes-on-the-hot-seat-as-badgers-face-make-or-break-season https://iowa-news.com/article/wisconsin-coach-luke-fickell-admits-hes-on-the-hot-seat-as-badgers-face-make-or-break-season Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell admits he's on the 'hot seat' after back-to-back losing seasons, declining ticket sales, and a 37-0 loss to Iowa. His players say they are motivated to save his job. Sports John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:01:08 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/cyclospora-outbreak-hits-iowa-recalled-lettuce-and-safety-tips https://iowa-news.com/article/cyclospora-outbreak-hits-iowa-recalled-lettuce-and-safety-tips An unprecedented cyclospora outbreak has sickened nearly 18,000 Americans across 45 states, and Iowa is on the recall list for contaminated iceberg lettuce. Here's what to avoid and how to stay safe. Health John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:01:25 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/obama-endorses-josh-turek-in-iowa-senate-race-as-gop-holds-firm https://iowa-news.com/article/obama-endorses-josh-turek-in-iowa-senate-race-as-gop-holds-firm Former President Barack Obama endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek on Wednesday, but Iowa remains a Republican stronghold. Polls show a tight race with Representative Ashley Hinson. Politics John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:02:36 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/college-football-2026-iowa-state-cyclones-face-tough-year-ahead-as-big-12-win-totals-shift https://iowa-news.com/article/college-football-2026-iowa-state-cyclones-face-tough-year-ahead-as-big-12-win-totals-shift Iowa State Cyclones projected for a tough 2026 season with just 4.5 wins, while Oklahoma State Cowboys are set for a big bounce back in the Big 12. Sports John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:02:29 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-kade-pieper-ranked-top-nfl-draft-prospect-at-interior-offensive-line https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-kade-pieper-ranked-top-nfl-draft-prospect-at-interior-offensive-line Iowa offensive lineman Kade Pieper has been ranked the No. 1 interior offensive line prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft by CBS Sports, marking the second straight summer the Hawkeye standout has landed in the top three at his position. Sports John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:01:10 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/matt-campbell-brings-iowa-state-blueprint-to-penn-state-vows-not-to-change https://iowa-news.com/article/matt-campbell-brings-iowa-state-blueprint-to-penn-state-vows-not-to-change Matt Campbell left Iowa State after a historic 11-win season to take over Penn State. He says he is sticking with the same process that made the Cyclones winners. Sports John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:01:36 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/ernst-fauci-must-answer-for-covid-lab-leak-lies-at-senate-hearing https://iowa-news.com/article/ernst-fauci-must-answer-for-covid-lab-leak-lies-at-senate-hearing Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says Dr. Anthony Fauci misled Americans on COVID-19 origins and must face consequences as he testifies before a Senate committee. Politics John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 14:01:25 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/pfl-champion-ditcheva-defends-caitlin-clark-sophie-cunningham-invites-fever-star-to-train-mma https://iowa-news.com/article/pfl-champion-ditcheva-defends-caitlin-clark-sophie-cunningham-invites-fever-star-to-train-mma PFL champion Dakota Ditcheva defends Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham from criticism, invites Fever star to train MMA. Iowa fans take note. Sports John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:01:40 GMT