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 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 23:38:29 GMT Hannibal Media Platform © 2026 Just The News Iowa 60 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 https://iowa-news.com/article/michigan-football-faces-major-questions-as-big-ten-media-day-arrives https://iowa-news.com/article/michigan-football-faces-major-questions-as-big-ten-media-day-arrives Michigan football faces critical questions at Big Ten media day: Can Bryce Underwood improve? Can the defense return to dominance? And how will the Wolverines handle a brutal schedule that includes Iowa? Sports John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:01:41 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-powerball-winner-warns-of-walking-atm-curse-after-dollar28m-jackpot https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-powerball-winner-warns-of-walking-atm-curse-after-dollar28m-jackpot An Iowa man who won $28 million playing Powerball in 1999 says the windfall came with an unexpected dark side, as strangers began treating him like a walking ATM machine. Business John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:01:17 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/longtime-iowa-farm-columnist-alan-guebert-retires-after-33-years-of-farm-and-food-file https://iowa-news.com/article/longtime-iowa-farm-columnist-alan-guebert-retires-after-33-years-of-farm-and-food-file Longtime Iowa farm columnist Alan Guebert signs off after 33 years of the Farm and Food File, leaving a legacy of clear, principled reporting on agriculture and rural policy. Business John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 04:01:07 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-mothers-husband-pleads-no-contest-in-her-wisconsin-shooting-death https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-mothers-husband-pleads-no-contest-in-her-wisconsin-shooting-death A Wisconsin man whose estranged wife had been living in Iowa with their children pleaded no contest to killing her, with prosecutors recommending a 25-year prison sentence. Politics John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 03:00:58 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-alum-erick-all-jr-cleared-for-bengals-training-camp https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-alum-erick-all-jr-cleared-for-bengals-training-camp Former Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Erick All Jr. has been cleared for full activity at Bengals training camp, offering a potential boost to Cincinnati's offense. Sports John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 02:01:14 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/matt-campbells-iowa-state-blueprint-heads-to-penn-state-can-culture-win-in-the-big-ten https://iowa-news.com/article/matt-campbells-iowa-state-blueprint-heads-to-penn-state-can-culture-win-in-the-big-ten Matt Campbell built a winner at Iowa State through culture and player development. Now at Penn State, he's betting that same approach can work in the Big Ten's toughest division. Sports John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 01:01:28 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/kirk-ferentz-warns-of-growing-financial-imbalance-in-college-football-as-spending-soars https://iowa-news.com/article/kirk-ferentz-warns-of-growing-financial-imbalance-in-college-football-as-spending-soars Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz warns that skyrocketing spending in college football is creating a financial divide that threatens competitive balance, comparing the situation to the 1970s when only a few teams could contend for championships. Sports John Damon Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:01:46 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/puppy-mill-operator-helped-schedule-usda-inspections-before-iowa-dog-seizure https://iowa-news.com/article/puppy-mill-operator-helped-schedule-usda-inspections-before-iowa-dog-seizure A southern Iowa dog breeder whose facility was raided after 32 dogs were found neglected had been allowed by federal officials to help schedule inspections, raising questions about oversight of commercial kennels. Business John Damon Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:01:17 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-football-2026-can-oregon-break-through-for-a-national-title https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-football-2026-can-oregon-break-through-for-a-national-title The Big Ten has produced three straight national champions. Can Oregon make it four? A look at the 2026 season, including Iowa's outlook and key games. Sports John Damon Tue, 28 Jul 2026 22:00:59 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/pornhub-demands-iowa-lawmakers-drop-dangerous-age-verification-laws https://iowa-news.com/article/pornhub-demands-iowa-lawmakers-drop-dangerous-age-verification-laws Pornhub sends open letter to Iowa lawmakers arguing age verification laws are 'dangerous' and ineffective, proposing device-level parental controls instead. Technology John Damon Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:00:56 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/new-poll-81percent-of-democrats-admit-their-midterm-vote-is-just-anti-trump https://iowa-news.com/article/new-poll-81percent-of-democrats-admit-their-midterm-vote-is-just-anti-trump A new Pew poll shows 81% of Democrats admit their midterm vote is solely against President Trump, not for any policy or candidate. Iowa Republicans see this as a weakness. Politics John Damon Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:01:08 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-native-alex-manske-cleared-for-penn-state-camp-after-health-scare https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-native-alex-manske-cleared-for-penn-state-camp-after-health-scare Former Algona High School star Alex Manske has been cleared for Penn State training camp after a medical condition sidelined him this spring, coach Matt Campbell announced Tuesday. Sports John Damon Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:01:17 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-kade-pieper-named-big-ten-preseason-honoree-alongside-ohio-state-stars https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-kade-pieper-named-big-ten-preseason-honoree-alongside-ohio-state-stars Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Kade Pieper has been named to the Big Ten's 2026 preseason honors list, joining Ohio State stars Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. The recognition highlights Iowa's strength in the trenches and sets the stage for a competitive season. Sports John Damon Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:02:56 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-battered-by-71-tornadoes-so-far-in-2026-as-midwest-storm-season-explodes https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-battered-by-71-tornadoes-so-far-in-2026-as-midwest-storm-season-explodes Iowa has been hit by 71 tornadoes through the first seven months of 2026, placing the Hawkeye State among the most tornado-ravaged in the nation this year. The entire Midwest has taken an extraordinary beating from severe weather. Environment John Damon Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:02:27 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/wnba-drama-college-sports-bill-stalled-and-world-cup-economics-a-conservative-iowa-take https://iowa-news.com/article/wnba-drama-college-sports-bill-stalled-and-world-cup-economics-a-conservative-iowa-take From Caitlin Clark drama to stalled college sports legislation and World Cup economics, a conservative Iowa perspective on the biggest sports and policy stories. Sports John Damon Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:01:03 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/caitlin-clarks-boyfriend-connor-mccaffery-sends-heartfelt-message-after-wnba-all-star-game https://iowa-news.com/article/caitlin-clarks-boyfriend-connor-mccaffery-sends-heartfelt-message-after-wnba-all-star-game Iowa native Caitlin Clark shined in her third WNBA All-Star Game, and boyfriend Connor McCaffery celebrated with a heartfelt message. The former Hawkeye player’s support highlights their Iowa roots and shared journey. Sports John Damon Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:01:43 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-at-risk-of-losing-data-center-market-share-as-ai-boom-strains-power-grid-report-warns https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-at-risk-of-losing-data-center-market-share-as-ai-boom-strains-power-grid-report-warns A new report warns Iowa could lose up to 50% of its data center market share by 2028 due to power grid strain from the AI boom, threatening thousands of jobs and tax revenue. Technology John Damon Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:01:21 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-joins-states-shielding-big-oil-from-climate-lawsuits-as-legal-battles-heat-up https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-joins-states-shielding-big-oil-from-climate-lawsuits-as-legal-battles-heat-up Iowa joins states shielding oil companies from climate lawsuits as novel cases advance nationwide, raising questions about taxpayer costs and corporate accountability. Politics John Damon Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:01:29 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/dnc-chaos-states-may-defy-primary-calendar-as-chair-faces-hr-complaint https://iowa-news.com/article/dnc-chaos-states-may-defy-primary-calendar-as-chair-faces-hr-complaint The DNC is facing a potential revolt from states over its 2028 primary calendar, while Chair Ken Martin deals with a formal HR complaint. Could Iowa be next to defy the national party? Politics John Damon Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:01:46 GMT