Just The News Iowa

Iowa Republicans Face Crucial House Battles Four Months Out

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:03:31 GMT

I think we're on our way to a monumental defeat as a party in the 2026 midterms,

Iowa House Races in the Spotlight as Democrats Target Majority

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:49:54 GMT

With four months until the midterms, Iowa Republicans Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn face tough toss-up races as Democrats push to flip the House.

Iowa House Seats Could Decide Republican Majority in 2026

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:49:16 GMT

As Democrats target the House majority, Iowa Republicans Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn face toss-up races that could decide control of Congress in 2026.

BetMGM Bonus Code COVERS50: Iowa Bettors Get $1,500 Offer

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:40:47 GMT

Iowa sports bettors can use BetMGM bonus code COVERS50 to claim a $1,500 first bet offer for the Colombia vs. Ghana match. Learn how to claim your rewards today.

BetMGM Bonus Code COVERS50: Iowans Get $1,500 First Bet Offer

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:36:43 GMT

Iowans looking to wager on Friday's Colombia vs. Ghana match can use the BetMGM bonus code COVERS50 to unlock a $1,500 First Bet offer. Iowa is one of the eligible states where new users can access this specific welcome promotion, which also includes $50 in BetMGM Rewards Points upon sign-up.

BetMGM Bonus Code COVERS50 Gives Iowa Bettors $1,500 Offer

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:32:42 GMT

Iowa sports fans can use the BetMGM bonus code COVERS50 to claim a $1,500 First Bet offer for Colombia vs. Ghana, taking advantage of the state's free market betting laws.

Iowa Bettors: Claim BetMGM's $1,500 Bonus for Colombia vs Ghana

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:25:21 GMT

Iowa sports fans can claim a $1,500 first bet bonus using BetMGM code COVERS50 for the Colombia vs. Ghana match. Learn how to unlock this local offer today.

BetMGM Bonus Code: Iowa Bettors Get $1,500 Offer for Argentina

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:36:20 GMT

New BetMGM users in Iowa can claim a competitive welcome offer using the bonus code COVERS50 ahead of Friday's Argentina vs. Cape Verde match. Iowa is one of the eligible states where bettors can access a $1,500 First Bet offer.

250 Years of Independence: 50 Facts About the USA

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:12:52 GMT

Tomorrow marks 250 years of American independence, commemorating the date the 13 original colonies broke away from British rule on July 4, 1776. As the nation celebrates its founding and the liberties secured by generations of Americans, a look at all 50 states reveals a remarkable tapestry of ingenuity, freedom, and unmatched American greatness.

Iowa Corn and Soybean Crops Outpace National Averages

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:05:25 GMT

Iowa farmers are seeing strong 2026 corn and soybean conditions heading into July, outpacing national averages despite localized drought and storm damage.

FanDuel Promo: Bet $1 on Team USA, Get $250 Cash in Iowa

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:05:46 GMT

Iowa sports bettors can claim a FanDuel World Cup promo: bet $1 on Team USA vs. Belgium and get $250 in cash if the USMNT advances to the quarterfinals.

Rice Owls 2026 Preview: ISU Ties and a Ground-Game Revival

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:04:11 GMT

The Rice Owls enter 2026 with a revamped running game and a former Iowa State defensive line coach. Can they secure their first winning season since 2014?

Baby Formula Recalls Hit Iowa Manufacturing Amid FDA Overhaul

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:06:23 GMT

Recent baby formula recalls linked to bacterial contamination raise questions about FDA efficiency after Trump administration cuts, with an Iowa plant at the center of the debate.

Iowa Leads First Ever 50-State Bourbon Blend

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:03:31 GMT

Iowa's Cedar Ridge Distillery is the largest contributor to Lost Lantern's United States of Bourbon, the first blend featuring whiskey from all 50 states.

Watertown Pitcher Hunter Halajian Headed to Northeast Iowa CC

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:22:01 GMT

Hunter is a player we knew had the potential to be special long before many people started to notice. Behind the scenes, he has put in countless hours to transform himself into a complete pitcher. He's worked incredibly hard to get stronger, increase his velocity and refine every aspect of his game,

Star Pitcher Hunter Halajian Commits to Northeast Iowa CC

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:17:36 GMT

Hunter Halajian, a standout left-handed pitcher for the Watertown Arrows Post 17, has committed to play college baseball at Northeast Iowa Community College. The recent Watertown High School graduate brings a 6-2 record and 66 strikeouts to the Iowa program, joining several other regional athletes who are taking their talents to Iowa colleges this year.

South Dakota Pitcher Hunter Halajian Heads to Northeast Iowa CC

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:17:11 GMT

Watertown High School graduate and standout left-handed pitcher Hunter Halajian has committed to play college baseball at Northeast Iowa Community College. Halajian, who currently plays for the Watertown Arrows Post 17, brings a 6-2 record and 66 strikeouts in 58 innings to the Iowa program.

Rural Iowa Hit Hard by Rheumatologist Shortage Crisis

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:12:33 GMT

Projected deficiencies in rheumatologist workforce adequacy suggest a need for multiple strategies to improve access to rheumatologic care moving forward. Key stakeholders in the specialty, including public policy makers and state governments, should align on the initiatives necessary to enhance rheumatologist workforce adequacy, especially among geographic areas with identified deficiencies,

Standout Pitcher Hunter Halajian Commits to Northeast Iowa CC

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:11:18 GMT

Iowa Native Zach Johnson One Shot Off John Deere Classic Lead

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:07:38 GMT

Iowa native Zach Johnson proved his loyalty to the Quad Cities on Thursday, firing an opening-round 64 at the John Deere Classic. Johnson skipped three major championships to play at TPC Deere Run, finishing the day just one shot behind joint leaders Lucas Glover and Zac Blair.

Iowa Hawkeyes Ranked Fifth Among Illinois' Biggest Rivals

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:02:36 GMT

Illinois fans recently ranked their biggest rivals, placing the Iowa Hawkeyes at number five. Here is why the border-state battle deserves more respect.

Iowa Cubs Win 6-4 as Hayden Cantrelle Earns Triple-A Promotion

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 03:03:19 GMT

The Iowa Cubs took down the Toledo Mud Hens 6-4, highlighted by Owen Miller's perfect night at the plate and Hayden Cantrelle's promotion to Triple-A.

Iowa Leaders Debate Data Center Boom: Economic Win or Tax Risk?

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 02:02:55 GMT

Someone will be unhappy either way. You can't fully set aside your biases, but you try not to let it influence your thought process,

Zach Johnson Chooses Iowa Over Majors, Opens John Deere With 64

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 01:02:02 GMT

I just love being here, and I'm comfortable, obviously,

Mark Harmon Returns as Gibbs in NCIS: Origins Season 3

John Damon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:04:44 GMT

Mark Harmon is officially returning as Leroy Jethro Gibbs for a full season arc in NCIS: Origins Season 3, completing a clever CBS bait-and-switch that quietly set up his comeback.

Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Set for NBA Summer League Debut with OKC Thunder

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:03:40 GMT

Former Iowa Hawkeyes star Bennett Stirtz begins his NBA journey with the OKC Thunder in the 2026 Summer League. Get the schedule, roster details, and local impact.

Swiss Yodeling Festival Turns Fountains Into Stages Amid Record Heat

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:01:37 GMT

Swiss Yodeling Festival Turns Fountains Into Stages Amid Record Heat

Iowa Ballot Fight: Libertarian Sues Over Name Rejection

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:01:10 GMT

Libertarian congressional candidate Marco Battaglia filed a lawsuit July 2 asking a Polk County judge to reverse the State Objection Panel's decision to remove him from the 3rd District ballot for running under a name that isn't his legal one.

America's 250th: Iowa Museums Preserve State's Rich History

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:07:48 GMT

As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, Iowa museums and cultural organizations are preserving the state's complex history, from the Meskwaki Nation's ancient roots to Buxton's integrated community and ongoing civil rights debates.

Iowa GOP Senate Hopefuls Embrace New Super PAC Strategy

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:03:02 GMT

Iowa Republican Senate candidates are shifting to candidate-specific super PACs after a landmark Supreme Court ruling, gaining independence from Washington establishment groups.

Iowa GOP Senate Candidates Shift to Super PAC Fundraising

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:29:43 GMT

Iowa GOP Senate candidates are shifting to candidate-specific super PACs ahead of the 2026 midterms, fueled by a new Supreme Court ruling on free speech.

Rams 2026 Roster Breakdown: Big 10, SEC, and Iowa Ties

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:37:38 GMT

The Los Angeles Rams 2026 roster features talent from across the country, including Iowa's Alaric Jackson. See how the SEC and Big 10 dominate the NFL pipeline.

Northern Lights Could Dazzle Iowa Skies This July 4 Weekend

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:01:41 GMT

Iowans celebrating Independence Day weekend might get an extra light show as a solar storm brings the northern lights potentially visible across the state.

5 Vikings Trades That Could Impact Iowa's Logan Jones

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:09:05 GMT

The Minnesota Vikings could make massive roster moves. Here are five bold trades, including scenarios impacting former Iowa stars Logan Jones and Riley Moss.

Cyclospora Outbreak Spreads: What Iowans Need To Know

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:04:59 GMT

A rapidly growing parasitic infection linked to imported fresh produce is sweeping through Michigan and Ohio, raising serious food safety concerns for Iowans.

2026 World Cup Delivers Patriotism and Unity Despite FIFA's Corporate Control

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:05:01 GMT

This is so f---ing cool, man,

Iowa GOP Candidate Derek Wulf Denies Hookup Site Leak

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:03:50 GMT

Iowa GOP candidate Derek Wulf firmly denies creating an Adult Friend Finder account after a progressive PAC weaponized data from a massive 2016 cyberattack.

How Iowa's Open Records Board Protects Taxpayers from Waste

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:09:59 GMT

Kansas just spent $20,000 of taxpayer money on a legal conflict, but Iowa's Public Information Board prevents this waste while holding government accountable.

Iowa Leads on Open Government, Avoiding Costly Conflicts

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:55:10 GMT

While Kansas wastes $20,000 in taxpayer funds on outside counsel due to AG conflicts, Iowa's Public Information Board offers a proven, cost-effective model for government transparency.

Nebraska Football 2026: Can Rhule Beat Iowa and Save His Job?

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:53:41 GMT

Nebraska enters 2026 with Matt Rhule on the hot seat, an 0-3 record against Iowa, and a brutal Big Ten schedule. Can the Huskers finally compete?

Nebraska Football 2026: Can Matt Rhule Fix the Huskers?

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:11:17 GMT

Matt Rhule and Nebraska football face a critical 2026 season. With Dylan Raiola at Oregon and a brutal Big Ten schedule, can the Huskers return to greatness?

Iowa's New Porn Age Verification Law Takes Effect July 1

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:02:25 GMT

Iowa's new law requiring age verification for adult websites took effect July 1, 2026. Here is how House File 864 protects kids and what it means for adult privacy.

Huisentruit Family Disputes People Magazine PI Claims

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:06:04 GMT

The family of Jodi Huisentruit is pushing back against a People magazine story about a private investigator claiming to have their blessing to look into the 1995 disappearance of the Mason City news anchor.

CBS Bets on NCIS: Origins as Mark Harmon Returns Full-Time

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 02:03:15 GMT

CBS is shifting the NCIS franchise spotlight to its prequel, NCIS: Origins, with Mark Harmon returning as Gibbs for a full-season arc. The move elevates the prequel to a central franchise pillar.

Former Hawkeye Geno Stone Enters Critical Summer With Bills

John Damon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:06:48 GMT

Former Iowa Hawkeye standout Geno Stone joins a revamped Buffalo Bills defense. Learn what's at stake for Stone and three other newcomers this NFL summer.

Central Iowa Water Works Lifts Residential Lawn Watering Ban

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:02:14 GMT

Central Iowa Water Works lifted its mandatory residential lawn watering ban on July 1, 2026, less than a month after imposing it. The utility shifted back to voluntary conservation measures, crediting central Iowans for stepping up to stabilize the region's water supply without the need for prolonged, heavy-handed government mandates.

The move to Stage II voluntary measures

Iowa Hawkeyes Beat NIL Chaos With Traditional Values

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:02:17 GMT

While college sports face a chaotic NIL free-for-all, the Iowa Hawkeyes are winning by sticking to traditional values and prioritizing culture over cash.

Trump Tours New Roosevelt Presidential Library Ahead of July Fourth Opening

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:02:55 GMT

President Trump toured the new $450 million Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota, calling Roosevelt a leader who wanted to be great and announcing a $750,000 federal contribution to the facility.

New Marvel Comic Revives Classic Rivalry With Rural Iowa Roots

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:07:45 GMT

Marvel's new comic Challenges of Doom: Mr. Fantastic #1 reignites a classic rivalry ahead of Avengers: Doomsday, with deep roots for reluctant readers in rural Iowa.

New Iowa Laws Target Repeat Offenders, Public Assistance

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:06:52 GMT

Iowa is implementing a series of new laws today that prioritize public safety, government accountability, and family values. Governor Kim Reynolds signed several major bills following the 91st Iowa General Assembly, including a strict three-strikes law for habitual offenders and new restrictions preventing illegal immigrants from receiving public assistance.