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, 04 Sep 2026 20:54:12 GMT Hannibal Media Platform © 2026 Just The News Iowa 60 https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-football-preview-what-the-2026-schedule-holds-for-hawkeye-fans https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-football-preview-what-the-2026-schedule-holds-for-hawkeye-fans A detailed 2026 season preview projects the Iowa Hawkeyes to finish 9-3, with a narrow loss to Washington and tough matchups against Indiana and Penn State defining their Big Ten campaign. Sports John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 20:01:26 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/midterm-curveballs-4-races-that-could-shock-the-political-map https://iowa-news.com/article/midterm-curveballs-4-races-that-could-shock-the-political-map With the House canceling votes until after the midterms, Republicans face a tough map. But history shows curveballs can change everything. Here are the races to watch. Politics John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 19:01:37 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-bred-star-rhyme-away-headlines-minnesota-festival-of-champions https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-bred-star-rhyme-away-headlines-minnesota-festival-of-champions Iowa-bred filly Rhyme Away, second in the Iowa Stallion Futurity at Prairie Meadows, headlines the $80,000 Northern Lights Debutante at Canterbury Park's 33rd Minnesota Festival of Champions on Saturday. Sports John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 18:03:10 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/christopher-bell-overcomes-broken-wrist-near-miss-season-to-chase-first-cup-title https://iowa-news.com/article/christopher-bell-overcomes-broken-wrist-near-miss-season-to-chase-first-cup-title Christopher Bell enters the NASCAR playoffs sixth in points after overcoming a broken wrist from a 63G crash at Michigan. His remarkable comeback included five top-five finishes in 11 races, transforming a lost season into a championship opportunity. Sports John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:02:27 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-vs-northern-illinois-what-to-watch-in-the-season-opener https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-vs-northern-illinois-what-to-watch-in-the-season-opener Iowa opens its 2026 season against Northern Illinois. Quarterback competition, defensive line pressure, and kicking concerns headline the key storylines for the Hawkeyes. Sports John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 16:01:31 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-retirees-missed-a-22percent-tax-trap-how-gap-years-could-save-thousands https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-retirees-missed-a-22percent-tax-trap-how-gap-years-could-save-thousands A retiree's $380,000 401(k) grew to $642,000, but her first RMD was taxed at 22%. Here's how Iowa retirees can use gap years for Roth conversions to avoid this trap. Business John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:02:05 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-open-2026-season-as-315-point-favorites-week-1-college-football-betting-guide https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-open-2026-season-as-315-point-favorites-week-1-college-football-betting-guide Iowa opens as a 31.5-point favorite against Northern Illinois in Week 1. Here's the full college football betting guide, including odds, trends, and sportsbook promos. Sports John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:01:31 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/mail-voting-states-face-biggest-disruption-risk-from-trump-postal-rules https://iowa-news.com/article/mail-voting-states-face-biggest-disruption-risk-from-trump-postal-rules Oregon and Washington could face the biggest disruption if the Trump administration's new mail ballot rules take effect before November's midterms. A Newsweek analysis of federal election data shows which states rely most on mail voting. Politics John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:01:40 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-football-big-ten-stability-shine-as-college-football-kicks-off https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-football-big-ten-stability-shine-as-college-football-kicks-off Iowa football returns ranked No. 22 as the Big Ten's stability pays off with three straight national titles, while the SEC struggles with chaos and lawsuits. Sports John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:02:13 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-trevor-lauck-cracks-top-30-in-early-2027-nfl-draft-big-board https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-trevor-lauck-cracks-top-30-in-early-2027-nfl-draft-big-board Iowa Hawkeyes offensive tackle Trevor Lauck is ranked No. 29 on the first 2027 NFL Draft big board after an impressive season anchoring the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line. Sports John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:01:37 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-duo-projected-as-first-round-nfl-draft-picks-in-2027-mock https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-duo-projected-as-first-round-nfl-draft-picks-in-2027-mock Two Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linemen are projected as first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, continuing the program's tradition of producing NFL-ready talent. Sports John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 08:01:53 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-governor-race-shifts-left-in-sabato-ratings-but-gops-zach-lahn-has-path-to-victory https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-governor-race-shifts-left-in-sabato-ratings-but-gops-zach-lahn-has-path-to-victory Sabato's Crystal Ball shifts Iowa's governor race to leaning Democrat, but GOP nominee Zach Lahn still has a path to victory in the Hawkeye State. Politics John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 07:03:05 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/packers-late-additions-bring-iowa-flavor-to-green-bays-super-bowl-push https://iowa-news.com/article/packers-late-additions-bring-iowa-flavor-to-green-bays-super-bowl-push The Green Bay Packers made late roster moves to boost their Super Bowl chances, including adding former Iowa star Kaleb Johnson, who already knows the offense. Sports John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 04:01:27 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/college-football-week-1-picks-iowas-defense-poised-to-dominate-northern-illinois https://iowa-news.com/article/college-football-week-1-picks-iowas-defense-poised-to-dominate-northern-illinois FOX Sports analyst Chris 'The Bear' Fallica reveals his Week 1 college football picks, highlighting Iowa's dominant defense against Northern Illinois and other key matchups. Sports John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 03:00:59 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-native-quinn-olson-faces-biggest-test-yet-as-arizona-opens-against-nau https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-native-quinn-olson-faces-biggest-test-yet-as-arizona-opens-against-nau Former Bishop Heelan quarterback Quinn Olson went from walk-on to starting defensive back at Arizona. His Week 1 matchup against NAU's top receiver could decide the game. Sports John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 02:01:16 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/mitchell-techs-new-underground-powerline-lab-trains-next-generation-of-linemen https://iowa-news.com/article/mitchell-techs-new-underground-powerline-lab-trains-next-generation-of-linemen Mitchell Technical College's new Touchstone Energy Utilities Lab is the first facility dedicated entirely to underground powerline training, giving students year-round hands-on experience in high demand across the Midwest. Business John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 01:01:50 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/usd-footballs-new-look-roster-shines-in-opener-but-road-test-looms https://iowa-news.com/article/usd-footballs-new-look-roster-shines-in-opener-but-road-test-looms USD football's revamped roster impressed in a 59-20 season-opening win, but a road test at Northern Colorado will reveal if the Coyotes can sustain their explosive start. Sports John Damon Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:02:01 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/spurs-veteran-harrison-barnes-buys-iowa-bank-doubles-down-on-home-state-roots https://iowa-news.com/article/spurs-veteran-harrison-barnes-buys-iowa-bank-doubles-down-on-home-state-roots San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes, a native of Ames, Iowa, has purchased Community State Bank in Paton for $25 million, signaling a major investment in his home state's financial future. Business John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:01:33 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-cancer-patients-hit-with-skyrocketing-bills-after-uihc-buys-mission-clinics https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-cancer-patients-hit-with-skyrocketing-bills-after-uihc-buys-mission-clinics Iowa cancer patients face fivefold price hikes after UIHC's $280 million purchase of Mission Cancer + Blood, raising questions about hospital consolidation and facility fees. Health John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:01:03 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-week-1-betting-guide-lines-picks-and-key-matchups-vs-northern-illinois https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-week-1-betting-guide-lines-picks-and-key-matchups-vs-northern-illinois Iowa opens its season against Northern Illinois as a massive favorite. Here are the key betting lines, national matchups, and best bets for Week 1. Sports John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 21:01:15 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/ncis-season-24-kayla-vance-poised-to-carry-on-her-fathers-legacy-after-shocking-death https://iowa-news.com/article/ncis-season-24-kayla-vance-poised-to-carry-on-her-fathers-legacy-after-shocking-death NCIS Season 24 premieres Oct. 6 with major cast changes after Director Leon Vance's death. His daughter Kayla is poised to join MCRT and carry on his legacy. Arts and Entertainment John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 20:01:04 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-week-1-viewing-guide-five-days-of-college-football-kicks-off-in-style https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-week-1-viewing-guide-five-days-of-college-football-kicks-off-in-style Iowa Hawkeyes fans have five days of college football this Labor Day weekend. Here's the complete Week 1 viewing guide, including Iowa's opener against Northern Illinois and the biggest matchups across the country. Sports John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:01:48 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-offensive-line-ready-for-week-1-showdown-with-northern-illinois https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-offensive-line-ready-for-week-1-showdown-with-northern-illinois Iowa Hawkeyes left tackle Trevor Lauck talks Week 1 expectations, the quarterback competition, and his new NIL deal with Casey's as the offensive line looks to reload after losing three starters to the NFL. Sports John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:03:07 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-strangest-animal-the-common-conehead-is-a-corn-munching-oddity https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-strangest-animal-the-common-conehead-is-a-corn-munching-oddity Iowa's strangest animal is the common conehead, an odd insect with a conical face that munches on corn crops. Here's why this creature stands out. Science John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 17:02:40 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/musks-america-pac-drops-dollar800k-on-key-senate-races-including-iowa https://iowa-news.com/article/musks-america-pac-drops-dollar800k-on-key-senate-races-including-iowa Elon Musk's America PAC has dropped more than $800,000 on key Senate races, including $54,600 in Iowa, signaling the billionaire's return to the political battlefield ahead of the midterms. Politics John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:01:11 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/big-12-football-week-1-full-tv-schedule-announcers-and-times-for-iowa-fans https://iowa-news.com/article/big-12-football-week-1-full-tv-schedule-announcers-and-times-for-iowa-fans Big 12 football opens Week 1 with 15 games. Here's the full TV schedule, announcers, and times for Iowa fans, including key matchups and streaming options. Sports John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:02:07 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-open-2026-season-against-niu-betting-odds-promo-codes-and-what-to-watch https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-open-2026-season-against-niu-betting-odds-promo-codes-and-what-to-watch Iowa opens its 2026 season against Northern Illinois as a 31.5-point favorite. Here are the odds, betting trends, and best promo codes for Week 1 college football. Sports John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:01:47 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/ted-cruzs-iowa-visits-fuel-2028-speculation-as-trump-signals-open-primary https://iowa-news.com/article/ted-cruzs-iowa-visits-fuel-2028-speculation-as-trump-signals-open-primary Ted Cruz's frequent Iowa visits and public jabs at JD Vance signal a potential 2028 presidential bid, with Trump offering mixed signals on his successor. Politics John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:01:58 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-open-2026-season-with-niu-big-ten-week-1-picks-and-analysis https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-open-2026-season-with-niu-big-ten-week-1-picks-and-analysis The Iowa Hawkeyes open their 2026 season against Northern Illinois as the full Big Ten slate kicks off. Here are the Week 1 picks, including new coaches, the defending champion Hoosiers, and a key Apple Cup matchup. Sports John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:02:06 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-teams-poised-to-cover-big-spreads-in-week-1-thursday-night-games https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-teams-poised-to-cover-big-spreads-in-week-1-thursday-night-games Big Ten teams look poised to dominate Thursday night's college football slate, with Rutgers, Illinois, and Minnesota all positioned to cover big spreads against overmatched opponents. Sports John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:01:15 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/raven-johnsons-pro-habits-from-dawn-staley-paying-off-with-fever https://iowa-news.com/article/raven-johnsons-pro-habits-from-dawn-staley-paying-off-with-fever Indiana Fever rookie Raven Johnson says Dawn Staley's 'pro habits' philosophy shaped her career. The former South Carolina star is now applying those lessons in the WNBA. Sports John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:01:28 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-trevor-lauck-kade-pieper-crack-top-100-in-early-2027-nfl-draft-big-board https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-hawkeyes-trevor-lauck-kade-pieper-crack-top-100-in-early-2027-nfl-draft-big-board Two Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linemen, Trevor Lauck and Kade Pieper, are ranked among the top 100 prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft, with cornerback Zach Lutmer also making the list. Sports John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 07:02:59 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/pentagon-ordered-troops-to-stop-calling-iran-conflict-operation-epic-fury https://iowa-news.com/article/pentagon-ordered-troops-to-stop-calling-iran-conflict-operation-epic-fury The Pentagon quietly ordered military personnel to stop calling ongoing U.S. operations against Iran “Operation Epic Fury,” months after the Trump administration declared the operation over. The directive raises questions about casualty classifications and transparency. Politics John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:01:03 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/kate-martin-signs-with-chicago-sky-iowa-star-returns-closer-to-home https://iowa-news.com/article/kate-martin-signs-with-chicago-sky-iowa-star-returns-closer-to-home Former Iowa Hawkeyes star Kate Martin signs with the Chicago Sky on a developmental contract, bringing her closer to home and giving her another shot at the WNBA level. Sports John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 03:01:05 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/travis-kelces-car-wash-investment-hit-with-dollar2-million-bonus-lawsuit https://iowa-news.com/article/travis-kelces-car-wash-investment-hit-with-dollar2-million-bonus-lawsuit Travis Kelce's Club Car Wash investment faces a proposed class-action lawsuit over unpaid employee bonuses. A former worker claims the company paid only 25% of promised bonuses, seeking more than $2 million in damages. Business John Damon Thu, 03 Sep 2026 02:01:23 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-no-touch-phone-law-what-drivers-need-to-know-in-2026 https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-no-touch-phone-law-what-drivers-need-to-know-in-2026 Iowa's hands-free driving law bans holding your phone behind the wheel. Learn the penalties, exceptions, and how to stay compliant in 2026. Politics John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 21:01:06 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/gopher-football-predictions-2026-iowa-hawkeyes-showdown-looms-as-key-test-for-minnesota https://iowa-news.com/article/gopher-football-predictions-2026-iowa-hawkeyes-showdown-looms-as-key-test-for-minnesota Minnesota's 2026 football predictions show the Gophers at just 43% confidence against Iowa, making the Week 8 rivalry clash a pivotal test for both teams. Sports John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 20:01:19 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/new-poll-shows-texas-governor-race-tightening-abbott-leads-hinojosa-by-just-1-point https://iowa-news.com/article/new-poll-shows-texas-governor-race-tightening-abbott-leads-hinojosa-by-just-1-point A new poll shows Texas Governor Greg Abbott leading Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa by just 1 point, raising questions about Republican strength in the Lone Star State. Politics John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 19:01:36 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/huskies-look-to-rebound-in-2026-with-strong-core-big-ten-battles-ahead https://iowa-news.com/article/huskies-look-to-rebound-in-2026-with-strong-core-big-ten-battles-ahead Washington Huskies look to rebound in 2026 with quarterback Demond Williams, a veteran offensive line, and a defense full of playmakers. A Halloween showdown at Nebraska could be a primetime test. Sports John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:03:06 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-week-1-can-iowa-start-strong-and-what-about-wisconsins-tough-test-against-notre-dame https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-week-1-can-iowa-start-strong-and-what-about-wisconsins-tough-test-against-notre-dame Iowa looks to dominate Northern Illinois while Wisconsin faces a tough test at Notre Dame. Full Big Ten Week 1 predictions and analysis. Sports John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:03:01 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/caseys-general-stores-iowas-gas-station-pizza-giant-takes-on-dominos https://iowa-news.com/article/caseys-general-stores-iowas-gas-station-pizza-giant-takes-on-dominos Iowa-based Casey's General Stores has become the fifth-largest pizza chain in America, beating Domino's in sales growth and winning over customers with scratch-made pies and small-town charm. Business John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:01:30 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/uscs-empty-seats-raise-questions-as-lincoln-riley-defends-trojans-attendance https://iowa-news.com/article/uscs-empty-seats-raise-questions-as-lincoln-riley-defends-trojans-attendance USC coach Lincoln Riley dismisses attendance concerns, but empty Coliseum seats and declining numbers raise questions as the Trojans face a critical 2026 home slate. Sports John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:01:46 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/week-one-college-football-hawkeyes-face-tough-spread-plus-our-best-bets-for-iowa-fans https://iowa-news.com/article/week-one-college-football-hawkeyes-face-tough-spread-plus-our-best-bets-for-iowa-fans Week one college football brings big spreads and big questions for Iowa fans. Here are the best bets, including a look at the Hawkeyes' matchup against Northern Illinois. Sports John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:01:14 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/caitlin-clark-says-shes-the-best-shes-ever-felt-as-fever-star-hits-stride https://iowa-news.com/article/caitlin-clark-says-shes-the-best-shes-ever-felt-as-fever-star-hits-stride Former Iowa Hawkeye Caitlin Clark says she feels 'the best' she ever has in her WNBA career, posting career-high numbers for the Indiana Fever after battling injuries. Sports John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:01:50 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-bred-running-back-kaleb-johnson-returns-home-to-bolster-packers-shaken-backfield https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-bred-running-back-kaleb-johnson-returns-home-to-bolster-packers-shaken-backfield The Packers acquired Iowa standout Kaleb Johnson to help fill the void left by Josh Jacobs, while also adding two new tight ends just days before the season opener. Sports John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:02:15 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/gop-skips-dallas-convention-as-iowa-republicans-focus-on-local-races https://iowa-news.com/article/gop-skips-dallas-convention-as-iowa-republicans-focus-on-local-races Republicans are skipping the Dallas convention in droves, prioritizing district work over the national spectacle. What does this mean for Iowa voters? Politics John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:01:40 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/can-iowas-favorite-underdogs-crash-the-college-football-playoff-in-2026 https://iowa-news.com/article/can-iowas-favorite-underdogs-crash-the-college-football-playoff-in-2026 The 12-team College Football Playoff guarantees a spot for a non-power conference team every year. Here are the four best bets to crash the party in 2026. Sports John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:07:12 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-football-2026-full-win-projections-top-storylines-and-iowa-hawkeyes-outlook https://iowa-news.com/article/big-ten-football-2026-full-win-projections-top-storylines-and-iowa-hawkeyes-outlook The 2026 Big Ten football season is nearly here. From the national title race to the Heisman Trophy, here is a full breakdown of how every Big Ten team will fare this fall, including a detailed look at the Iowa Hawkeyes. Sports John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 07:02:39 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/lincoln-riley-fires-back-at-critics-over-usc-crowd-but-iowa-fans-know-the-real-story https://iowa-news.com/article/lincoln-riley-fires-back-at-critics-over-usc-crowd-but-iowa-fans-know-the-real-story USC coach Lincoln Riley dismisses criticism over sparse season-opening crowd, but Iowa fans see a familiar contrast in dedication. Heat, schedule, and social media fuel the debate. Sports John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:01:11 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/south-bend-cubs-power-past-cedar-rapids-as-iowa-farm-teams-shine-in-final-stretch https://iowa-news.com/article/south-bend-cubs-power-past-cedar-rapids-as-iowa-farm-teams-shine-in-final-stretch Angel Cepeda homered twice as South Bend beat Cedar Rapids 8-4. Iowa Cubs, Knoxville, and Myrtle Beach also saw key performances and roster moves in the final stretch. Sports John Damon Wed, 02 Sep 2026 03:00:51 GMT