Just The News Iowa

Best Sports Betting Apps in Iowa for 2026

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:05:47 GMT

Iowa sports bettors have access to six of the nation's top legal sportsbook apps in 2026. FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, BetMGM, Fanatics Sportsbook, and Caesars Sportsbook all operate legally in the Hawkeye State, offering competitive odds, mobile convenience, and significant welcome bonuses.

Iowa's Stirtz Headlines 2026 NBA Draft Prospects

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:01:14 GMT

Former Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz ranks No. 18 on the 2026 NBA Draft big board, leading a strong Iowa contingent that includes Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson and Tamin Lipsey.

Federal Judge Blocks Iowa's SNAP Junk Food Restrictions

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:08:11 GMT

A federal judge has blocked Iowa and four other states from restricting SNAP benefits for sugary drinks and candy, ruling the USDA overstepped its authority.

Iowa Rookie Logan Jones Challenging Bradbury for Bears Job

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:06:29 GMT

Former Iowa Hawkeye Logan Jones is bringing his blue-collar work ethic to the Chicago Bears, poised to beat out veteran Garrett Bradbury for the starting center job.

Stratton Returns to Pirates, Makes Statement in Iowa

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:05:17 GMT

Hunter Stratton returned to the Pittsburgh Pirates via trade and made an immediate impression in his Triple-A debut against the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines, throwing two scoreless innings.

ABC Copies CBS Tracker Formula With Two New Shows

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:02:13 GMT

ABC is developing two new series that closely mirror CBS's hit show Tracker, including one produced by Tracker star Justin Hartley himself.

Iowa's Feenstra Upset Looms Over Tuesday Primaries

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:05:08 GMT

Far-left socialists try to oust mainstream Democrats in New York, while Trump's endorsement power faces new tests after Iowa voters rejected Rep. Randy Feenstra.

Tuesday Primaries Test Socialist Push and Trump Endorsements

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:02:48 GMT

Voters in New York, South Carolina, Maryland, and Utah head to the polls Tuesday. Socialist candidates test their strength, while Trump's endorsement power faces new scrutiny after Iowa's results.

Federal Judge Blocks Iowa SNAP Soda Ban

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:03:08 GMT

A federal judge has blocked a Trump administration effort to allow states, including Iowa, to ban soda and candy from SNAP, ruling that the USDA overstepped its authority. The decision halts Iowa's active pilot program and prevents 23 states from testing food restriction waivers aimed at improving public health and reducing diet-related disease.

Iowa Hawkeyes Head to UConn Among Top Women's Basketball Matchups

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:02:17 GMT

Iowa travels to UConn on Nov. 8 in the headliner of a loaded non-conference schedule. Former Iowa State guard Jada Williams also joins LSU for a matchup with North Carolina.

Tuesday Primaries Test Socialist Momentum and Trump's Endorsement Power

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:10:09 GMT

Tuesday Primaries Test Socialist Momentum and Trump's Endorsement Power

Tuesday's primary elections in New York, Maryland, Utah, and South Carolina will test the rising influence of democratic socialists within the Democratic Party and measure the strength of President Donald Trump's endorsement power, which recently fell short in Iowa. Voters will also decide if a billionaire can终于买 a

UCLA Football 2026: Can Bob Chesney Engineer a Turnaround?

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:02:41 GMT

New UCLA head coach Bob Chesney brings a proven winning culture and James Madison transfers to Westwood. Can he replicate Curt Cignetti's Indiana turnaround?

UCLA's Big Ten Rebuild: What Iowa Fans Should Know

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:06:09 GMT

New UCLA coach Bob Chesney is importing James Madison talent to fix a broken program. Here is what Iowa fans need to know about the Bruins' Big Ten rebuild.

Iowa Among States Pushing Right to Try 2.0 to Cut FDA Red Tape

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:01:39 GMT

Congress is considering the Right to Try Individualized Treatment Act, a bill that would allow patients with devastating rare diseases to access experimental, individually targeted gene therapies without waiting for FDA approval. Iowa is one of 18 states that have already passed state versions of the law, which builds on the original Right to Try Act signed by President Donald Trump in 2018.

GOP Closes Gap in 2026 Ballot as Iowa Senate Seat Becomes Crucial Firewall

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 03:01:12 GMT

Republicans are closing the gap in the 2026 generic ballot, and favorable redistricting plus a strong Senate map give the GOP a path to keep Congress.

GOP Gains Midterm Ground as Iowa Senate Seat Stays Crucial

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 02:01:59 GMT

Republicans are closing the gap in the 2026 generic congressional ballot, cutting an 8.1-point deficit down to 4.8 points. While inflation and foreign conflicts remain hurdles, redistricting advantages and a favorable Senate map that includes defending Iowa give Republicans a clear path to maintain power.

Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Draws Kyle Korver Comparison Ahead of NBA Draft

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 01:01:45 GMT

That'd be great. I think I can handle the ball a little bit more. No shade to Kyle Korver. He's a great dude. I wouldn't be mad at that at all.

Iowa Stars Stirtz and Jefferson Projected in Final 2026 NBA Mock Draft

John Damon — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:02:25 GMT

Former Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz and Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson are both projected as first-round picks in the final 2026 NBA mock draft, highlighting Iowa's growing influence in professional basketball.

84 Iowa Parishes to Lose Weekend Mass Amid Clergy Shortage

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:02:32 GMT

I know this process has not been an easy one for many of us,

Turek Targets Hinson Over Healthcare Vote, Pushes Public Option

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:01:28 GMT

Democratic Senate hopeful Josh Turek attacked Rep. Ashley Hinson's vote on the 2025 tax law at a Des Moines roundtable, while Hinson's campaign pointed to her work delivering $209 million for rural healthcare and fighting to lower costs.

Will Michigan or Kansas Poach Iowa Basketball Coach Ben McCollum?

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:01:11 GMT

Ben McCollum led Iowa to the Elite Eight in Year 1, and now Michigan and Kansas could come calling. Here is what Iowa fans need to know about his future.

Dusty May Leaves Michigan for NBA: Iowa's Stirtz Reacts

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:01:42 GMT

Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May is leaving the college basketball powerhouse to coach the Dallas Mavericks, just weeks after winning the 2026 national championship. The stunning NBA move shifts the Big Ten landscape and directly impacts Iowa's own Bennett Stirtz, who visited the Mavericks organization ahead of the NBA Draft.

Iowa Launches New Cover Crop Incentives for Water Quality

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:02:38 GMT

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announces new cover crop incentives as part of a $319 million water quality package to reduce nutrient runoff and protect rivers.

EA Sports Ranks Kinnick Stadium Top 20 Toughest Places

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:04:15 GMT

EA Sports has released its rankings for the toughest places to play in College Football 27, and Iowa's Kinnick Stadium secured the No. 19 spot. LSU's Tiger Stadium took the top ranking for the second consecutive year, while Big Ten rivals Ohio State and Penn State landed in the top three.

Michigan Turns to Boynton as Interim Coach After May Exits

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:05:22 GMT

He's an elite basketball coach,

Michigan Coaching Search: Could Beilein Return or Iowa Coaches Stay?

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:02:07 GMT

Michigan basketball needs a new coach after Dusty May left for the NBA. Could John Beilein return, or will Iowa's top coaches get the call?

How Iowa Escaped the Feral Hog Crisis Devastating US Farms

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:04:02 GMT

Feral hogs cause $3 billion in agricultural damage annually across the US. Thanks to early action, Iowa has avoided the crisis. Learn how the state stays ahead.

BEAD Funding Fuels Nextlink Rural Broadband Expansion in Iowa

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:01:52 GMT

Nextlink Internet expands its Aviat Networks deal to deploy BEAD-funded rural broadband across Iowa, bringing high-speed internet to thousands of unserved homes.

Iowa Hawkeyes Star Stirtz Named Top Sleeper in 2026 NBA Draft

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:02:26 GMT

Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz is named the top sleeper pick in the 2026 NBA draft by Jay Bilas, while three elite prospects compete for the number one overall selection.

Vote: Iowa High School Baseball Athlete of the Week

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:02:33 GMT

Cast your vote for the top Iowa high school baseball player from the Ames area for the week of June 14-20. See the standout stats from local nominees.

Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Named Among Safest 2026 NBA Draft Picks

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:02:11 GMT

Iowa Hawkeyes star Bennett Stirtz has been named one of the six safest picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, bringing his Elite Eight grit and proven scoring to the pro level.

Indiana Replaces Star Cornerback After Win Over Iowa

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:01:59 GMT

Indiana must replace standout cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, but transfers AJ Harris and Ryland Gandy give the Hoosiers enough depth to remain a serious threat to Iowa and the Big Ten.

Gabbard Exposes Fauci COVID Cover-Up in Intel Community

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:05:03 GMT

Outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard released declassified evidence accusing Dr. Anthony Fauci of covering up COVID-19 origins with U.S. intelligence community help. Rand Paul fights back.

Gabbard Exposes Fauci COVID Cover-Up in Final DNI Act

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 04:01:28 GMT

Former DNI Tulsi Gabbard released declassified evidence accusing Dr. Anthony Fauci of funding Wuhan lab research and orchestrating a COVID origins cover-up with intelligence community help.

Gabbard Exposes Fauci COVID Cover-Up; Iowa Tops Housing

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 03:01:22 GMT

Gabbard's final-day declassification exposes Fauci's Wuhan funding and intelligence community cover-up. Iowa ranks #2 nationally for housing affordability.

BYU Football Lands Mega Recruiting Class, Steals Recruit From Iowa

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 02:02:13 GMT

BYU football landed multiple top recruits during its biggest recruiting weekend of the year, including a running back who turned down Iowa among other major programs.

BYU Football Mega Weekend Draws Talent Over Big Ten

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 01:02:44 GMT

BYU football wrapped up its biggest recruiting weekend, landing top talent over major Big Ten and SEC programs. Here is how the Cougars are winning.

Trump's Iran Deal Splits GOP, Iowa's Joni Ernst Calls It 'JCPOA 2.0'

John Damon — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:01:45 GMT

worst foreign policy blunder in decades.

Trump's Iran Deal Divides GOP, Draws Ernst Criticism

John Damon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 23:05:33 GMT

President Trump's interim agreement with Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz and eased pressure on gas prices, but it is triggering a deep divide within the Republican Party.

Trump's Iran Deal Divides GOP, Iowa's Ernst Calls It JCPOA 2.0

John Damon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 22:01:11 GMT

President Trump's interim agreement with Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz and eased pressure on gas prices, but it has also split the Republican Party. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is among the most vocal critics, comparing the deal to the Obama-era nuclear agreement that Trump himself once scrapped.

Iowa's Bennett Stirtz a Top Target for Charlotte Hornets in 2026 NBA Draft

John Damon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 21:01:19 GMT

Former Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz is generating major buzz for the 2026 NBA Draft. See why the Charlotte Hornets view him as a crucial rotational piece.

NBA Draft Mystery: Will Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson Hear His Name Called?

John Damon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 20:01:10 GMT

Disagree and Commit.

Iowa Educator Jane Elliott Documentary Wins Film Festival Award

John Damon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:07:43 GMT

A documentary about Iowa teacher Jane Elliott and her controversial blue eyes/brown eyes exercise won Best Documentary at the Bentonville Film Festival Saturday, bringing renewed attention to the Riceville educator's decades-long anti-racism work.

Iowa's Bennett Stirtz a Top Sleeper Pick for Chicago Bulls in NBA Draft

John Damon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:04:43 GMT

Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz is emerging as a top sleeper pick for the Chicago Bulls in the upcoming NBA Draft. Find out why his underdog story is turning heads.

Trump Backs Two in SC Runoff After Iowa Endorsement Loss

John Damon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 17:03:26 GMT

ERIC" in the 2022 GOP Senate primary in Missouri, where the two major candidates were Eric Schmitt and Eric Greitens. Both candidates claimed the endorsement, with Schmitt ultimately winning the nomination.

Mixed Results in Georgia and Alabama Runoffs

Trump rebounded a week after the Iowa loss. Evette finished first in the GOP gubernatorial primary, and longtime Trump ally Sen.L

Iowa Infielder Ben Swails Transfers to Auburn Baseball

John Damon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:01:10 GMT

Former Iowa Hawkeyes infielder Ben Swails is heading to the SEC to play for Auburn. See how his .343 batting average bolsters the Tigers' 2027 roster.

Shooter Jennings Unveils Waylon's Lost Music, Recalls Fateful Iowa Night

John Damon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 15:03:55 GMT

Shooter Jennings is bringing his father's voice back to life...

Iowa's Bennett Stirtz Headlines 2026 NBA Draft Big Board

John Damon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 14:01:44 GMT

Former Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz has climbed into first-round projection for the 2026 NBA Draft, leading a small group of players with Iowa ties. Here is the full big board.

Iowa Rejects Progressive Wahls as Democrats Drift Left

John Damon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 13:03:09 GMT

The modern activist left is effectively its own political party,

Democrats' Left Turn: What Iowa's Turek Win Reveals

John Damon — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 12:01:58 GMT

The formal party structure is getting weaker and outside groups are getting stronger,