Just The News Iowa

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.

Associated Bank AI Academy Expands Student Career Readiness

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 19:01:48 GMT

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the world around us, and we believe students should have opportunities to develop the skills and understanding needed to navigate that future. The success of last year's pilot reinforced the importance of creating accessible, engaging learning experiences that help students explore emerging technologies while also building financial confidence and

Cedar Rapids BBQ Shack Earns National Barbecue Spotlight

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 18:20:17 GMT

I really enjoyed the Texas barbecue because it's more beef, so you do briskets and beef ribs and things like that,

GOP Leads Key Senate Races, Ashley Hinson Up in Iowa

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 17:26:34 GMT

New York Times/Siena polling shows Republicans maintaining a strong path to keep the U.S. Senate, with Iowa's Ashley Hinson leading Josh Turek by two points.

Iowa Senate Race Tightens: Hinson Leads Turek by Slim Margin

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:03:11 GMT

New polling shows Republican Ashley Hinson leading Democrat Josh Turek by just two points in the Iowa Senate race, signaling a critical midterm showdown.

Iowa Meat Truck Highlights Minor League Baseball's July Promos

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:06:26 GMT

From the 'Iowa Meat Truck' claiming a national nickname title to celebrations of America's 250th birthday, Minor League Baseball's July promos celebrate local values.

New Sweepstakes Casino Launches, But Iowa Is Restricted

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:05:19 GMT

The Win Zone offers 2,500 Gold Coins and 2.5 Sweeps Coins on sign-up, but state regulations keep Iowans locked out of the free-to-play platform.

PepsiCo Agriculture Goals: What It Means For Iowa Farmers

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:04:34 GMT

PepsiCo is making significant strides toward its 2030 Positive Agriculture goals, and Iowa farmers are playing a direct role in that progress. The global food and beverage company announced that it has expanded regenerative farming practices to 4.7 million acres worldwide.

Trump Visits Theodore Roosevelt Library in North Dakota

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:03:18 GMT

TR came here for that purpose.

Visitors will learn about Roosevelt's conservation ideas and his Rough Riders regiment of the Spanish-American War. The library also addresses his horrific comments about Native Americans and other issues that have obviously aged poorly, Lauf said.

How does Trump connect to Roosevelt's legacy?

President Trump has oftenpr

Iowa Age Verification Law: What the 2026 Porn Block Means

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:04:37 GMT

I am over 18Click-through prompt rather than submitting sensitive documents to a database that could be hacked or sold. Premium VPN services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, and Private Internet Access are commonly used, as they offer strong encryption and strict no-log policies to ensure user activity remains private.

Is Watching Adult Content Legal in Iowa Under the New Law?

Former Iowa Hawkeye Deasfernandes Transfers to Northwestern

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:15:27 GMT

Former Iowa Hawkeye Brenden Deasfernandes found success at Central Michigan and now heads to Northwestern, highlighting the transfer portal's impact on college football.

Former Hawkeye Deasfernandes Leaves Central Michigan for Northwestern

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:13:56 GMT

Central Michigan enters 2026 with momentum under Matt Drinkall, but replacing former Iowa Hawkeye Brenden Deasfernandes highlights the challenge ahead for the Chippewas.

Iowa's Kade Pieper Highlights Top 2027 NFL Draft Interior O-Line

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:08:23 GMT

Iowa's Kade Pieper ranks among the top interior offensive linemen heading into the 2026 season. Here is a look at the top prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft.

Dutton Ranch Fixes Yellowstone's Carter Mistake With One Line

John Damon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:01:33 GMT

Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone franchise finally addresses one of its most glaring storytelling failures. In Dutton Ranch Season 1, Episode 8, a single line of dialogue acknowledges what fans have complained about for years.