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, 17 Jul 2026 20:36:19 GMT Hannibal Media Platform © 2026 Just The News Iowa 60 https://iowa-news.com/article/house-conservative-wave-could-reshape-the-us-senate-with-iowas-hinson-in-strong-position https://iowa-news.com/article/house-conservative-wave-could-reshape-the-us-senate-with-iowas-hinson-in-strong-position A wave of House conservatives, including Iowa's Ashley Hinson, is poised to reshape the U.S. Senate. At least five House members could move to the upper chamber, bringing their brand of no-nonsense governance to Washington. Politics John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 20:01:01 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/14-iowa-beaches-unsafe-for-swimming-as-e-coli-algae-levels-spike https://iowa-news.com/article/14-iowa-beaches-unsafe-for-swimming-as-e-coli-algae-levels-spike As Iowa braces for a heat wave, 14 state beaches are now unsafe for swimming due to high E. coli and algae levels. Find out which spots to avoid this weekend. Environment John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 19:01:21 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/georgia-poll-shows-gop-at-risk-of-losing-governors-mansion-after-20-years https://iowa-news.com/article/georgia-poll-shows-gop-at-risk-of-losing-governors-mansion-after-20-years A new poll shows Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms leading Republican Rick Jackson in Georgia's governor's race, raising alarms for the GOP in a state it has controlled for over two decades. Politics John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 18:02:43 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/doeden-spokesperson-property-tax-elimination-plan-only-for-homeowners https://iowa-news.com/article/doeden-spokesperson-property-tax-elimination-plan-only-for-homeowners As the South Dakota governor runoff heats up, candidate Toby Doeden's campaign clarifies his property tax elimination plan applies only to homeowners, not farms or businesses. Politics John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:02:21 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/66-photos-show-how-wildly-different-americas-states-really-are https://iowa-news.com/article/66-photos-show-how-wildly-different-americas-states-really-are A viral photo collection shows the vast cultural and geographic differences between U.S. states, from Florida's alligators to Wyoming's snow. Iowans might see their own state in the mix. Arts and Entertainment John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:01:07 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/northwestern-faces-former-coach-pat-fitzgerald-in-key-big-ten-road-test-at-michigan-state https://iowa-news.com/article/northwestern-faces-former-coach-pat-fitzgerald-in-key-big-ten-road-test-at-michigan-state Northwestern faces former coach Pat Fitzgerald and Michigan State on Oct. 17 in a Big Ten road test that highlights coaching changes, transfer portal moves, and roster turnover in the conference. Sports John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:01:49 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/berkshire-hathaway-ceo-greg-abel-sees-iowa-utility-growth-from-ai-data-centers https://iowa-news.com/article/berkshire-hathaway-ceo-greg-abel-sees-iowa-utility-growth-from-ai-data-centers Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel says Iowa's energy infrastructure is key to powering AI data centers, with potential for 50% growth in electricity demand over five years. Business John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:01:11 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/what-if-the-2003-iowa-hawkeyes-had-a-24-team-college-football-playoff https://iowa-news.com/article/what-if-the-2003-iowa-hawkeyes-had-a-24-team-college-football-playoff The 2003 Iowa Hawkeyes went 10-2 and finished No. 8 in the polls. With a 24-team College Football Playoff on the horizon, how would they have fared? A look at the hypothetical bracket. Sports John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:01:29 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-judges-blood-alcohol-level-was-4-times-legal-limit-during-arrest-records-show https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-judges-blood-alcohol-level-was-4-times-legal-limit-during-arrest-records-show Newly released records and body camera footage show Iowa Judge Adria Kester's blood alcohol level was up to five times the legal limit during her November 2025 OWI arrest. The judge dropped a lawsuit to block the records, saying the public deserves accountability. Politics John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:01:36 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/army-volleyball-to-face-iowa-in-season-opening-tournament-at-west-point https://iowa-news.com/article/army-volleyball-to-face-iowa-in-season-opening-tournament-at-west-point Army West Point volleyball opens the 2026 season with a home tournament featuring the University of Iowa, plus rivalry matches against Navy. Full schedule and key matchups inside. Sports John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 09:01:17 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/scott-county-supervisors-push-back-on-dollar400m-natural-gas-plant-on-prime-farmland https://iowa-news.com/article/scott-county-supervisors-push-back-on-dollar400m-natural-gas-plant-on-prime-farmland Scott County supervisors are intervening in state proceedings to block a $400 million natural gas plant on prime Iowa farmland, citing environmental and agricultural concerns. Environment John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:01:12 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/johnston-sb-little-league-opens-central-regionals-with-iowas-world-series-hopes-on-the-line https://iowa-news.com/article/johnston-sb-little-league-opens-central-regionals-with-iowas-world-series-hopes-on-the-line Iowa's Johnston SB Little League competes in the Central regionals of the 2026 Little League softball tournament this week in Whitestown, Indiana. The winner earns a spot in the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, North Carolina. Here's how to watch and what's at stake for the Hawkeye State. Sports John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:02:34 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/taco-bell-pulls-lettuce-nationwide-as-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-hits-4000-in-michigan https://iowa-news.com/article/taco-bell-pulls-lettuce-nationwide-as-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-hits-4000-in-michigan Taco Bell removes lettuce nationwide after a cyclosporiasis outbreak sickens 4,000+ in Michigan. Iowa officials monitor the situation as Taylor Farms is named the suspected supplier. Health John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:57 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/taco-bell-pulls-lettuce-nationwide-as-cyclospora-outbreak-hits-34-states https://iowa-news.com/article/taco-bell-pulls-lettuce-nationwide-as-cyclospora-outbreak-hits-34-states Taco Bell pulls lettuce nationwide as cyclospora outbreak sickens thousands in 34 states. Iowa consumers should stay alert given supplier's history of contamination in the state. Health John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 03:00:55 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/further-ado-leads-strong-haskell-field-as-iowa-horse-racing-fans-watch-closely https://iowa-news.com/article/further-ado-leads-strong-haskell-field-as-iowa-horse-racing-fans-watch-closely Further Ado leads a strong Haskell Stakes field that includes Preakness winner Napoleon Solo and Kentucky Derby contender The Puma. Iowa horse racing fans have a compelling reason to watch Saturday's $1 million Grade 1 race at Monmouth Park. Sports John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 02:01:10 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/caitlin-clark-sounds-off-after-another-hard-hit-its-ridiculous https://iowa-news.com/article/caitlin-clark-sounds-off-after-another-hard-hit-its-ridiculous Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark voiced frustration after taking a knee to the leg with no foul called. The former Iowa Hawkeye said the officiating was 'ridiculous' and questioned the lack of consistency. Sports John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 01:01:27 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/ziva-davids-return-to-ncis-season-24-could-finally-happen-after-tonys-comeback https://iowa-news.com/article/ziva-davids-return-to-ncis-season-24-could-finally-happen-after-tonys-comeback CBS is setting the stage for Ziva David's return to NCIS Season 24 after Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo comeback. The spinoff's cancellation opens the door for the flagship series to continue their story. Arts and Entertainment John Damon Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:01:30 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-gop-watches-california-race-can-hilton-close-the-gap-against-becerra https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-gop-watches-california-race-can-hilton-close-the-gap-against-becerra A new poll shows Democrat Xavier Becerra leading Republican Steve Hilton by a wide margin in California's gubernatorial race. But Hilton's campaign insists the contest is far from over, pointing to deep voter frustration in the Golden State. For Iowa Republicans watching national trends, the race offers a case study in how conservative candidates can compete in deep-blue territory. Politics John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 23:01:22 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/billionaire-ken-griffin-pours-dollar15m-into-iowa-senate-race-sparking-questions-about-gop-strategy https://iowa-news.com/article/billionaire-ken-griffin-pours-dollar15m-into-iowa-senate-race-sparking-questions-about-gop-strategy Miami billionaire Ken Griffin donated $1.5 million to a super PAC backing Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson's Senate campaign, signaling the race's national importance as Republicans fight to hold their Senate majority. Politics John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:00:51 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/feds-eye-protections-for-handstand-dancing-skunk-found-in-iowa https://iowa-news.com/article/feds-eye-protections-for-handstand-dancing-skunk-found-in-iowa The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering Endangered Species Act protections for the plains spotted skunk, a quirky creature found in Iowa that performs a handstand dance to scare off predators. Environment John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:00:43 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-ammo-plant-to-supply-us-army-with-155-mm-shells-in-dollar635-million-deal https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-ammo-plant-to-supply-us-army-with-155-mm-shells-in-dollar635-million-deal A new Iowa ammunition plant will produce 36,000 artillery shells per month for the U.S. Army under a $635 million contract, boosting domestic manufacturing and national security. Business John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:00:51 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/maryland-democrat-van-hollen-admits-party-failing-to-sell-its-vision-to-voters https://iowa-news.com/article/maryland-democrat-van-hollen-admits-party-failing-to-sell-its-vision-to-voters Sen. Chris Van Hollen admits Democrats have failed to communicate a clear vision to voters, instead focusing on opposing President Trump. He is exploring a 2028 presidential run. Politics John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 19:01:15 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-democrat-sarah-trone-garriott-outraises-gop-rep-zach-nunn-in-blockbuster-fundraising-quarter https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-democrat-sarah-trone-garriott-outraises-gop-rep-zach-nunn-in-blockbuster-fundraising-quarter Democratic state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott raised $2.2 million in the second quarter, more than doubling the $968,000 raised by incumbent GOP Rep. Zach Nunn in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. Politics John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:02:27 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/chicago-cubs-eyeing-pitching-help-which-top-prospects-could-be-traded https://iowa-news.com/article/chicago-cubs-eyeing-pitching-help-which-top-prospects-could-be-traded As the MLB trade deadline nears, the Chicago Cubs are hunting for pitching. Several top prospects from the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in Des Moines could be traded. Here are the five most likely to go. Sports John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:01:01 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-tax-free-weekend-how-to-save-on-back-to-school-shopping-this-august https://iowa-news.com/article/iowas-tax-free-weekend-how-to-save-on-back-to-school-shopping-this-august Iowa's sales tax holiday on August 7-8, 2026, offers tax-free clothing and footwear up to $100 per item. Here's how families can save on back-to-school shopping. Business John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:01:52 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-jokes-get-the-last-laugh-why-the-hawkeye-states-humor-hits-home https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-jokes-get-the-last-laugh-why-the-hawkeye-states-humor-hits-home A joke about Iowa in a national roundup of state humor highlights the Hawkeye State's agricultural roots and conservative values, offering a lighthearted look at what makes Iowa unique. Arts and Entertainment John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:01:05 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/why-iowa-football-fans-should-care-about-the-college-football-playoff-expansion-debate https://iowa-news.com/article/why-iowa-football-fans-should-care-about-the-college-football-playoff-expansion-debate The push to expand the College Football Playoff to 24 teams is gaining momentum, but the proposed model looks nothing like the successful World Cup expansion. Iowa fans have a direct stake in the outcome. Sports John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:01:26 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-basketball-legends-bluder-jensen-watch-caitlin-clarks-fever-lose-to-valkyries https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-basketball-legends-bluder-jensen-watch-caitlin-clarks-fever-lose-to-valkyries Former Iowa coach Lisa Bluder and current coach Jan Jensen flew to Indianapolis to watch Caitlin Clark, but the Fever fell 88-75 to the Valkyries. Sports John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:01:24 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/family-fun-community-values-weekend-events-across-western-illinois https://iowa-news.com/article/family-fun-community-values-weekend-events-across-western-illinois This weekend, families across western Illinois have a packed schedule of wholesome, community-driven events from Galesburg to Knoxville and Rio. From a classic Cinderella musical to a pet ice cream social, these gatherings highlight the kind of local engagement and family values that make our region strong. Arts and Entertainment John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:01:06 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/kyle-whittingham-takes-over-michigan-football-can-he-restore-wolverine-glory https://iowa-news.com/article/kyle-whittingham-takes-over-michigan-football-can-he-restore-wolverine-glory Michigan football hires Kyle Whittingham to restore glory after Harbaugh and Moore eras. Can the veteran coach succeed in the tough Big Ten? Sports John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:02:32 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/maryland-democrat-chris-van-hollen-eyes-2028-run-says-party-must-do-more-than-oppose-trump https://iowa-news.com/article/maryland-democrat-chris-van-hollen-eyes-2028-run-says-party-must-do-more-than-oppose-trump Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, exploring a 2028 presidential run, says Democrats must stop just opposing Trump and start offering a clear vision. Iowa, a key caucus state, could be an early test. Politics John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 02:01:30 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/midterm-battles-ice-reform-and-ai-dominate-hill-nation-summit https://iowa-news.com/article/midterm-battles-ice-reform-and-ai-dominate-hill-nation-summit Lawmakers and Trump administration officials gathered in Washington this week for the second Hill Nation Summit, a bipartisan event hosted by The Hill and NewsNation. The summit offered a preview of the political battles ahead as the fall midterm elections approach, with Republicans unified behind President Trump and Democrats pushing for changes on immigration and technology policy. Politics John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 01:01:22 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/ncis-misses-chance-for-abby-sciuto-comeback-in-season-23 https://iowa-news.com/article/ncis-misses-chance-for-abby-sciuto-comeback-in-season-23 CBS missed a golden opportunity to bring back Pauley Perrette's beloved character, Abby Sciuto, in the latest season of NCIS. The network's decision to skip a potential comeback for the fan-favorite forensic scientist has left many Iowa viewers wondering why the show chose a less believable storyline instead. Arts and Entertainment John Damon Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:01:44 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-footballs-boogeyman-tony-diaz-brings-big-play-threat-to-hawkeyes https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-footballs-boogeyman-tony-diaz-brings-big-play-threat-to-hawkeyes Iowa football's new wide receiver Tony Diaz, known as 'The Boogeyman,' chose the Hawkeyes over Alabama after a record-setting freshman season at UTRGV. Sports John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:01:45 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/trump-to-address-election-integrity-amid-mixed-approval-ratings-in-key-states https://iowa-news.com/article/trump-to-address-election-integrity-amid-mixed-approval-ratings-in-key-states President Donald Trump is set to deliver a primetime address on July 16, focusing on election integrity and potentially releasing new intelligence on investigations into the 2020 election. Politics John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 22:01:07 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/jensen-ackles-pushes-tracker-into-supernatural-territory-as-season-4-looms https://iowa-news.com/article/jensen-ackles-pushes-tracker-into-supernatural-territory-as-season-4-looms Jensen Ackles' appearances on 'Tracker' are pushing the CBS series into supernatural territory, with Season 4 set to explore government secrets and family drama. An Iowa journalist tracks the show's evolution. Arts and Entertainment John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:01:06 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/pbs-documentary-series-acquires-film-on-iowa-educator-jane-elliott https://iowa-news.com/article/pbs-documentary-series-acquires-film-on-iowa-educator-jane-elliott PBS documentary series Independent Lens acquires four new films, including a documentary on Iowa educator Jane Elliott. Arts and Entertainment John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:01:08 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-football-2026-projecting-the-hawkeyes-week-1-defense-under-phil-parker https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-football-2026-projecting-the-hawkeyes-week-1-defense-under-phil-parker Iowa's 2026 defense faces a major rebuild after losing key starters. Here's a position-by-position projection of the Week 1 starting lineup under coordinator Phil Parker. Sports John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 18:02:56 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/blanche-vows-independence-as-attorney-general-clashes-with-dems-on-trump-fund-and-epstein-files https://iowa-news.com/article/blanche-vows-independence-as-attorney-general-clashes-with-dems-on-trump-fund-and-epstein-files Todd Blanche faced sharp questioning from Democratic senators over his independence and controversies surrounding a $1.8 billion fund and Epstein files. Politics John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 17:02:18 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/social-security-still-struggles-with-staffing-cuts-iowa-workers-feel-the-strain https://iowa-news.com/article/social-security-still-struggles-with-staffing-cuts-iowa-workers-feel-the-strain The Social Security Administration is still struggling with the loss of nearly 8,000 employees more than a year after DOGE-led cuts, with Iowa workers feeling the strain. Politics John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:01:21 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/democrats-turn-to-faith-to-counter-gops-religious-dominance-in-2026-midterms https://iowa-news.com/article/democrats-turn-to-faith-to-counter-gops-religious-dominance-in-2026-midterms Iowa Lutheran minister Sarah Trone Garriott is running for Congress as part of a growing wave of Democratic candidates using their faith to challenge Republican dominance on religious issues. Politics John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:02:06 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/wvus-dollar3m-anti-woke-center-attracts-only-1-student-iowas-similar-effort-shows-mixed-results https://iowa-news.com/article/wvus-dollar3m-anti-woke-center-attracts-only-1-student-iowas-similar-effort-shows-mixed-results A $3 million taxpayer-funded center at West Virginia University designed to push back against 'woke' ideology has enrolled just one student, raising questions about similar conservative initiatives in Iowa. Politics John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:01:16 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/usc-trojans-visit-rutgers-in-2026-what-iowa-fans-should-know https://iowa-news.com/article/usc-trojans-visit-rutgers-in-2026-what-iowa-fans-should-know USC brings the most returning starters in the nation to Rutgers in Week 3, 2026. For Iowa fans, this matchup offers a preview of a key conference opponent. Sports John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:02:00 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/indiana-football-eyes-10-2-season-in-2026-predictions-show-hoosiers-as-big-ten-contenders https://iowa-news.com/article/indiana-football-eyes-10-2-season-in-2026-predictions-show-hoosiers-as-big-ten-contenders Indiana football is projected to finish 10-2 in 2026, with key wins over USC and Washington, but losses to Ohio State and Michigan. Sports John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:01:48 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-transfers-highlight-new-mexico-states-aggressive-portal-strategy https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-transfers-highlight-new-mexico-states-aggressive-portal-strategy New Mexico State football signed two former Iowa Hawkeyes and a host of other transfers to rebuild its roster for 2026. The Aggies focused on offensive line and defensive backfield depth. Sports John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:01:13 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/husker-defense-overhaul-can-rhules-changes-deliver-in-2026 https://iowa-news.com/article/husker-defense-overhaul-can-rhules-changes-deliver-in-2026 Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has overhauled his defense after three blowout losses, including a 40-10 defeat to Iowa. Can the new 4-2-5 scheme and fresh coaching staff turn things around in 2026? Sports John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:01:17 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/ll-cool-j-returns-to-ncis-in-new-york-spinoff-with-full-season-order https://iowa-news.com/article/ll-cool-j-returns-to-ncis-in-new-york-spinoff-with-full-season-order CBS has revived the NCIS: Los Angeles formula with NCIS: New York, starring LL Cool J and Scott Caan. The series received a full 20-episode order for fall 2026. Arts and Entertainment John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:02:54 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/college-football-showdown-ohio-state-vs-texas-loser-faces-tough-road-to-playoffs-says-joel-klatt https://iowa-news.com/article/college-football-showdown-ohio-state-vs-texas-loser-faces-tough-road-to-playoffs-says-joel-klatt Fox analyst Joel Klatt says the loser of Ohio State vs. Texas faces a brutal path to the College Football Playoff, with Iowa looming as a key obstacle for the Buckeyes. Sports John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:01:21 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-state-alum-jayden-higgins-poised-for-breakout-season-with-houston-texans https://iowa-news.com/article/iowa-state-alum-jayden-higgins-poised-for-breakout-season-with-houston-texans Former Iowa State Cyclone Jayden Higgins is poised for a breakout second season with the Houston Texans, bringing his massive catch radius and versatile playmaking to a team hungry for offensive consistency. Sports John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 03:01:04 GMT https://iowa-news.com/article/huskies-face-tough-test-iowa-football-heads-to-seattle-for-friday-night-showdown https://iowa-news.com/article/huskies-face-tough-test-iowa-football-heads-to-seattle-for-friday-night-showdown Iowa football heads to Seattle for a Friday night showdown against Washington on October 9, 2026. Can the Hawkeyes extend their series lead? Sports John Damon Wed, 15 Jul 2026 02:01:25 GMT