Just The News Iowa

Why Iowa Ranks Among the Least Stressed States in 2026

John Damon — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 14:01:46 GMT

A new WalletHub study ranks Iowa as the fifth least stressed state in the nation, thanks to affordable housing, strong agriculture, and financial responsibility.

Iowa Hawkeyes 2026 Football Schedule Ranked: Toughest Tests

John Damon — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:02:12 GMT

See where Northern Iowa, Iowa State, and Ohio State rank on the Iowa Hawkeyes' 2026 football schedule, from the easiest games to the toughest matchups.

WNBA Fails Caitlin Clark: Timeline of Brutal Hits

John Damon — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 12:01:58 GMT

Caitlin Clark has suffered damage to her ears and eyes due to contact from other players. A timeline of brutal hits and failed officiating in the WNBA.

Former Wrestling Star AJ Ferrari Arrested in High-Speed Chase

John Damon — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 09:01:36 GMT

Former NCAA wrestling champion AJ Ferrari faces felony charges after a 120 mph police chase in Nebraska, jeopardizing his transfer plans and athletic career.

Former NCAA Wrestling Champ AJ Ferrari Arrested After 120 MPH Police Chase

John Damon — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 08:07:13 GMT

By John Damon

How Badminton Abandoned Iowa And Left US Athletes Stranded

John Damon — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 07:03:57 GMT

The US Open Badminton tournament left Iowa for California, leaving heartland fans behind. Meanwhile, top American players are forced to crowdfund to compete globally.

Iowa's Kim Muhl Joins WNBA Legends in Women's Basketball HOF

John Damon — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 04:01:52 GMT

Iowa's own Kim Muhl joins WNBA greats Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and Cheryl Reeve in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, highlighting grit, family, and local pride.

Iowa Represents at Great American State Fair Amid Low Turnout

John Damon — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 03:00:53 GMT

The Great American State Fair on the National Mall opened with sparse crowds and empty booths from states that opted out. Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra and his team staffed the Iowa booth, while several Democratic-led states declined to participate in America's 250th birthday celebration.

Trump-Backed Julia Letlow Wins Louisiana Senate Primary Amid Mixed National Results

John Damon — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 02:01:23 GMT

U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow has won the Louisiana Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, delivering a victory for President Donald Trump's effort to hold establishment Republicans accountable. Letlow defeated state Treasurer John Fleming in a Saturday runoff. The win comes as Trump's endorsement record shows mixed results nationally, including a high-profile loss in Iowa's recent gubernatorial

WNBA Under Fire: Cunningham Defends Iowa Hero Clark

John Damon — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 01:02:17 GMT

Former Iowa star Caitlin Clark is taking cheap shots without protection from WNBA refs, says Fever teammate Sophie Cunningham, who also ripped the league's marketing.

Ben Brown Finds Clarity on Neck Injury, Targets Return

John Damon — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:02:02 GMT

A million times more clarity.

SNAP Error Rate Hits 10.62% as Judge Blocks Iowa Junk Food Ban

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 23:02:01 GMT

While this is a modest decrease from FY 2024, the FY 2025 rate still shows significant waste at the state level,

SNAP Waste Hits $10.1 Billion as Iowa Junk Food Ban Blocked

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 22:01:17 GMT

The national SNAP error rate reached 10.62% in FY2025, resulting in $10.1 billion in improper payments. Meanwhile, a federal judge blocked Iowa's SNAP junk food ban.

Five-Star Battie Schedules Second Official Visit to Nebraska

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 21:01:25 GMT

Five-star forward Dawson Battie is returning to Nebraska for his second official visit, keeping the Huskers in the race against Texas, Kentucky, and SMU.

Iowa Star Bennett Stirtz Selected 16th by OKC Thunder

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:01:24 GMT

The Oklahoma City Thunder traded up to select Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz at No. 16 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, with GM Sam Presti praising his feel for the game and willingness to sacrifice for winning.

Iowa Grain Markets Look for Bottom Ahead of USDA Reports

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:02:37 GMT

Iowa farmers see relief as grain markets attempt a bottom ahead of crucial USDA reports, with ideal weather boosting crop prospects and energy costs dropping.

Iowa Ranks 2nd in America for Economic Opportunity

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 18:04:13 GMT

Iowa ranks second in the nation for economic opportunity with housing costs 36% below the national average, far outpacing high-tax coastal states where the American Dream is fading.

Iowa's Effigy Mounds: Ancient Sites Older Than America

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 17:03:11 GMT

Iowa's Effigy Mounds National Monument, dating to roughly 500 BC, is one of many American sites far older than the nation itself, which turns 250 in 2026. Here is a look at ancient and historic places across the country.

Lahn's Koch Ties Face Scrutiny as Cancer Screening Law Signed

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:06:07 GMT

out-of-state ownership restrictions

July 4 Heat Dome Targets Iowa Ahead of 250th Celebrations

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:02:59 GMT

A July 4 heat dome is set to bring dangerous temperatures to Iowa and the Midwest. Here is how to stay safe during America's 250th anniversary celebrations.

July 4 Heat Dome: Iowa Faces Dangerous Holiday Temperatures

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:02:05 GMT

A heat dome threatens to push Iowa temperatures into the high 90s and low 100s over the July 4 holiday, creating health risks during the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations.

Berkshire CEO Greg Abel Becomes US Citizen at Iowa Cubs Game

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:02:32 GMT

Greg Abel, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and a longtime Iowa resident, is now a United States citizen. Abel participated in a naturalization ceremony hosted by the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park in Des Moines.

After Iowa Upset, Louisiana Conservative Challenges Trump Pick

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:02:05 GMT

Anybody who looked at us on paper would say, well, I'm the obvious MAGA Republican Trump choice,

Trump Approval Slides in Iowa, But GOP Holds Edge in Senate Race

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 09:01:44 GMT

The main thing for these respective races is the effectiveness of the candidates who are running for the office,

Iowa Beats Notre Dame in EA Sports College Football 27 Rankings

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:01:57 GMT

Iowa's Kinnick Stadium outranks Notre Dame in EA Sports College Football 2027's toughest places to play list. See where the Hawkeyes and top players landed.

Iowa Cubs Crush Buffalo 12-1 as Farm System Heats Up

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 07:03:44 GMT

The Iowa Cubs crushed the Buffalo Bisons 12-1 Thursday, while Jace Beck struck out a career-high 11 for Knoxville. Get the full Cubs minor league wrap.

Top Barbecue Sides for Your Iowa Summer Cookout

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 04:01:45 GMT

From Iowa creators to corn-forward classics, these barbecue side dishes are built for summer potlucks, Fourth of July celebrations, and community gatherings.

Best Barbecue Sides for Your Iowa Summer Cookout

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 03:02:51 GMT

Top barbecue side dishes for Iowa summer cookouts featuring fresh sweet corn, locally raised pork, and recipes from Iowa cooks in Cedar Rapids and Marshalltown.

Ottumwa Little League 10s Remain Perfect in District Play

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 02:01:52 GMT

Ottumwa's 10-year-old Little League baseball team improved to 5-0 in Iowa's seventh district tournament play on Wednesday, overcoming an early deficit to defeat Monroe County 7-2. The victory keeps Ottumwa perfect in the postseason as they chase the city's first Little League state championship since 1984.

Speaker Johnson Warns Trump Family at Risk if GOP Loses House

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 01:02:13 GMT

House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that Democrats would target Trump's family and allies if Republicans lose the House in 2026, framing the midterms as a battle for the America First agenda.

Cubs' $14.5M Bust Maton Hits IL Again, Pitching in Crisis

John Damon — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:02:02 GMT

Chicago Cubs reliever Phil Maton landed on the 15-day injured list Friday for the second time this season with right knee tendinitis, raising serious questions about a $14.5 million free-agent investment that has yet to deliver.

ABC Replaces CSI With New Crime Procedural The Naturalist

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 23:01:48 GMT

ABC is developing The Naturalist, a new crime procedural from CSI creators, to fill the void left by the ended CSI franchise on CBS.

Senate Farm Bill Draft Boosts Crop Insurance, Keeps SNAP Reforms

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 22:00:59 GMT

The Senate Agriculture Committee has released its draft of the 2026 farm bill, and the proposal keeps key SNAP accountability reforms from President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act while expanding crop insurance and farm loan access.

Best Kids Bank Accounts: What Iowa Parents Need to Know

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:01:31 GMT

Opening a savings account for your child puts them on the path to financial independence and teaches them the value of hard work. Iowa parents have several strong local options, including Bank Iowa, which offers special incentives for young savers.

Iowa Hospital Launches First Standalone Mobile Care Program

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 20:01:37 GMT

Greater Regional Health launched Iowa's first standalone Mobile Integrated Health program, bringing care to rural patients and winning national awards.

Iowa Baseball to Face Elite Field in 2027 Arlington Showcase

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:02:36 GMT

Iowa Hawkeyes baseball will face top programs like Arkansas and Oklahoma State at the 2027 Amegy Bank College Baseball Series in Arlington, Texas.

Threats and Violence Push Iowa Leaders to Restore 'Iowa Nice'

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:04:44 GMT

As political violence and attack ads surge, Iowa Republican leaders and civic advocates are pushing to restore civility and return to 'Iowa Nice' before the 2026 election.

Feds: Urbandale Surgeon Defrauded Medicare Out of Millions

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:04:33 GMT

The U.S. Department of Justice is suing a central Iowa physician, alleging he used false invoices to overcharge Medicare by millions of dollars for skin cancer treatments.

$25 Federal Minimum Wage Bill: What It Means For Iowa

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:02:00 GMT

Democrats propose a $25 federal minimum wage. While coastal states struggle with affordability, data shows Iowa doesn't need this massive government mandate.

Indiana Hoosiers 2026 Preview: The Team That Beat Iowa

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:03:50 GMT

Indiana football won the 2025 national championship after a narrow win over Iowa. Here is how the Hoosiers look heading into 2026 with a retooled roster.

Iowa Defense Snubbed by EA Sports in Latest Ratings

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:02:00 GMT

EA Sports left Iowa Hawkeyes defenders completely out of its top-rated defensive player rankings for College Football 27, mirroring rival Nebraska's snub.

Former Hawkeye Desmond King Eyes NFL Comeback Amid Detroit Lions Cornerback Crisis

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:02:16 GMT

Former Iowa Hawkeye Desmond King hints at an NFL return after retiring in December 2025. Could the All-Pro defensive back fill the void in Detroit following Terrion Arnold's arrest?

Louisiana Senate Runoff Tests Trump's Endorsement Sway

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:03:05 GMT

Louisiana Republicans will choose their U.S. Senate nominee in a primary runoff Saturday, six weeks after voters denied incumbent Republican Senator Bill Cassidy a third term. The race between Representative Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming will test President Donald Trump's ongoing influence in Republican primaries, especially after his endorsed candidates for governor lost recent

4 Madrid Pizzerias That Put Corporate Chains to Shame

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:36:07 GMT

Four independent Madrid pizzerias are outperforming corporate chains through quality craftsmanship and honest ingredients, no marketing budgets needed.

Classic Film Featuring Iowa Congresswoman Airs This Week

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:01:52 GMT

An Iowa congresswoman steals the show in a classic Hollywood film airing this week. Plus, six more films worth watching on TV right now.

Former Iowa Receiver Kaleb Brown Key to UAB Football Rebuild

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:02:15 GMT

Former Iowa Hawkeye Kaleb Brown is the most experienced receiver on a rebuilt UAB roster. New head coach Alex Mortensen faces a long rebuild after the failed Trent Dilfer era.

Former Hawkeye Kaleb Brown Emerges as UAB's Top Target in 2026

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:05:27 GMT

Former Iowa Hawkeye Kaleb Brown is now the most experienced receiver at UAB as the Blazers rebuild under new head coach Alex Mortensen after a turbulent coaching change.

Iowa Cubs Crushed by Buffalo While Smokies Top Birmingham

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:01:32 GMT

The Iowa Cubs fell 15-1 to Buffalo, but the Knoxville Smokies picked up a strong 5-1 win. Right-hander Grant Kipp earned a promotion to Triple-A Iowa.

USMNT Faces Bosnia in World Cup Round of 32: Iowa Ties Emerge

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 03:01:06 GMT

The U.S. men's national team faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32 on July 1 in Santa Clara, with an Iowa resident among the passionate Bosnian fan base backing the underdog Dragons.

Iowa State Star Jefferson Says Brooklyn Is Where He 'Needs to Be'

John Damon — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 02:01:40 GMT

Former Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson was selected 28th overall by the Brooklyn Nets, who traded up specifically to draft the Cyclones star known for his toughness and playmaking.