Sioux City Journal · Jefferson, IA
It was the kind of game where it seemed like everything that could possibly go right for the Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies did. And now they have another state title and a scoring record to show for it.
Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.
Iowa Capital Dispatch · Ames, IA
Nearby: Ames, IACyRide, the bus system in Ames, has updated its firearms policy amid a lawsuit from an Iowa State University student who alleges the bus system’s former firearms ban went against Iowa code. In a Nov. 5 meeting, the Ames Transit Board unanimously adopted a motion to change CyRide policies “insofar as they prohibit the possession of firearms on transit vehicles” and instead place a notice for passengers that carrying a firearm on the ISU campus could violate university policy and state law, according to an email from CyRide Director Barbara Neal. The policy was brought under scrutiny by the Iowa Firearms Coalition and ISU junior Natalie Gibson, who currently has a petition filed in court against the City of Ames for the former firearms policy and is seeking damages. “We do not have further comment on the Board’s decision due to pending litigation on the subject,” Neal said in her email.
Iowa Capital Dispatch · Des Moines, IA
Nearby: Des Moines, IAWhen Iowa lawmakers return to Des Moines in January for the 2027 legislative session, they’ll need to address the state’s role in regulating data centers, which while not new, have increased in the state alongside an explosion of technology such as artificial intelligence and cloud storage. An Iowa legislator and utility stakeholders said recently in a webinar that policy decisions to bring data centers online should consider stakeholders across the spectrum and take into account the long-term planning associated with connecting to the grid. The webinar was hosted by Legible, a platform that tracks legislation across states, with leadership of the platform stating that public policy around data centers has arisen as a “ubiquitous, as well as pressing, issue being talked about this year.” States, local governments and lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are grappling with data center policy.
The Hudson Herald · Des Moines, IA
Nearby: Des Moines, IAFour members of the Hudson FFA Chapter traveled to Des Moines on Thursday, Nov. 5, to compete in the 2026 Iowa Pork Youth Swine Judging Contest, sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Representing Hudson FFA were Landon Beardsley, Brady Greiman, Casey Greiman, and Mac Schrader.The annual contest, held at the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, brings together FFA and 4-H members from across Iowa to test their livestock evaluation skills while gaining a better understanding of the state's pork industry.Throughout the competition, students were challenged to evaluate market hogs and breeding gilts based on their physical characteristics and production potential. One of the more challenging portions of the contest required students to evaluate eight gilts and select the four they would keep as replacement females in a breeding herd.
Hometown Current · Des Moines, IA
Nearby: Des Moines, IADES MOINES — The Iowa State Fair continues its tradition of honoring veterans with further development of the Iowa Veterans Memorial Walkway on Expo Hill. Fairgoers enjoy the view from the Sky Glider at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Nick Rohlman/The Gazette Established in August 2026, the walkway will undergo enhancements, including new lighting, a military flag display and personalized engraved bricks honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.The walkway begins on the sidewalk across from First Church and features historical markers representing the wars and conflicts in which Iowans have served. The walkway serves as a place of remembrance, reflection and appreciation for the generations of Iowans who have answered the call to serve.The engraved bricks will be offered through the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, providing the public with an opportunity to honor veterans while supporting the preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The Simpsonian · Des Moines, IA
Nearby: Des Moines, IAI am someone who is always down for a concert. My ideal concert would be at a small venue or even a dive bar rather than a stadium concert. One of my favorite venues is Wooly’s in downtown Des Moines, which has a capacity of just under 700 people. From almost anywhere in the venue, you can see the stage and get a good view of the performer. Not to mention, smaller performers often work harder to make a stronger connection with their fans. I have met artists like Braxton Keith and Wyatt Flores while simply waiting in line to watch them perform. There is something special about getting to wish your favorite artist good luck before they step on stage. It creates a more personal experience that you will not find at a stadium show. One of the best parts of seeing smaller artists is watching them grow. I saw Megan Moroney perform on the free stage at the Iowa State Fair in 2023. About nine months later, I saw her at Vibrant Music Hall for around $40.
Iowa Capital Dispatch · Des Moines, IA
Nearby: Des Moines, IAThe Iowa Board of Medicine is fighting to sanction an emergency room physician who allegedly “drank to excess and used cocaine, opiates, mushrooms, and marijuana,” often within 24 hours of working. According to the Iowa Board of Medicine, Dr. Chad Becker, who once practiced at UnityPoint Health’s Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, admitted routinely consuming an excessive amount of drugs and/or alcohol prior to 2022, resulting in a referral to the Iowa Physician Health Program for treatment. According to the board, Becker ultimately chose not to comply with the program’s requirements and so the issue of his substance abuse was referred back to the board in November 2022. In February 2026, the board ruled a license suspension of 90 days was warranted, as was an $8,000 civil penalty. Becker then went to Polk County District Court, seeking judicial review of that sanction as well as the board’s subsequent refusal to grant him a new hearing on the matter.
Mapleton Press · Des Moines, IA
Nearby: Des Moines, IAHeath Streck, Schleswig native, was currently named as the Medical Center Director for the Iowa City VA Health Care System. Streck retired from military service with 34 years of combined experience in the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve, bringing significant leadership, strategic planning, and organizational management expertise to his VA roles. He began his VA career in April of 2009 as the Chief Financial Officer for the VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines, and then transitioned in 2014 to the Iowa City Health Care System as the Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer. Throughout his VA career, Streck has held multiple key positions, including serving as Acting Director of the St. Cloud VA Health Care System and Associate Director of the Montana VA Health Care System.
