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News Headlines for November 3, 2026
Cyclone men’s basketball falls to Memphis 80-76 in season opener
No. 18 Iowa State fell to Memphis 80-76 in its season opener despite Ryan Prather Jr.’s 19 points. The Cyclones host Southern Miss on Friday.
Northern Iowa woman, 77, rescued from pickup after crash near Mason City
MASON CITY — A 77-year-old woman was trapped inside a pickup and injured in a single-vehicle crash near Mason City on November 2, 2026, prompting a rescue by Cerro Gordo County deputies and emergency responders.
Minnesota fraud crackdown brings new arrests, financial scrutiny and Iowa connections
Federal officials announced new Minnesota fraud prevention measures Oct. 30, following four arrests in alleged Medicaid schemes that authorities say sought more than $41 million and caused $21.65 million in actual losses.
Iowa corn harvest reaches 66% but trails normal pace as unusually warm fall continues
DES MOINES — Iowa farmers have harvested two-thirds of the state’s corn and 90% of its soybeans, making substantial progress despite scattered rain and an unusually warm finish to October, according to the crop report released Monday, November 2, 2026.
Iowa Medicaid changes raise coverage questions as December work rules approach
DES MOINES — Some Iowa adults will soon face new requirements to qualify for Medicaid, while Gov. Kim Reynolds is separately pursuing recommendations to strengthen fraud investigations and oversight of the taxpayer-funded health care program. For families worried about losing coverage, the timing and exceptions matter. The changes do not impose a December 1 work deadline on everyone receiving Iowa Medicaid.
Northern Iowa meth dealer busted with guns and cash gets more than 12 years in federal prison
A Northern Iowa methamphetamine dealer who helped distribute more than 14 kilograms of the dangerous drug in the Fort Dodge area while possessing firearms and thousands of dollars in cash has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison.
Large buck crashes through window at Mason City Hy-Vee, injuring 5-year-old boy
MASON CITY — A Sunday morning shopping trip took a bizarre and frightening turn at a Mason City grocery store when a large buck crashed through a window, charged into the store’s dining area and caused a commotion that left a 5-year-old boy injured.
Mason City school district seeks state approval to cover $6.1 million special education deficit, potentially raising property taxes
MASON CITY — Already-burdened property taxpayers in the Mason City Community School District could be facing another multimillion-dollar financial obligation as school officials prepare to seek state approval for nearly $5.46 million in additional funding authority after special education expenses exceeded dedicated revenue by more than $6.1 million during the 2025–2026 school year.
The proposal is on the agenda for a special school board meeting Monday, November 2, 2026. The decision will rest in part with Mason City’s seven-member, extremely-liberal, all-female school board…
Iowa State wrestling launches Brent Metcalf era with commanding 29-12 victory over Bucknell
AMES — A new chapter in Iowa State wrestling began with a victory Sunday night, November 1, 2026, as the ninth-ranked Cyclones defeated Bucknell 29-12 before 4,080 fans at Hilton Coliseum, giving Brent Metcalf his first dual-meet win as head coach.
Suspect nabbed after suspicious behavior in Charles City neighborhood, accused of sneaking contraband into jail
CHARLES CITY — What began as a late-night call about a suspicious person in a Charles City neighborhood ended with a local man arrested and facing a felony accusation involving contraband at a detention facility.
UNI women’s soccer falls 2-0 at Southern Illinois, prepares for regular-season finale against Drake
CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS — The Northern Iowa women’s soccer team battled Missouri Valley Conference-leading Southern Illinois for much of Sunday’s match but surrendered a goal just before halftime and another late in the second half, falling 2-0 to the Salukis on November 1, 2026, in Carbondale.
Iowa football blanks Wisconsin 30-0, wins Heartland Trophy behind Brown and relentless defense
IOWA CITY — Iowa football delivered a commanding performance Saturday, October 31, 2026, shutting out Wisconsin 30-0 at Kinnick Stadium behind an efficient outing from quarterback Hank Brown and a defense that repeatedly frustrated the Badgers.
More housing could be coming to Mason City as officials advance plans for south side apartment development
MASON CITY — Mason City’s continuing push to expand housing opportunities is taking another step forward, with city officials preparing land-use and financial incentives for a proposed apartment development in southwest Mason City while several other residential projects move through various stages of planning and construction across the community.
Mason City residents could face new $100 garbage cart and recycling fines just months after Cart Smart rollout
MASON CITY — Residents who began using Mason City’s new automated garbage and recycling collection system in July could soon face additional charges of up to $100 for damaged carts or recycling violations, along with $25 fees for certain collection return trips, under proposed changes headed to the City Council on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Mason City library director retracts funding accusation against county supervisors as financial records raise questions
MASON CITY — The Mason City Public Library has publicly retracted an accusation that Cerro Gordo County supervisors reduced its funding, apologizing for what director Mary Markwalter called a misunderstanding after a Facebook controversy erupted days before the November 3, 2026 election.
Iowa State football stuns No. 24 Oklahoma State 51-49 on Konrardy’s last-second field goal
Kyle Konrardy’s last-second field goal lifted Iowa State football past No. 24 Oklahoma State 51-49. Aiden Flora rushed for 221 yards as the Cyclones improved to 4-4.
Iowa volleyball pushes No. 12 Oregon early but falls in sweep, heads to Indiana next
Iowa volleyball pushed No. 12 Oregon in the opening two sets before falling 25-23, 25-22, 25-15. The Hawkeyes are 13-13 overall and visit Indiana on November 6.
Northern Iowa meth dealer gets nearly 22 years in federal prison after agents seize four guns
A Northern Iowa man who distributed methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge area and possessed four firearms despite a lengthy felony record has been sentenced to nearly 22 years in federal prison.
Panther football powers past Indiana State 45-23, keeps UNI-Dome record perfect
CEDAR FALLS — Panther football delivered a Halloween treat for the home crowd Saturday, October 31, as Christian Collins and Xavier Terrell each topped 100 rushing yards and scored twice to help UNI defeat Indiana State 45-23.
Iowa woman found dead; husband wanted for murder hospitalized after traffic stop
A 47-year-old Iowa woman was found dead during a welfare check, and her husband was hospitalized the following day after police obtained a first-degree murder warrant and stopped his vehicle, authorities said.
Iowa prepares for President Trump’s latest visit as state’s races tighten ahead of Nov. 3 election
President Donald Trump returns to Iowa for a Nov. 1 rally in Dubuque as the city prepares for street closures and voters weigh competitive races ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
David Howard Kessler, 63, leaves a lifetime of family memories and 42 years of dedication to Winnebago Industries
MANLY — David Howard “Dave” Kessler, 63, of Manly, Iowa, a devoted husband, father and grandfather who spent more than four decades working at Winnebago Industries and found his greatest happiness in time shared with family, passed away Friday, October 30, 2026, at his home.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third Street NE, Mason City.
Funeral services will take place Friday, November 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly, with Deacon Jim Wolf officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Manly.
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