News Headlines for February 19, 2026
Charles City auto collision causes thousands in damages and citation for driver
CHARLES CITY — Slick winter conditions resulted in a two-vehicle collision near downtown Charles City on a recent Sunday morning, leaving one car totaled but both drivers miraculously unharmed.
Illegal alien flees police, shoots officer in the chest, crosses rainbow bridge
This illegal alien suspect has been on the run from U.S. authorities for years, and after one last harrowing encounter in which he tried to kill an officer, Democrats will have one more place to erect a statue.
Trump Administration buys $263 million in dairy and ag products from farmers to distribute to food banks
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase up to $263 million in dairy and agricultural products from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country.
College Basketball: UNI Panthers cruise past Indiana State, 81-60
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Will Hornseth’s first half interior play and the long range shooting of Ben Schwieger and Max Weisbrod in the second period sparked the UNI men’s basketball offense on Wednesday night as the Panthers scored an 81-60 win over the Indiana State Sycamores at the Hulman Center in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) action.
Women’s College Basketball: Iowa State Cyclones burn Arizona State, 90-64
AMES – Iowa State (21-6, 9-6 Big 12) downed Arizona State (21-7, 8-7 Big 12) by a score of 90-64 Wednesday night. It was Iowa State’s third conference game scoring 90-plus.
Northern Iowa man nabbed in sting after attempt to prey on child
This Northern Iowa police force’s relentless crackdown on online predators claimed another suspect recently, proving that despite frequent public warnings, individuals continue to travel to the area seeking illicit encounters with minors.
College Basketball: #5 Iowa State Cyclones outlast #2 Houston Cougars, 70-67
AMES – No. 6 Iowa State (23-3, 10-3 Big 12) rallied from a double-digit deficit and outscored No. 2 Houston (23-3, 11-2 Big 12) 17-4 in the final seven minutes in a massive 70-67 victory Monday night in Hilton Coliseum.
OBIT: Bailey McPherson
Bailey Hope McPherson, 33, formerly of St. Cloud, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Thursday, February 12, 2026 in Mason City, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Rustic Barn Venue in Nora Springs, IA at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 14, 2026 with Mark Doebel officiating.
Books in Mason City library that offer children lessons on sexuality divide citizens, could be “banned” at Tuesday meeting
MASON CITY – The Mason City library board is meeting Tuesday afternoon, and things could get weird when the agenda reaches the “Book challenge” item, as some citizens are furious that certain books available to kids offer startling images of human genitalia, naked lessons on how to get wild pleasure, or even transmit po r no graphic material. Meanwhile, other citizens who want kids to have access to these books are equally disturbed that they could get banned altogether or moved farther away from the “children’s” area.
Northern Iowa woman nabbed for drunk driving after returning to accident scene
Police say this Northern Iowa woman left a bar, got behind the wheel and backed into a parked car before leaving the scene of the collision, but as cops arrived to investigate, the tipsy boozer drove back to the scene with her pal, and they both shotgunned a tall cold can of comeuppance.
College Wrestling: No. 7 Iowa Hawkeyes steamroll Purdue, 32-6
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The seventh-ranked University of Iowa wrestling team defeated Purdue, 32-6, on Sunday afternoon at Holloway Gymnasium.
Women’s College Basketball: No. 13 Iowa 80, Nebraska 67
LINCOLN, Neb. – No. 13 Iowa (20-5, 11-3) defeated Nebraska (16-10, 5-10) inside Pinnacle Bank Arena on Monday afternoon, 80-67. The Hawkeyes have earned 10 consecutive seasons of 20 wins for the second time in school history.
U.S. rapidly implementing President Trump’s vision for Venezuelan oil
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Now that Venezuelan drug kingpin Nicholas Maduro and his fancy wife are locked up probably forever in an American prison, President Donald Trump and his administration are wasting no time in cranking up the oil wells and snatching all the wealth possible for U.S. taxpayers.
Iowa teen girl reported missing
An Iowa teen girl appears to have run away days ago, carrying a backpack, and police are seeking clues as to brining her home safely.
College Wrestling: No. 4 Iowa State Cyclones derail No. 15 UNI Panthers, 28-6
AMES – No. 4 Iowa State defeated in-state rival No. 15 UNI Sunday night in front of a rowdy Hilton Coliseum crowd. The Cyclones took eight of 10 matches from the Panthers, including the first five of the dual, to come out on top, 28-6.
OBIT: Russell Dean “Russ” Steenblock
Russell Dean “Russ” Steenblock, 76, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, Russ lived a life marked by hard work, loyalty, faith, and quiet strength.
OBIT: Bernita Ann Stanton
Bernita Ann Stanton, 95, of Greene, passed away peacefully Friday, February 13, 2026, in Mason City, Iowa after a short illness. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greene.
Iowa Senator Doug Campbell says Senate advances school spending bill worth $8,133 per student
Iowa Senator Doug Campbell of Mason City says students are getting a good deal with a Senate bill that advanced last week.
“Under this bill, the state would be spending $8,133 per student in Iowa, not including local or federal sources of money. Including all sources of funding – state, federal and local – Iowans are investing over $19,200 per student. The state’s funding formula for how much public-school districts can spend on operations each year uses the district’s certified enrollment multiplied by a per-pupil amount, which is $7,988 this year and would be bumped up to $8,133 next year under the bill,” Campbell said. “This proposal was passed by the Senate (last) week. Public school enrollment has declined, and school employees have increased. This expenditure represents 50% of the state’s budget.”
But Democrats want to spend more.
Rep. Shannon Latham says week 5 in Iowa Legislature focused on ag policy
“Week five of the legislative session focused on advancing policies that support Iowa’s agricultural community, strengthen economic growth and ensure responsible stewardship of public resources,” said Rep. Shannon Latham. “House Committees took action this week on legislation ranging from right-to-repair protections for farmers to statewide initiatives addressing cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Lawmakers also reviewed insurance trends impacting Iowa drivers and introduced measures aimed at improving accountability within public assistance programs. Alongside committee work, it was a pleasure to welcome constituents and student advocates to the Capitol to discuss their group’s priorities.”
OBIT: Kathy Kay Roberts
Kathy Kay Roberts, 70, of Rockwell, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, surrounded by the love of her family. In accordance with Kathy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Panther men’s basketball rolls to impressive 86-62 win over Drake
CEDAR FALLS – At least four Panthers scored in double figures for a third straight game on Sunday afternoon as the UNI men’s basketball team put on an offensive show in an 86-62 win over in-state rival Drake inside the McLeod Center in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) action.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio lectures European leaders on defense of Western “way of life” (VIDEO)
MUNICH, GERMANY – Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the Munich Security Conference in a speech championing the leading role of the U.S. on the world stage, the Trump Administration’s American First foreign policy, and America’s deep commitment to the future of Europe and Western Civilization.
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