No criminal charges will be filed after an Iowa driver struck and injured children in a school pickup lane earlier this year, police announced Thursday.
Author: NIT Publisher
Iowa National Guard soldiers heading to Washington, D.C., for America’s 250th birthday security mission
DES MOINES — About 120 Iowa National Guard soldiers will deploy to Washington, D.C., this July as the nation’s capital prepares for massive crowds, heightened security and America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the deployment, saying Iowa soldiers will support public safety, infrastructure and planning efforts as millions of visitors are expected in Washington during the semiquincentennial celebration of the United States.
Gail Harringa, Clear Lake woman remembered for family, faith and compassion
CLEAR LAKE — Gail Marion Harringa, a Clear Lake woman remembered by loved ones for a life centered around family and care for others, has passed away.
Harringa, 89, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on May 25, 1936.
James Laures, New Hampton veteran and longtime John Deere worker, dies at 88
NEW HAMPTON – James Francis Laures, a lifelong New Hampton man remembered for his steady work ethic, military service, love of conversation and devotion to family, died Thursday, May 28, 2026, at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center. He was 88.
Laures was born January 26, 1938, in New Hampton to Felix and Margaret Laures. He grew up in the community and graduated from New Hampton High School with the class of 1957.
Sean Miller, formerly of Clear Lake, remembered for final gift of life through donation
CLEAR LAKE — Sean William Miller, formerly of Clear Lake, is being remembered after his death on May 16, 2026.
Miller, 35, was born on October 12, 1990. He had most recently lived in Denver, Iowa, and had ties to the Clear Lake community.
A Celebration of Life Visitation for Miller will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Avenue North in Clear Lake.
“Minnesota” women nabbed by feds in $21 million Medicaid fraud scheme
WASHINGTON – As Minnesota officials largely look the other way, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations cuffed two “Minnesota” women on charges of health care fraud after stealing more than $21 million from American taxpayers.
U.S. pours millions into Ebola response as deadly outbreak spreads in Africa
WASHINGTON — The United States is ramping up its response to a dangerous Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, with federal officials warning that the best way to protect Americans is to stop the virus at its source.
Child seriously injured in Austin, MN hit-and-run as police hunt dark-colored car
AUSTIN, MINNESOTA — Police in a nearby southern Minnesota community are searching for a driver after a 10-year-old child riding a bicycle was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash.
Women’s College Basketball: Iowa, UConn agree to series with Carver-Hawkeye return in 2027-28
IOWA CITY — Two of the most recognizable names in women’s college basketball are putting another major date on the schedule.
The Business of iGaming in 2026: Economic Impact & Market Trends
The global online gambling world has come a long way — from being a niche digital pastime to becoming a serious macroeconomic force. By 2026, this evolution is turbocharged by advances in…
Harvey Berg, devoted family man and longtime trucker, dies at 70
SPIRIT LAKE — Harvey Melven Berg, a Forest City native remembered as a steady, caring family man with deep love for those closest to him, has died at age 70.
Berg passed away on May 28, 2026, in Spirit Lake, Iowa.
Gail Harringa, Clear Lake woman remembered for love of family and a caring heart
CLEAR LAKE — Gail Marion Harringa, a Clear Lake woman remembered for a life built around family, kindness and care for others, has passed away.
Harringa, 89, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on May 25, 1936.
Patricia Waddell, Mason City native known for her giving heart, family devotion and warm smile, dies at 85
MASON CITY — Patricia Lou Waddell, a Mason City native whose life was marked by kindness, family devotion, hard work and a generous spirit, died May 27, 2026, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf. She was 85.
Patricia was born February 21, 1941, in Mason City, the daughter of Earl and Mildred Gerard. She graduated from Mason City High School with the class of 1959 and later built a working life that included many years as a receptionist with Equipto Company before retiring from Steiner in 2007.
9 Essential Facts About Traffic Violations
Driving is a daily routine for millions, but a single mistake can lead to an unexpected traffic violation. Seeing flashing lights in your rearview mirror usually brings immediate stress, frustration, and worry…
Competing In Local Markets: A Guide For Veteran-Owned Businesses
Veteran entrepreneurs bring invaluable skills—leadership, discipline, and resilience—from their military service directly into the business world. These attributes are powerful assets for establishing and growing a successful enterprise. This guide is designed…
The Secret to Year-Round Indoor Comfort in Any Home
Achieving a home environment that feels perfect regardless of the season is a goal many homeowners strive for, yet few truly master. We often view indoor comfort as a simple matter of…
6 Ways to Modernize an Older Home
To modernize an older home, you should update lighting fixtures, open up restrictive floor plans, replace outdated flooring, install modern cabinet hardware, paint dark wood trim white, and integrate smart home technology….
5 Ways Urban Gardening Improves Neighborhoods
Concrete jungles often leave little room for nature. However, a quiet revolution is taking root in empty lots, on rooftops, and across small apartment balconies. Urban gardening breathes life back into paved…
6 Financial Goals Worth Starting Early
Building a secure financial foundation takes time, discipline, and a clear roadmap. When you start planning your financial future early, you give yourself the greatest asset of all: time. Compound interest, long-term…
Why More Business Owners Are Choosing Enclosed Trailers
Business owners are always looking for ways to improve efficiency, protect equipment, and simplify transportation. A popular solution across many industries is the enclosed trailer, which offers greater flexibility and convenience than…
Mexican illegal with drive-by shooting conviction nabbed in Norhern Iowa
A Mexican national living in northwest Iowa has pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally reentering the United States as an aggravated felon, after authorities say he had already been deported four times and had prior federal convictions for the same offense.
His criminal history includes a 1991 conviction in Los Angeles County, California, for shooting at an inhabited dwelling, an offense federal prosecutors identified as an aggravated felony. The California crime is commonly associated with firing a gun at an occupied home or building.
Franklin County supervisors approve budget amendment, utility permits and courthouse statue repairs at May 26 meeting
HAMPTON — The Franklin County Board of Supervisors approved utility permits, adopted a fiscal year 2026 budget amendment, discussed employee handbook questions involving FMLA and maternity leave, and approved courthouse statue repairs during its regular meeting on May 26, 2026.
Mitchell County supervisors hear jail, road and cupola updates at May 26 meeting
OSAGE — The Mitchell County Board of Supervisors heard updates on jail certification, upcoming public safety details, road projects and the ongoing courthouse cupola issue during its regular meeting on May 26, 2026.
Iowa UTV crash leaves man and 4-year-old child dead
A tragic UTV crash in Iowa claimed the lives of a Wheatland man and a 4-year-old child over the Memorial Day weekend.
Worth supervisors amend budget, approve claims and facility work at May 26 meeting
NORTHWOOD – Worth County supervisors approved a budget amendment, county claims, a change order for the Secondary Roads Maintenance Facility and several other items during their regular meeting on May 26, 2026.
Kaitlyn Kemna Ausborn hopes her Democratic campaign for Cerro Gordo County Attorney results in election win
MASON CITY – A North Iowa prosecutor is continuing her Democratic campaign for Cerro Gordo County Attorney as next Tuesday primary approaches.
Mason City man jailed after allegedly storming armed into residence, smashing vehicle windows
MASON CITY – A Mason City man is facing a serious felony burglary charge after police say he violently forced his way into a local residence while armed with a handgun and threatened the people inside.
Iowa man killed after stopped pickup is struck on Interstate
An Iowa man was killed Monday after his pickup was stopped in the traveled lanes of an Interstate highway and struck by a semi.
Why Flexible Moving Services Are Becoming More Popular
Moving home has never been known as a stress-free experience. Between organizing transport, packing belongings, managing schedules, and trying to stay within budget, the process can quickly feel overwhelming. That is exactly…
Reynolds signs $4.2 billion Iowa property tax relief bill, slate of other new laws
DES MOINES — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a major property tax relief bill into law on May 18, 2026, along with a slate of other bills affecting health care, education, transportation, radon mitigation, abortion regulations, prescription access and other issues.
The centerpiece of the bill-signing announcement was SF 2472, a property tax package Reynolds said will save Iowa homeowners $4.2 billion over six years.
UNI Panthers to induct six individuals, including Super Bowl Champion Kurt Warner, into Hall of Fame
CEDAR FALLS – A world champion quarterback, All-Americans, a national champion, an institutional pioneer and legendary voices highlight the UNI Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame class of 2026.
Enhancing Your Midwest Home: Why It’s Time to Upgrade Your Outdoor Wall Lights
Living in the Midwest means experiencing the absolute best—and sometimes the most extreme—of all four seasons. From warm summer evenings spent relaxing on the front porch to the beautiful, quiet snowfall of…
How to Create Professional PowerPoint Slides with AI in Seconds
We’ve all experienced the pressure of a looming deadline with a blank deck staring back. Building an effective presentation is often a labor-intensive process, with teams spending significant hours on manual formatting,…
Custom Truck Seat Covers Online: A Buyer’s Guide to Fit, Fabric, and Protection
Truck interiors work harder than most vehicle cabins. Between job site dust, tools, pets, kids, hunting gear, camping equipment, spilled coffee, and muddy boots, your seats take daily abuse. A good set…
Northern Iowa trucker and racing fan David Rayhons leaves legacy of work, faith and family
GARNER — A Northern Iowa man whose life was shaped by hard work, Catholic faith, family gatherings, trucking, motorcycles and racing has passed away.
Republican governor candidate Eddie Andrews brings “People First Tour” to Mason City
MASON CITY — Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Andrews brought his “People First Tour” to Mason City this week as Iowa’s wide-open 2026 race for governor continues to draw candidates across the state.
New Car Shopping Made Simple: Tips for Smart Buyers
Buying a brand-new car is an exhilarating milestone, symbolizing a fresh start and the freedom of the open road. However, the process can quickly become overwhelming due to the sheer volume of…
UNI men’s basketball welcomes six to 2026 spring recruiting class
CEDAR FALLS – The UNI men’s basketball team announced the signing of six athletes to the Panther roster for the 2026-27 season.
Darlene Palmer, fiercely independent Mason City mother and grandmother, dies at 81
MASON CITY — Darlene “Punkie” Palmer, a strong-willed Mason City woman remembered for her independence, devotion to family, love of gardening and years of work connected to North Iowa schools, has died at age 81.
Palmer passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the IOOF Home in Mason City, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
MoreNiche.com: The Affiliate Network Powering Health & Wellness Growth Worldwide
The global health and wellness industry continues to expand at an extraordinary pace. From nutritional supplements and fitness programs to skincare, anti-aging, and mental wellness products, consumers are spending billions annually on…