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News Headlines for October 23, 2026
Ilhan Omar flees D.C. home after federal raid as financial probes turn up the heat
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal investigators have searched her home, prosecutors are examining her financial disclosures, and her husband’s business dealings have drawn congressional scrutiny. Now U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar says she plans to leave the Washington residence agents searched October 12.
The Minnesota Democrat, wine enthusiast, and America-hater announced her plans during an October 21 interview, then begged for money on social media.
Driver extricated after semi rolls into ditch at Clear Lake highway interchange
CLEAR LAKE — Firefighters extricated a Cedar Falls man from his semi-truck after it left a highway ramp, rolled into a ditch and came to rest on its passenger side early Thursday, October 22.
Mason City police nab wanted area sex offender facing felony charges in two counties
MASON CITY — Mason City police nabbed a wanted Northern Iowa sex offender October 16 as he faces separate felony charges accusing him of violating sex offender registration requirements in Cerro Gordo and Franklin counties.
Iowa State soccer suffers late heartbreak as Kansas scores in 87th minute
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Iowa State held Kansas scoreless for more than 86 minutes, but a late corner kick finally broke the Cyclones’ resistance in a 1-0 Big 12 soccer loss October 16.
Iowa women’s soccer tops Maryland 3-1 as Berit Parten scores twice
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Berit Parten scored twice and Reilly Heman added her team-leading eighth goal of the season as Iowa women’s soccer beat Maryland 3-1 on October 16 at Ludwig Field.
Northern Iowa man who called 911, then opened fire on officers, convicted of four attempted murders
A Northern Iowa man who called 911 requesting a welfare check at his own home, then opened fire on responding officers, has been convicted of four counts of attempted murder of a peace officer.
Northern Iowa cold case: Minnesota man nabbed in 1995 killing of Waterloo woman
WATERLOO — More than 31 years after turtle hunters discovered a Waterloo woman’s body beside a rural creek, investigators have arrested a Minnesota man and charged him with first-degree murder.
Forest City chiropractor turns business dream into reality, earns NIACC entrepreneur honor
FOREST CITY — Dr. Joeli Koenig knew during chiropractic college that she wanted a business of her own. After gaining experience working in Mason City, she took the leap in Forest City — and now her newly opened practice has earned a Northern Iowa entrepreneurial honor.
Northern Iowa grooming case sends man to prison after detective saves disappearing messages
A 43-year-old man who used social media, code words and disappearing messages to groom a juvenile girl has been sentenced to up to five years in prison after a friend raised concerns and a detective preserved the evidence.
Northern Iowa’s Black Hawk Point offers river views, steep hikes and rare grouse habitat
NEW ALBIN — A narrow hillside path winds past limestone outcroppings at Black Hawk Point Wildlife Area, leading to a sweeping view of where the Upper Iowa River meets the Mississippi. Behind that scenery, habitat work is helping protect native prairie, establish new oak timber and sustain one of Iowa’s remaining pockets of ruffed grouse.
Iowa women’s basketball opens at No. 10 in AP preseason poll
IOWA CITY — Iowa women’s basketball will enter the 2026-27 season ranked No. 10 nationally, returning to the Associated Press preseason top 10 for the first time in three years as coach Jan Jensen begins her third season.
Iowa National Guard leader Stephen Osborn to retire after more than four decades of military service
DES MOINES — Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, who leads nearly 9,000 Iowa National Guard soldiers and airmen, will retire January 16, 2027, closing a military career that began with his enlistment in the U.S. Army in 1984.
Winnebago County supervisors approve $816,661 in transfers, continue zoning review
FOREST CITY — Winnebago County supervisors approved $816,660.64 in county fund transfers, including more than $720,000 for Secondary Roads, and continued reviewing zoning changes for new technology during their October 13, 2026, meeting.
Texas man accused of lewd act inside Mason City Hobby Lobby before second arrest
MASON CITY — A Texas man accused of masturbating in front of a woman at a Mason City store in October had already been arrested after an alleged encounter inside Hobby Lobby, where police say he approached a woman and began speaking while performing a sex act.
Iowa corn harvest just 26% complete as wet fields keep farmers behind
Iowa farmers remain roughly two weeks behind their normal harvest pace, with corn harvest 26 percent complete and soybeans at 57 percent. Eagle Grove recorded the state’s highest weekly rainfall as wet fields continued to slow work.
Northern Iowa pickup driver injured in crash with semi near Mallard
MALLARD — A man was injured Monday evening when his pickup and a semi were involved in a crash at a rural Northern Iowa intersection, where a trailer broke loose and struck a utility pole.
Iowa Social Security recipients to see 3.6% increase in 2027
Iowa residents receiving Social Security will see their benefits increase 3.6% in 2027, with retirement benefits rising an average of about $75 a month nationwide.
Trump announces $8 billion harvest relief plan to help Iowa farmers
Iowa farmers could receive help through President Trump’s new $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief program, with commodity payment rates expected in November.
Iowa State men’s basketball rallies from 19 down but falls to Creighton, 83-80, in exhibition
Iowa State men’s basketball rallied from 19 points down but fell 83-80 to Creighton in an October 18 exhibition at Hilton Coliseum.
Cancer returns for Iowa First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds as state battles nation’s second-highest cancer rate
Iowa First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds faces a recurrence of cancer following brain tumor surgery, as Iowa records the nation’s second-highest cancer incidence rate.
Fashion for everyone: Affordables runway show returns to Mason City October 23
The Affordables Fashion Show returns to Mason City October 23 with inclusive runway models, Mason City High School student designs, fall fashions and a fundraiser for 43 North Iowa.
Northern Iowa elderly man missing, authorities issue urgent endangered person alert
Authorities are searching for Larry Williams, 84, missing from Lytton on October 19. Watch for a black Toyota Prius with Iowa plate SF691. Call 911.
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