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News Headlines for November 5, 2026
Osage man who collected hundreds of child pornography images sentenced to 12 years in federal prison
CEDAR RAPIDS — A Northern Iowa man who downloaded hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, after pleading guilty to a federal child pornography charge.
Iowa field hockey upsets No. 12 Penn State, advances to Big Ten semifinals against top-ranked Maryland
COLUMBUS, OHIO — The No. 10 Iowa Hawkeye field hockey team battled back from an early deficit to defeat No. 12 Penn State, 2-1, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals at Buckeye Varsity Field, advancing to a semifinal showdown with No. 1 Maryland.
Democratic wave sweeps Iowa as Sand, Turek win and North Iowa voters oust GOP lawmaker
DES MOINES — Iowa voters delivered a major political reversal in the November 3, 2026, election, electing Democrat Rob Sand governor, sending Democrat Josh Turek to the U.S. Senate and choosing Democrats in three of Iowa’s four congressional districts. The shift reached North Iowa, where Democrat Jacob Welper defeated Republican incumbent Christian Hermanson for Iowa House District 59, although Republicans retained control of the state Legislature and won several other contests.
Two hospitalized after pickup driver runs stop sign and causes crash north of Ventura
VENTURA — Two people were transported to a Mason City hospital Wednesday, November 4, 2026, after a pickup truck driver allegedly failed to stop at a rural Cerro Gordo County intersection and collided with another vehicle north of Ventura.
UNI men’s basketball opens Kyle Green era with 106-70 rout of Cornell College
CEDAR FALLS — The UNI Panther men’s basketball team launched a new era Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with a 106-70 victory over Cornell College at the McLeod Center, giving head coach Kyle Green his first Division I coaching win in Northern Iowa’s 2026-27 regular-season opener.
Clear Lake school roof and solar project finishes $601,000 under budget, earns industry recognition
A roof restoration and solar project at Clear Creek Elementary School came in more than $601,000 below its original $2 million budget, according to project partners, while positioning the Clear Lake Community School District to reduce future electricity costs.
David Laurence Lytle, 61, of Clear Lake leaves a legacy of independence, friendship and determination
CLEAR LAKE — David Laurence Lytle, 61, a longtime Clear Lake resident whose life was filled with friendship, sports, laughter and achievements that exceeded expectations, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026.
A private family remembrance will be held to celebrate David’s life. His family will honor him by sharing memories of his sense of humor, loving personality and the many ways he enriched their lives. Memorial contributions may be directed to One Vision, P.O. Box 622, Clear Lake, IA 50428. Cards and expressions of sympathy may be mailed to Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Avenue North, Clear Lake, IA 50428.
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.
No. 10 Iowa women’s basketball rolls past Towson, 73-45, as Dani Carnegie shines in Hawkeye debut
IOWA CITY — The No. 10 Iowa Hawkeye women’s basketball team opened the 2026-27 season with an impressive 73-45 victory over Towson on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, powered by a standout debut from Dani Carnegie and a dominant performance on the boards.
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.
Cyclone women’s basketball rolls past Grambling State 90-61 for 32nd straight season-opening win
Iowa State women’s basketball beat Grambling State 90-61 behind Tjasa Turnsek’s 19 points and Mya Babbitt’s five 3-pointers. The 1-0 Cyclones host Nicholls next.
Mark E. Haaf, 71, of Clear Lake leaves memories of outdoor adventures, craftsmanship and family
CLEAR LAKE — Mark Edward Haaf, 71, of Clear Lake, Iowa, a man who enjoyed the outdoors, sports, motorcycles and working with his hands, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
In accordance with Mark’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services are planned at this time.
Dorla Jean Ferch, 78, found joy in family, flowers and life’s simple comforts
DUMONT — Dorla Jean Ferch, 78, of Dumont, formerly of Charles City, died November 1, 2026, at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton following a battle with cancer. A longtime cook and devoted mother and grandmother, Dorla cherished time with her family and the familiar comforts of home.
A celebration of life will take place Saturday, November 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Center, 900 Hulin St., Charles City. Inurnment will be held later at Greenwood Cemetery in Nashua, with her grandchildren serving as honorary urnbearers. Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory–Olson Chapel in Nashua is handling arrangements.
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.
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