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News Headlines for October 27, 2026
Musical misfits bring free puppet-show fun to Mason City’s MacNider Art Museum
MASON CITY — A retired donkey, a bluesy hound, a rockin’ rooster and a jazzy cat will bring music and mischief to the MacNider Art Museum when the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Company presents “Bremen Town Musicians!” on Thursday, November 5.
Iowa teen, 16, killed when semi rear-ends tractor on a lonely stretch of Iowa roadway
A 16-year-old Audubon boy was killed Sunday, October 25, 2026, when a semi struck the rear of the farm tractor he was driving on U.S. Highway 71.
Southern Minnesota meth bust nets more than 10 pounds; three Albert Lea men nabbed
Investigators seized more than 10 pounds of methamphetamine and over $3,700 after an intercepted parcel led to searches at three Albert Lea addresses and three arrests.
Four suspects nabbed after downtown Des Moines shooting; officer fires at armed suspect
DES MOINES — If you’re heading to Iowa’s capital city for dinner or a night out, a shooting in the Court Avenue entertainment district offers a sobering reminder that gunfire can erupt where people gather to socialize. A fight just before midnight Saturday, October 24, left a 20-year-old man wounded, sent officers chasing suspects through downtown and ended with four people in custody, police said.
Northern Iowa hospital’s $700,000 surgical robot grant draws USDA visit
DECORAH — A northern Iowa hospital’s use of a $700,000 federal grant to help bring advanced surgical technology closer to rural patients drew a visit from USDA leaders and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson on October 25.
Northern Iowa bicyclist hospitalized after collision with turning pickup
CLEAR LAKE — A northern Iowa bicyclist was taken to the hospital Sunday, October 25, after colliding with a turning pickup at a Clear Lake intersection.
Deputies identified the bicyclist as Reagan Elsbury, 47, of Ventura…
UNI soccer falls at UIC, 3-1, despite Audrey Still’s first collegiate goal
UNI soccer outshot UIC but fell 3-1 in Chicago on October 25. Audrey Still scored her first collegiate goal as the Panthers remained in the MVC tournament chase.
Iowa women’s soccer beats USC for first time as Heman leads Senior Day victory
Iowa women’s soccer beat USC 3-1 on Senior Day as Reilly Heman scored a goal and added two assists. The Hawkeyes host Wisconsin October 30.
No. 6 Iowa field hockey blanks Penn State as Claessens earns first career shutout
No. 6 Iowa field hockey beat No. 19 Penn State 1-0 on Senior Day as Dionne van Aalsum scored and Julia Claessens earned her first career shutout.
No. 18 Iowa State men’s basketball rolls past Northwestern, 94-59, in final exhibition
Ryan Prather Jr. scored 25 points as No. 18 Iowa State men’s basketball routed Northwestern 94-59 in its final exhibition. Tamin Lipsey added 14 points and seven assists.
Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass brings New Orleans roots to Mason City stage October 29
The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass performs at NIACC in Mason City at 7 p.m. October 29, bringing New Orleans roots and an international musical career to the local stage.
ICE nabs five illegal predators in Iowa; DHS cites child exploitation, abuse and assault convictions
DHS identified five men arrested by ICE in Iowa in October, citing prior convictions involving child exploitation, child endangerment, domestic abuse and assault. Democrats hate this, and would love these creeps to live next door to you.
Northern Iowa woman nabbed on OWI, child endangerment and marijuana charges
Angela Christine Westberg, 54, of Waterloo, faces two child endangerment charges, first-offense OWI and marijuana possession following a Delaware County arrest.
Iowa tourism generates $11.3 billion in economic impact as visitor numbers hit record
Iowa visitors spent $7.6 billion in 2025, supporting 72,196 jobs and generating $1.2 billion in state and local taxes, according to a new tourism study.
Marilyn Swancutt, 93, leaves a legacy of family devotion and a lifelong love of animals
CHARLES CITY — Marilyn Swancutt, 93, of Charles City, died October 24, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family, leaving those closest to her with memories of her quick humor, spirited personality and affection for the farm and animals she loved.
A private memorial service will be held. Calvary Cemetery in Charles City is listed as her final resting place.
Teacher jumped in to save boy, directed students to call 911 before fatal Iowa reservoir drowning
Authorities say Hannah Jorgensen jumped into the Coralville Reservoir to rescue 10-year-old Ahmed Osman and directed students to call 911. Both died in the field trip tragedy.
Charles City allows backyard chickens—with $100 permits, annual fees and strict rules
Charles City now allows up to six hens, with a $100 permit, $50 annual renewals, coop inspections and strict rules on setbacks, odors and waste.
Iowa State football flattened by No. 25 Arizona, 39-3, as offense stalls in Tucson
TUCSON, ARIZONA — Iowa State surrendered a 71-yard touchdown pass on Arizona’s second offensive play and never recovered Saturday, October 24, falling 39-3 as the No. 25 Wildcats shut down the Cyclones’ running game and controlled the game.
Iowa man, 29, killed after pickup vaults drainage ditch and overturns in Marion County
A 29-year-old Knoxville man was killed late Saturday, October 24, when his pickup left a rural county road, vaulted a drainage culvert and overturned, ejecting him from the vehicle.
Kim S. Gilbert, 74, of Garner, treasured outdoor adventures and everyday visits
GARNER — Kim S. Gilbert, 74, of Garner, passed away at his home on Saturday, October 24, 2026. A longtime area resident whose working years included construction and manufacturing, Kim found enjoyment in fishing trips, football, drives around Clear Lake and the daily company of family and friends.
A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, at Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St. in Garner.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 29, at Garner United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Kristin Peters officiating. Inurnment will be at Concord Township Cemetery.
Iowa volleyball stuns UCLA in five sets as Rosa Vesty powers breakthrough win
CORALVILLE — Iowa volleyball finally broke through against UCLA on Saturday night, riding a career-high 20 kills from Rosa Vesty to a five-set victory that snapped a seven-match losing streak at Xtream Arena on October 24, 2026.
Northern Iowa motorcyclist collared after police chase ends in dead-end road crash
Tyler Ryan Osterkamp, 20, faces felony eluding and other charges after a Cedar Falls motorcycle chase ended in a crash on Oster Parkway. Police reported minor injuries.
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