Iowa First Media

OELWEIN, Iowa — Police have issued warrants for three teenage boys, 1 Black, 1 White, 1 unnamed, following a chaotic attempted armed robbery and gunfire incident in a McDonal’s parking lot. The confrontation broke out around 9:00pm on July 10 in the 10 Block of 1st Avenue SE, where a group had arranged to meet for what was supposed to be a property sale. Things escalated quickly when someone pulled a handgun and fired at least one round. Thankfully, no one was injured, but officers recovered a spent 9mm casing and seized a vehicle as evidence. The Oelwein Police Department, with help from multiple agencies including the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and Waterloo PD, used drones, thermal imaging, license plate readers, surveillance footage, and witness statements to build the case. Jaqwon Jerome Ndimbe, Black male, 16, of Waterloo, faces serious charges including first-degree robbery, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, assault while participating in a felony, going armed with intent, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Mason Lee Bushaw, White male, 17, of Oelwein, is charged with first-degree robbery, while an unnamed 15-year-old from Hazleton received a juvenile referral on the same count. The investigation is still ongoing as authorities look at others who may have been involved. Follow: @IowaFirstMedia

BREAKING: MIAMI, Florida — Businessmen and social media influencers, Andrew and Tristan Tate, were taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Miami on Saturday, as British authorities seek their extradition on yet another round of expanded rape and trafficking charges. The dual U.S.-British citizens, who have built a massive following by promoting masculinity, wealth-building, and resistance to mainstream liberal culture, now find themselves once again entangled in what many believe to be a politically-motivated international witch hunt. After fleeing Romania following years of stalled legal proceedings and unfair treatment, the brothers had been living in Florida, only for the U.K. to ramp up its case with dozens of new allegations spanning 2010-2017. This brings the total to a staggering number that many view as overkill destined to overwhelm and discredit them. Their attorney, Joseph McBride, slammed the latest charges as “filth and slander,” arguing they’re a desolate attempt to derail the Tate’s own defamation lawsuits in the U.S. “They’re pulling out all the stops to make sure these guys never get their day in court,” McBride said, insisting America shouldn’t do Britain’s political dirty work. The brothers have consistently denied every accusation, maintaining that their statements were often jokes or taken wildly out of context by critics eager to cancel successful men who pose a threat to the feminist orthodoxy. From being vocal Trump supporters, to building online empires despite widespread deplatforming, the Tates represent everything the Establishment hates, in strong, independent men urging other men to reject victimhood. As they prepare for federal court in Miami, their defenders see this not as justice, but as targeted harassment against two men who refuse to apologize for telling the truth. Follow: @IowaFirstMedia

DES MOINES, Iowa — In a fresh clip circulating from a recent event, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand pushed back hard against any slowdown on the massive data centers coming to Iowa. While his opponent, Zach Lahn, called for a full moratorium to protect local resources, Sand dismissed the idea outright, claiming it wouldn’t fix the state’s budget deficit. He argues that these tech giants “ought to be paying their way” with no sales tax exemptions. He then pivoted to unrealistic promises about lower utility and water rates for neighbors, despite data centers being notorious water hogs and energy guzzlers that usually strain rural infrastructure. It was classic rhetoric from Sand, as he will always prioritize trying to “clip” himself virtue-signaling rather than saying anything of actual substance. Meanwhile, ordinary Iowans are worrying about skyrocketing bills and disappearing farmland. The exchange got more tense when an Iowa voter jumped in, calling out the empty assurances. “They lie, they’ll tell you anything to get in, and you know that” said the voter. Sand still believes that he can somehow make data centers “improve the living situation for ordinary Iowans,” but the skepticism certainly feels earned. With Zach Lahn and Republicans sounding the alarm on unchecked growth, Sand’s pro-data center stance looks less like fiscal responsibility, and more like selling out Iowa’s future to out-of-state interests. Iowa voters deserve better than these sorts of “polished” talking points that ignore the real costs hitting Iowa families right now. Follow: @IowaFirstMedia

WALCOTT, Iowa — Will Moon. The president of the Iowa 80 Group and longtime owner of the world’s largest truck stop, died suddenly on Thursday at the age of 64. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Moon moved to Walcott as a young child and grew up in the family business. He pulled weeds, mowed grass, and worked the fuel islands and tire shop throughout his college years. He carried that passion into a successful career that expanded the Iowa 80 footprint across interstates while staying deeply rooted in his hometown. An Eagle Scout who later led a troop, Moon was also a dedicated family man and community leader who served on numerous boards and supported organizations like the Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities.  Moon’s generosity left a lasting mark on University of Iowa athletics. He and his wife Renee endowed the head football coaching position, now known as the Moon Family Head Football Coach, funded scholarships, the Swarm, and major facility improvements. Hawkeye leaders remembered him as a kind, unwavering supporter who attended countless games and built genuine relationships across the university. Tributes poured in from Kirk Ferentz, Beth Goetz, and many others touched by his quiet philanthropy. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at Runge Mortuary and Calvary Church in Walcott, with memorials directed to the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, or the Will Moon Football Scholarship at the UI Foundation. He will be deeply missed by his wife Renee, their children, grandchildren, and the many communities he quietly strengthened. Follow: @IowaFirstMedia

DES MOINES, Iowa — In a move to dodge accountability, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand is now banning live-streaming and video recording at his public town halls after leaked videos exposed his controlled guest policy. Republicans, with even distant past campaign ties, even those long out of politics, are reportedly being turned away, only to capture the rejections on their own devices and sharing them anyway. Kollin Crompton on X (Twitter) was the first to release this information after posting the initial image of the No Recording Signs that are now being held at Rob Sand town hall events. Amid the discriminatory public rejection videos, the Sand Campaign has used every social media platform to emphasize that “all are welcome,” even “Republicans,” but many individuals are not rejecting the evidence of their eyes and ears to believe this rhetoric. Sand polishes his image as the “governor for all” Iowans, as he claims to accept everyone with open arms. It turns out that the openness stops the moment someone might ask tough questions or represent the wrong political history. This heavy-handed crackdown on public access reeks of desperation from a candidate who can’t handle real dissent in his events. By restricting ordinary Iowans from recording what should be open forums, Sand is essentially admitting that he prefers a controlled narrative over genuine transparency. While he preaches unity and inclusivity, his actions reveal a different story, where former opponents are unwelcome, and the public’s right to see and share the truth gets shut down. Iowans deserve better than a politician who hides behind bans instead of facing voters openly. Follow: @IowaFirstMedia

SEATTLE, Washington — Reid Hoffman, the billionaire co-founder of LinkedIn and major Democratic megadonor, has deep ties to the late Jewish New York Financier Jeffrey Epstein that go far beyond what he’s publicly admitted. While Hoffman has tried to downplay his relationship as mere “fundraising” for MIT, court documents and emails paint a picture of someone who’s stayed cozy with the convicted pedophile long after his crimes were known. Hoffman visited Epstein’s private island, stayed at his New York townhouse, exchanged gifts (including ice cream “for the girls”), and kept up meetings, calls, and dinners well into 2018. These were interactions that included hosting Epstein alongside tech elites. Critics see this as more than a lapse in judgment. It’s the kind of enabling that helped Epstein maintain his network among the powerful even after his 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution. Now, Hoffman is pouring big money into Iowa politics, funneling $250,000 into Rob Sand’s gubernatorial campaign according to state finance reports. Sand, the Democratic state auditor running for governor, has leaned on many out-of-state heavy hitters like Hoffman to fuel his campaign, despite him touting grassroots support. This is not just a check. It’s coming from a guy whose Epstein connections continue to raise serious red flags about the values and influences shaping Democratic campaigns. Iowa voters deserve to know who’s really pulling the strings behind Sand’s bid, and they should also demand Sand to publicly give his opinion on Hoffman, as well. Follow: @IowaFirstMedia

DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Mayor Connie Borden is getting creative to tackle the city’s $12 million budget shortfall, reaching out to hospitals, state agencies, and the University of Iowa with requests for voluntary payments instead of taxes, known as PILOT. In letters sent back in May, Borden asked entities like Broadlawns Medical Center, MercyOne, UnityPoint Health, the Iowa Finance Authority, and Gov. Kim. Reynolds to chip in for services such as public safety, road maintenance, and snow removal that tax-exempt properties still use. With roughly 40% of Des Moines property off the tax rolls, including government buildings, schools, churches, and nonprofits, the mayor argued it’s unfair for regular taxpayers to shoulder the full load while the city tries to lower property taxes and avoid deeper service cuts. Broadlawns was the only one to respond so far, expressing interest in learning more. The push comes as the city grapples with a state property tax overhaul that caps levy growth at 2%, creating budget deficits projected at $12 million next year and $5 the year after. City officials note that some hospitals stopped their previous PILOT contributions in recent years, even though the program once brought it significant funds. Residents have weighed in at public meetings and through a new budget app, and more details on proposed cuts are expected at upcoming City Council sessions. Boesen emphasized that the extra revenue could help preserve essential services in a community the city is working hard to rebuild. Follow: @IowaFirstMedia

3 Black men, 1 Hispanic man, and 1 Black woman from the Quad Cities area have been handed lengthy federal prison sentences for their roles in a drug trafficking operation that distributed more than 26,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl across the region between April 2022 and March 2024. According to court documents and a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, the group conspired to push large quantities of the dangerous opioid, with most members held responsible for at least 400 grams of fentanyl. The case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods to combat violent crime and drug trafficking. Kendrick Eugene Lee Jr., Black male, 25, received 292 months (over 24 years) in prison. Dreyko Ryan Paul Veronie, Hispanic Male, 24, got 312 months (about 26 years). Kee Syonne Arthur Edgar Rockwood-Brown, Black male, 23, was sentenced to 300 months (25 years) with seven years of supervised release afterward. Kisha Renee Rockwood, Black female, 42, faces 216 months (18 years). Juwan Dupri Crawford, Black male, 26, received 144 months (12 years). All individuals have a follower five years of supervised release except where noted. Each had pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges, and there is no parole in the federal system. U.S. Attorney David C. Waterman announced the sentences, emphasizing accountability for those fueling the fentanyl crisis that has devastated communities across not only Iowa, but America. It is estimated that around 7.5% of the Quad Cities’ population identifies as Black, while 9.7% of the population identifies as Hispanic. Statewide, around 4%of Iowa identifies as Black, while around 7.3% identifies as Hispanic. Follow: @IowaFirstMedia

For years, the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Dave Muhlbauer, had a family operation in Crawford County who ignored warnings and let manure-contaminated runoff pour into a tributary of the West Nishnabotna River. Iowa DNR records detail repeated complaints starting as far back as 2009, with investigations in 2014 and 2015 uncovering discolored discharges full of high ammonia levels. E. coli counts exceeded 2.4 MPN/100mL, and it turned clear streams to be cloudy and foul-smelling. Despite earlier notices of violation, and even EPA involvement, the feedlot’s inadequate settling basin and three-tiered filter system kept failing. This would send polluted liquids across fields and pastures, straight into state waters. Regulators eventually hit them with a $7,000 penalty in 2015. The regulators then forced them to either get an NPDES permit, or build total containment. The family took years to act on that ultimatum. Rob Sand, Dave Muhlbauer’s running mate, loves to lecture Iowans about cancer risks, nitrates, and holding polluters accountable. Sand is currently pushing plans for better manure management and conservation incentives. His lieutenant governor choice is a man whose feedlot repeatedly violated the rules they now claim to champion. DNR staff even talked directly to Dan and Dave Muhlbauer about the problems years earlier. They determined that the Muhlbauer’s had prior knowledge of the requirements before giving them fines. Ironically, Iowa Democrats are completely silent about this issue. Water quality must be a crisis until it hits too close to home. The pick truly shows the emptiness of Rob Sand’s environmental talk. He will likely never address the documented pollution from his own running mate’s backyard while he campaigns against it. Iowans deserve leaders who walk the walk, not the ones who overlook family messes, then pretend they never happened. Follow: @IowaFirstMedia

In a round of heated exchanges on X (Twitter), Zach Lahn continued pressing Rob Sand to agree to what he described as a personal agreement for 6 substantive Lincoln-Douglas style debates across Iowa. Lahn recounted meeting Sand at the Capitol earlier this Spring, where he proposed the series of long-form policy discussions and claimed Sand enthusiastically agreed “with a high-five.” Lahn has now publicly called out Sand for dodging the commitment, noting that he’s proposed 6 debates, 2 more than Sand has offered. The Trump-endorsed Republican candidate framed it as a straightforward question of keeping one’s word, urging Sand to step up rather than hide behind carefully worded statements.  Sand’s campaign, meanwhile, doubled down on rejecting the additional debates, sticking to their plan of just 4, while pushing a separate demand for 100 public town halls. In their response and official statements, they accused Lahn of skipping debates during the primary and avoiding accountability. It is apparent that Sand’s team is focusing more on controlling the format and narrative, rather than facing Lahn head-to-head, which they seem fairly reluctant to do. Lahn’s push for honest, transparent debates stand in contrast to Sand’s evasiveness, which is why voters are increasingly seeing Lahn as the candidate ready to put substance over political theater. Follow: @IowaFirstMedia

Editor’s Note: It is estimated that around 70.4% of Iowa City’s population identifies as White Non-Hispanic, while 82.7% of Iowa’s population identifies as White Non-Hispanic.

A White, Iowa City man will spend nearly two decades behind bars after federal authorities took down a significant methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking operation. On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge in Davenport sentenced 37-year-old Richard Allen Tuan Casey to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison. Casey was convicted on charges including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute the drugs, and using a communication device to advance the trafficking scheme. Court records show Casey had been moving drugs in the area from at least early 2024 through May 2025. Prosecutors said he drove to a Walmart parking lot in Ames to collect 30 pounds of methamphetamine valued at more than $70,000 just days before his arrest. The Johnson County Drug Task Force built the case with help from a confidential informant who made several controlled purchases, leading investigators straight to Casey. When agents searched his property they recovered 22 pounds of the meth, along with cocaine, drug packaging materials, paraphernalia, and a loaded pistol.  In January, Casey pleaded guilty to four drug trafficking counts. A jury later acquitted him on separate firearm charges tied to the operation. Following his prison term, he will face 5 years of supervised release. The case is part of ongoing efforts by local and federal law enforcement to crack down on large-scale drug distribution networks in Eastern Iowa. Follow: @IowaFirstMedia

Editor’s Note: It is estimated that around 3.1% of Clive’s population identifies as Black, while 4.8% of Iowa’s population identifies as Black.

A 21-year-old African man has been charged with attempted murder following a late-night shooting at a popular Clive Park that left two teenagers injured. Abdalla Hasan, of Des Moines, was arrested Tuesday and faces a Class B felony charge in connection with the June 4 incident at Campbell Park on Woodlands Parkway. A large group of Black adults and youths had gathered for a party promoted on social media when an altercation broke out. Investigators say Hasan pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots into a vehicle, striking the occupants. The victims, 18-year-old Jaivon Jefferson of Des Moines, and a 17-year-old girl, were both hit by gunfire. Jefferson suffered wounds to his hands and abdomen and required an extended hospital stay, while the girl was shot in the leg. Both have since been treated and released. Police Chief Mark Rehberg credited witnesses who came forward with key information during a lengthy investigation, noting that detectives continue pursuing additional leads and may file more charges. Hasan was booked into the Clive jail before being transferred to Polk County Jail pending arraignment. #iowafirstmedia #iowa #clive #fyp #trending

@aidannonx Thank you, Aidan!

@IowaFirstMedia You need to work on writing Way too verbose and editorial Format needs work, too Otherwise good start

In quite the display of desperation, Rob Sand just dropped a new 30-second advertisement called “Neighbors” that lifts lines almost word-for-word from Zach Lahn’s earlier “Defend Our Land” advertisement. Sand’s script echoes Lahn’s warnings about hedge funds buying up Iowa homes and China owning farmland, right down to the closing line, “I say we keep Iowa homes and land in Iowa hands.” It’s the same core message Lahn has been hammering for months, in protecting Iowa land and homes for Iowans first. The only difference was that Lahn was saying it back in March, while Sand was busy attacking the Republican candidates. Now, Sand is suddenly singing the same tune. This is not leadership. This is legitimate copycatting from a career politician who’s been in office for years, and who is only now pretending to care about the issues that Zach Lahn has actually been fighting for. Iowa voters, specifically, are not stupid. They can see Sand is scrambling to steal Lahn’s popular “Iowa First” message because his own record offers nothing fresh. Iowa deserves a Governor with original ideas and a backbone, not one who waits to steal them. #iowafirstmedia #iowa #robsand #fyp #trending

@KosmoComplainer Yes, we are involved with investigative reporting. We have just given you a follow — feel free shoot us a DM!

Iowa Democrats are constantly bashing “the rich” and “billionaires” for being the root of all societal problems. Anyone who dares to succeed in Iowa business is seen as someone who is upholding inequality. They push for higher taxes on high earners while calling out “corporate greed.” They paint successful people as evil, no matter what they do for a living. They cheer against tax breaks for business, and complain about data centers and Big Ag. They emphasize class warfare, and demand that the rich “pay their fair share.” It’s all a part of the playbook to stoke resentment among Iowans and rally the base. But apparently, all that fire and brimstone vanishes the second the rich guy has a “D” next to his name. Enter Rob Sand, the Democratic candidate for governor whose family wealth makes him the ultimate walking contradiction. Sand’s in-laws, the Lauridsen family, built a massive global empire in health, nutrition, and food products, making them one of the richest families in the state of Iowa. However, you won’t hear a single peep of criticism from his party about this. There have certainly been no class-war attacks on how the Lauridsen’s even gained their mysterious wealth in the first place, which is even more hypocritical. Instead, billionaires like Reid Hoffman, currently under investigation for his ties to Epstein, and Jonathan Soros, son of investor George Soros, funnel massive amounts of cash straight into his campaign without any pushback. Sand’s campaign has raised nearly $12 million across recent cycles, including over $7 million in 2024 from his family alone ($3 million from Christine, $4 million from Christine’s parents). That helped him haul in $8.6 million that year, crushing what the governor raised. Even in 2025, Sand raked in another $9.5 million. While he loves talking about small-dollar donations, the reality is that his political rise has been supercharged by his family millions that most Iowans couldn’t even imagine. It’s pure hypocrisy that exposes Sand as just another elite politician acting like a populist. He acts like a down-to-earth Iowan prosecutor and auditor fighting for the little guy, but his path is paved by family money that dwarfs what regular folks could even dream of. Democrats overlook it because he’s “one of them,” but voters see the blatant double standard. If Sand’s wealthy in-laws weren’t bankrolling him to this degree, would he even be a serious candidate? Iowa deserves better than this selective outrage and bought-and-paid-for politics. #iowafirstmedia #iowa #robsand #fyp #trending