Iowa First Media

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra is among the 47 House Republicans who have signed onto a bipartisan bill that would grant legal status to thousands of illegal aliens currently working in agriculture. The legislation would expand the H-2A visa program, allow those already here illegally to obtain visas, and shield employers from accountability for hiring unauthorized workers. Critics see the move as a form of backdoor amnesty, rewarding illegal immigration at a time when border security remains a top concern for many Americans. Feenstra’s involvement in the effort, alongside industry groups like the American Farm Bureau, is evidence of the tension between agricultural interests and the bigger push for immigration enforcement. Supporters argue that it addresses labor shortages, but opponents argue that it undermines American workers and the rule of law by prioritizing foreign labor over enforcing existing immigration rules. For Iowans who expect their Republican representatives to stand firm on border security, Feenstra’s support for this bill certainly raises questions to who he is truly serving in Washington.  Business inquiries or story leads? Email us at newsroom@iowafirstmedia.com.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek has come under fire after records revealed he pocketed more than $20,000 in taxpayer-funded per diem payments, while missing 261 votes in the Iowa House, nearly 60% of the total, between January and early May 2026. The absences, which included key legislation on rural health, education standards, the Iowa Farm Bill, and veterans affairs funding, often coincided with out-of-state fundraising trips to places like California and Washington, D.C. Turek, who touts his inspiring story as a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, has positioned himself as the man for Iowa families and government programs. Yet, his record shows a pattern of skipping legislative duties while aggressively campaigning, even as his Senate bid has struggled to keep pace financially with top-tier races elsewhere. Critics argue this absentee approach raises serious questions about his commitment to the job, and whether Iowans can count on him to show up and deliver results in Washington, D.C. As the general election approaches, Turek’s vote-skipping record shows the opposite of the dedicated public serviceman he claims to represent. Business inquiries or story leads? Email us at newsroom@iowafirstmedia.com.

DES MOINES, Iowa — On July 13, 2026, public campaign contributions show that the Democratic Governors Association funneled a massive $2.5 million into Rob Sand’s gubernatorial campaign. The Washington, D.C.-based national group’s contribution comes as Sand has reportedly raised a record-breaking $9.38 million over the last two months, adding to an already massive campaign fund, aided by his family, and other wealthier out-of-state billionaires. While Rob Sand continues to parade himself as the candidate rooted in Iowa values, this recent out-of-state influx from a powerful, national Democratic organization has many people questioning about external influence. With such substantial funding coming from D.C. political operatives, there are rumors about how independent Sand’s agenda will truly be if he’s elected. As Iowans evaluate their options, the reliance on big national money exposes a difference between his grassroots rhetoric, and the reality of who is bankrolling his campaign. Business inquiries or story leads? Email us at newsroom@iowafirstmedia.com

DES MOINES, Iowa — In the latest cycle of Iowa campaign donations, Kyle Krause and Sharon Krause delivered a combined $1 million to the Rob Sand campaign committee. Kyle Krause is the chairman and CEO of Krause Group, the family-owned business best known for building the Kum & Go convenience store empire across the Midwest before its $2 billion sale. The couple is also active in philanthropy through their family foundation and various community initiatives. While Rob Sand positions himself as a champion of everyday Iowans, these latest large campaign donations from one of Iowa’s most prominent and wealthy families is evidence of his campaign’s heavy dependence on big-money contributors. The influx of funds from influential Des Moines-area donors like the Krause adds substantial resources to Sand’s already massive pile of money, raising questions about whose interests will ultimately shape his priorities if elected. As the race intensifies, these contributions cause many concerns about the role of elite funding in Iowa politics. Email for Business Inquiries: newsroom@iowafirstmedia.com

TIFFIN, Iowa — A Cedar Rapids woman is facing serious charges after she allegedly broke into a home in Tiffin early Friday morning and assaulted one of the homeowners during the burglary. According to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, 18-year-old Larkyn Dolan entered a residence on Owen Street without permission just before 6:15 AM. She reportedly took several clothing items and was still inside the home when the residents discovered her attempting to hide. When confronted, Dolan allegedly grabbed one victim by the hair and pulled out a clump, injuring her. The victim’s father intervened to stop the assault. Deputies say Dolan showed signs of impairment at the scene and later admitted to taking several CNS depressants. Dolan faces charges of second-degree burglary, assault causing bodily injury, and operating while intoxicated. If convicted on all counts, she could face up to 12 years in prison. She remains in custody as the investigation continues. It is estimated that around 76% of Cedar Rapid population identifies as White Non-Hispanic, while 82.4% of Iowa’s population identifies as White Non-Hispanic. Email for Business Inquiries: newsroom@iowafirstmedia.com

ARION, Iowa — A 24-year-old Omaha woman was killed, and four others were injured early Sunday morning after a Union Pacific train slammed into their Jeep in Western Iowa. The crash happened around 1:00 AM on Grace Street in Arion when the vehicle was crossing the railroad tracks. According to the Iowa State Patrol, the Jeep was struck by the train, and came to a rest in a nearby ditch. Sandra Factor Pano of Omaha was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other adults and a child inside the vehicle were transported to area hospitals with injuries. The Iowa State Patrol continues to investigate the fatal crash. Email for Business Inquiries: newsroom@iowafirstmedia.com

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — An 18-year-old Cedar Rapids man is facing serious felony charges after police says he pulled a gun on a store employee who tried to stop him from stealing clothes at Lindale Mall. According to authorities, Cedrick Sanders, Black male, allegedly stole clothing from a retail store inside the mall Saturday morning before a store employee chased him down. Sanders then reportedly pointed a handgun at the employee, ending the pursuit. He fled the scene in a vehicle, but Cedar Rapids police used Automated License Plate Reader technology to track him down. Officers later located Sanders at a convenience store in Marion, where they found the stolen clothes and a handgun inside the car. Three people were in the vehicle, but Sanders was the only one arrested. Sanders faces multiple charges including first-degree robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He remains in custody as the investigation continues. It is estimated that around 8.7% of Cedar Rapids’ population identifies as Black, while 4% of Iowa’s population identifies as Black. Email for Business Inquiries: newsroom@iowafirstmedia.com

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