Iowa governor signs hands-free driving bill into law

The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. DES MOINES — Angie Smith knows all too well how deadly distracted driving can be and the nightmare many families must endure. Two years ago to the day, Smith’s …

Supporters hopeful as bill to expand cancer coverage for firefighters gains traction in Iowa Senate

On Tuesday, first responders and their families filled a Senate meeting room, advocating for better protections under state law. House File 969 would expand the definition of cancer to help firefighters and first responders battling the disease get …

Mark McCormick, former Iowa Supreme Court justice, dies at 91

Mark McCormick, former Iowa Supreme Court justice, has died at age 91. McCormick served on the Iowa Supreme Court from 1972 to 1986 after being appointed by Gov. Robert Ray. He narrowly lost bids for governor in 1998 and mayor of Des Moines in 2003. After …

YMCA Des Moines cashes in $5,000 in lost funds from Iowa treasurer

The Iowa State Treasurer's Office returned $5,112.08 in unclaimed funds to the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. The funds were reinstated to the YMCA through the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, a program for reuniting lost money with individuals and businesses in …

Senate confirms Iowa native Matt Whitaker as Trump’s ambassador to NATO

The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Iowa native Matt Whitaker late Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s U.S. ambassador to NATO, a crucial emissary to the …

Two more of Ben McCollum’s Drake basketball players following him to Iowa

Cam Manyawu and Kael Combs, both part of McCollum’s rotation on his Missouri Valley Conferece-championship team, are becoming Hawkeyes. Manyawu led Drake in rebounds and blocked shots. Drake forward Cam Manyawu (3) is fouled by Kansas State guard Coleman …

DL Jermaine Polk has great relationships, OV set at Iowa State

Iowa State is the first official visit booked for Toledo (Ohio) St. Francis defensive lineman Jermaine Polk. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Polk will be back in Ames the weekend of June 13th. This after he recently took a spring unofficial. "I want to OV to …

Rare wildlife encounter stuns Iowa family

Drake transfer Kael Combs commits to Iowa men’s basketball

Drake transfer Kael Combs has committed to Iowa men’s basketball, per an announcement on his social media pages on Wednesday afternoon. The sophomore guard is the second player to follow Ben McCollum to Iowa City.  The 6-foot-4 Combs appeared in 31 games …

Iowa libraries, museums feel the impact of federal budget cuts

The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services has placed all 70 members of its staff on administrative leave, and the leaders of Iowa organizations fear how it will affect their funding. The agency allotted the State Library of Iowa more than $10 …