GREAT PLAINS REGION (June 18, 2026) — The US Small Business Administration (SBA) today announced the launch of the Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge. This nationwide initiative invites American small-business owners to join a landmark celebration honoring 250 years of independence, entrepreneurship, and the enduring spirit of free enterprise.

WAVERLY, IOWA (June 18, 2026) — Wartburg College has recognized 507 students who were named the 2026 Winter/May Term Dean's List.

Those earning Dean's List honors include:

Ava Acker, of Muscatine.

Raen Acker, of Muscatine.

Brooke Bloom, of De Witt.

Delaney Coffman, of Eldridge.

Ryan Doyle, of Bettendorf.

William Evans, of Blue Grass.

Ty Gardner, of LeClaire.

Reagan Hassel, of LeClaire.

Ryan Heden, of Bettendorf.

HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK (June 18, 2026) — Noah Tapia of Moline, Illinois, excelled during the spring 2026 semester at Hofstra, achieving a GPA of at least 3.5 to earn a spot on the Dean's List. Noah's major is History.

Hofstra University's primary mission is to provide a quality education to its students in an environment that encourages, nurtures, and supports learning.

At Hofstra, new ideas take shape through collaboration, engagement, and interaction.

WEST LIBERTY, IOWA (June 17, 2026) — Winning is always big, but winning in your home state means even more.

That’s exactly what Chris Simpson accomplished Tuesday night at West Liberty Raceway, leading all thirty laps of the main event in DIRTcar Summer Nationals’ return to the historic ½-mile oval after more than thirty years away.

“To come to Iowa and set fast time, win your heat, and I don’t think I had to pass a car all night — can’t beat that,” he said.