David Cook, an Iowa State alumnus and current president of North Dakota State University, has been named the 17th president of Iowa State University, starting March 1, 2026, succeeding Wendy Wintersteen.
Iowa lawmakers are calling for the immediate firing of university employees who celebrated Charlie Kirk's death online, citing concerns over civil discourse and campus culture, amid broader debates on free speech and political expression in academia.
Veterinarians Dr. Barb Petersen and Dr. Drew Magstadt, both graduates of Iowa State University, collaborated to solve a mysterious illness affecting dairy cattle in multiple herds across several states. After extensive testing, they discovered that the illness was caused by bird flu, a virus previously not known to infect cattle in the U.S. The virus has spread to 28 dairy cattle herds in eight states, posing a significant threat to the livestock industry. The ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory played a crucial role in identifying and confirming the virus, highlighting the importance of veterinary research and diagnostic capabilities in safeguarding animal health.
Attorneys for Iowa State University athletes accused in a gambling probe have accused the Iowa Department of Public Safety of withholding evidence that favored their clients' now-dismissed cases. The defense attorneys discovered through an open records request that investigators lost access to software for tracking apps used for online betting, prompting them to file a motion to suppress evidence. The Department of Public Safety defended the gambling investigation, but the defense attorneys criticized them for failing to disclose exculpatory information, leading to the dismissal of charges against four former Iowa State athletes. The investigation drew criticism after it was revealed that the chief investigator used tracking software without a warrant, and the software provider cut off access over concerns of misuse.
Prosecutors have decided to drop gambling charges against four former Iowa State University student athletes due to potentially inappropriate use of software by investigators. The software, provided by GeoComply, was used without a warrant to track bets made on cellphones at Iowa State University and University of Iowa athletic buildings. Defense attorneys alleged that DCI agents also lied to the athletes and obtained incriminating statements from them. The dropping of charges comes after GeoComply accused the DCI of exceeding its access privileges to the software. The DCI defended its investigation, stating that the evidence was obtained in a constitutionally permissible manner. The dropping of charges may impact similar cases involving other athletes at the University of Iowa.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed DNA nanoparticles capable of expressing genetic code, potentially serving as both carriers and medicine. By manipulating DNA strands, the scientists have shown that these nanoscale materials can convey built-in genetic instructions, opening up possibilities for targeted delivery systems in fields such as cancer therapy. The DNA nanoparticles are easy to make, inexpensive, and durable, with the potential for precision in gene editing and the ability to self-assemble without special equipment.
Brad Remsburg, father of former Iowa State football player Jake Remsburg, expresses frustration over the Iowa DCI investigation into online sports gambling involving student-athletes, questioning the legality of the investigation and the actions of the DCI agents. Attorney Van Plumb is also seeking answers regarding the warrantless searches and the initiation of the investigation. Governor Kim Reynolds supports the department's decisions, but Remsburg believes accountability should be held for those involved in the investigation, similar to the student-athletes' accountability for their actions.
An attorney representing two former Iowa State University football players has accused an Iowa DCI agent of improperly investigating sports wagering by student-athletes associated with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The accusation involves a "warrantless search" conducted by the agent using GeoFence technology to investigate underage gambling without any tips to the DCI. The filing also reveals that the software used by the agent allowed access to online betting apps being used, but did not show if actual bets were being made.
Former President Donald Trump attended the annual Iowa vs. Iowa State football game, where he was greeted by a large group of enthusiastic supporters chanting his name. Trump, who leads the Republican primary field in Iowa, mingled with influential Republican donors before emerging to greet fans. While some attendees booed and shouted obscenities, Trump drew more eager and excited onlookers. Other Republican hopefuls, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, also attended the game. Trump's visit marked his first trip back to Iowa since his indictment on state-level charges related to the 2020 election. Despite the legal challenges, Trump maintains a double-digit lead in Iowa's Republican presidential contenders.
Iowa State University Police are prepared for former President Donald Trump's appearance at the Cy-Hawk game in Ames. They are working with federal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure safety for everyone involved. Extra law enforcement personnel and emergency services will be present, and efforts have been doubled to accommodate the visit. People should expect a larger police presence and potential traffic disruptions, but the police have developed a plan to minimize disruption during Trump's arrival.
A fire at the power plant has caused disruptions to the cooling system at Iowa State University, leading to online classes for the remainder of Thursday and all day Friday. Students living on campus are encouraged to go home for the weekend, while campus activities and services are also affected.
Seven current or former players from the University of Iowa and Iowa State University football teams, along with a Hawkeyes graduate assistant, have been charged in connection with an investigation into illegal sports wagering. The charges include tampering with records and underage betting. The number of individuals charged in the investigation now stands at 15, including athletes who may face a loss of eligibility for violating NCAA gambling rules. The investigation is ongoing, and experts predict that college sports may continue to see gambling scandals as betting becomes more accepted.
Multiple Iowa State University athletes, including quarterback Hunter Dekkers, have been charged with tampering with records in a sports wagering investigation. Dekkers is accused of gambling on 26 Iowa State sporting events, including a football game against Oklahoma State. He allegedly placed over 300 bets totaling more than $2,700 on a DraftKings account. The complaint also alleges that Dekkers engaged in the scheme with his parents to create the appearance that the bets were being placed by his mother. Other athletes, including Dodge Sauser, Eyioma Uwazurike, and Paniro Johnson, have also been charged in the investigation.
The NCAA's Division I legislative committee has announced reduced penalties for athletes involved in sports betting violations, potentially sparing Iowa State University and University of Iowa athletes from missing an entire season. Under the new guidelines, athletes who wager on their own games or knowingly provide information to individuals involved in sports betting activities may face permanent loss of eligibility. For other wagering-related violations, penalties will be determined based on the total dollar value of the wagers, ranging from sports wagering education to loss of eligibility. The decision comes as sports betting has been legalized in many states, and the NCAA aims to modernize penalties while preserving the integrity of college sports.
Former Iowa State University football player Nicholas Kron has been sentenced to a year of probation, a $430 civil penalty, and 100 hours of community service for assaulting former Iowa basketball player Jordan Bohannon outside a bar in downtown Iowa City in May 2021. Kron pleaded guilty to assault causing injury in March 2022. Bohannon has filed a civil lawsuit against Kron.