Latest News from Hawkeye Reporter

Iowa woman sentenced for fraud related to derecho and pandemic aid

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 30, 2025

An Eastern Iowa woman has been sentenced to over a year in federal prison for defrauding more than $25,000 in federal benefits meant for victims of the August 2020 derecho and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Former Cedar Rapids resident sentenced for identity theft involving fraudulent check

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 30, 2025

A former resident of Cedar Rapids has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for identity theft.

Colorado man pleads guilty to drug distribution conspiracy

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 30, 2025

A Colorado man has pled guilty in federal court to charges related to drug distribution and illegal firearm possession.

Average VA home loan amount in Iowa increases in Q1

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 29, 2025

The average VA home loan amount in Iowa during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025 was $287,625, a 3.5% increase over the previous quarter, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Iowa average $307,881 for Q1

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 26, 2025

The VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Iowa for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025 averaged $307,881, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

FBI seeks information from potential victims linked to former gymnastics coach

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 26, 2025

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is asking for the public's help to identify potential victims of Sean Michael Gardner, a former gymnastics coach who has been arrested on a federal charge related to the sexual exploitation of children.

Federal felon convicted for distributing drugs causing two overdose deaths

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 26, 2025

A federal jury in Cedar Rapids has convicted Cody Kinzie Dittmar, a 34-year-old from Dubuque, Iowa, for distributing and conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl, leading to two overdose deaths.

Oxford man sentenced for child enticement and pornography charges

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 26, 2025

An Oxford man, Eric Gene Rundle, 44, has been sentenced to 156 months in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor and receipt of child pornography.

Blue Grass man sentenced to federal prison for possession of child pornography

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 25, 2025

A man from Blue Grass has been sentenced to 216 months in federal prison for producing child pornography.

Iowa small business owners meet lawmakers in Washington

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 25, 2025

Iowa small business owners recently traveled to Washington, D.C. under the leadership of NFIB Iowa State Executive Director Matt Everson.

Reinbeck man sentenced to two decades for meth distribution

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 25, 2025

A man from Reinbeck, Iowa, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.

Maryland man pleads guilty to convenience store robberies and money laundering

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 24, 2025

A Maryland man has pled guilty to additional charges in federal court related to two convenience store robberies and money laundering.

VA Purchase Loans in Iowa average $284,822 for Q4 2024

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 23, 2025

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for Iowa in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $284,822, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Honduran man sentenced for using fraudulent ID documents

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 23, 2025

A Honduran man has been sentenced to 102 days in prison for the unlawful use of fraudulent identification documents.

Dubuque man receives 42-year sentence for child exploitation

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 23, 2025

A Dubuque man has been sentenced to 42 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a child and distributing child pornography.

Tripoli resident pleads guilty to child pornography charges

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 23, 2025

A man from Tripoli, Iowa, has admitted to charges of distributing and possessing child pornography.

Average VA IRRRL loan amount in Iowa declines from Q3 to Q4

By Hawkeye Reporter | Jun 20, 2025

The average VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) amount in Iowa during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $286,952, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.