News

US House passes bipartisan bill to make daylight saving time permanent

National News July 16, 2026

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House voted Tuesday to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide in a bipartisan move that pushes the country one step closer to ending the long-contested ritual of semiannual clock changes. The House passed the measure, called the Sunshine Protection Act, 308-117. Its future in the Senate is uncertain. Introduced by Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida, the Sunshine Protection Act passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee 48-1 in May and carries strong support from President Donald Trump. “This bipartisan legislation represents a popular, ...

WCCT Summer Youth Theatre Camp registrations due

Local News July 16, 2026

Do you know a child that would enjoy learning more about theatre? Three professional teaching artists from Footliters Traveling Playhouse in Coralville will again lead campers as they audition for, rehearse, and perform the original musical, "The Great Zoo Escape." The performance will take place August 7 at 6:30 p.m. Camp will be held daily from 9:30 am to 1:30 p.m. August 3-7 at Webster City Community Theatre, 1001 Willson Avenue. The non-refundable registration fee is $45. Register online at wccommtheatre.ludus.com. The deadline is July 20. Registration is limited to 40 ...

Volunteers doing final prep work at Hamilton County Fairgrounds

Local News July 16, 2026

To many, the Hamilton County Fair starts with the parade, which will be held on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. But there are a lot of people working long before opening day, preparing for the fair each summer. “We start planning the next years fair before the current year is complete,” said ...

Fun with foam during Webster City Market Nights tonight

Local News July 16, 2026

Ministerial Dunk Tank and Foam night returns It’s a fun night for all when the foam gets rolling through downtown Webster City tonight during Webster City’s Market Night. This is just one piece of the pie that makes Market Nights so much fun for families, individuals and businesses. ...

Iowa, Nebraska initiative awarded $15 million for biomanufacturing innovation

Iowa News July 16, 2026

A research and development project led by Iowa State University and joined by other Iowa and Nebraska institutions of higher education has received a multimillion-dollar grant from the National Science Foundation to explore innovations in biomanufacturing. ISU announced in a news release that RuralSTAMINA, or Ascending Rural communities through Sustainable, Transformative, Advanced Manufacturing INnovations and Alliances, was one of 12 projects selected by NSF to receive two-year, $15 million awards, with the potential to see as much as $160 million over the next decade. According ...

Master Gardener volunteer applications open in Hamilton and Webster Counties

Local News July 16, 2026

Gardeners who are wanting to expand their horticultural knowledge have two opportunities through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach's Garden Academy. Whether your goal is to volunteer in your community or simply become a more knowledgeable home gardener, there is a training option to fit your interests. Applications for the Fall 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer training cohort will be accepted from July 20 through August 14. Hamilton and Webster counties will partner to offer the training, providing participants with a combination of online learning and local, in-person ...