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Students, veterans, politicians rally on Pentacrest over Iran war More than 40 individuals, including Iowa City residents and University of Iowa students, gathered on the Pentacrest on March 8 to protest U.S. military involvement in Iran. The demonstration followed a prolonged conflict that began in late February, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iranian targets, citing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and allied nations in the Middle East, including Israel and several Gulf states. At least six U.S. service members were killed in an Iranian drone strike on a base in Kuwait on March 1, with two of the casualties from Iowa. Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as its new supreme leader, according to NBC News. Protesters outside the Old Capitol carried posters demanding an end to the conflict, with slogans such as “Stop Israel Before WW3” and “Give peace a chance.” American and Palestinian flags waved alongside a dove emblem, as demonstrators called for an end to the war. For many attendees, the protest evoked memories of past anti-war movements, including the Vietnam War. Allan Hogue, a Vietnam War veteran, reflected on his military experience and warned that continued public opposition could prevent a similarly prolonged conflict. “We do not need an unwinnable, forever war,” Hogue said. “We lost the war, and we left in disgrace. We learned nothing.” Sue Thompson, who organizes protests with Veterans for Peace, a nonprofit advocating nonviolent solutions, criticized the attacks as distractions from other national issues.#mojtaba_khamenei #pentacrest #allan_hogue #veterans_for_peace #travis_terrell

Iowa City Protesters Rally for Peace and the End of War in Iran Nearly 60 people gathered on the University of Iowa’s Pentacrest on March 8, 2026, to protest the ongoing war in Iran. The demonstration, organized by local activists and the Veterans Peace chapter, was part of a broader U.S. movement opposing military actions against the country. Protesters gathered under the banner of “Iowa City Peace Rally Against WAR,” with classic rock anthems like Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” and Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” echoing through the crowd. The event drew honks from passersby, underscoring the public’s engagement with the issue. The protest condemned the U.S. and Israeli military strikes that began on February 28, 2026, which targeted Iran’s infrastructure and leadership. The campaign resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with dozens of senior officials, and the destruction of over 1,250 targets within the country. In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against U.S. military bases, Israel, and other Middle Eastern nations, killing six American servicemen, including Major Jeffrey O’Brien of Waukee, in an attack on Port Shuaiba in Kuwait. Organizers framed the conflict as an unprovoked escalation that violated both U.S. constitutional principles and international law. Sue Thompson, a protest organizer, criticized the president’s decision to initiate military action against Iran without congressional approval, calling it a direct breach of the War Powers Resolution of 1973. “We are at war,” Thompson stated, “but there is no imminent threat to the United States or its forces. This is illegal and dangerous, and it demands immediate accountability.#ayatollah_ali_khamenei #iowa_city #university_of_iowa #veterans_peace #major_jeffrey_obrien

Sen. Joni Ernst speaks at Politics and Eggs event at New Hampshire Institute of Politics Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican, addressed attendees at a Politics and Eggs event hosted by the New Hampshire Institute of Politics on Friday. The event took place in the Granite State, where Ernst reflected on recent developments in her home state. She noted that the past week had been particularly challenging due to the deaths of two Iowans among U.S. service members killed in the early stages of military action against Iran. Ernst expressed her belief that the conflict would ultimately contribute to greater regional security. She emphasized the importance of the U.S. commitment to protecting its citizens from threats posed by Iran and its allies. “Our commander in chief is ensuring that neither Iran nor its proxies can ever take another one of our citizens’ lives,” she stated. “This objective is clear: no American should have to live under the threat of Iran-backed terror.” She also reiterated her opposition to prolonged warfare, stating, “Like every American, I have no desire to see a long, drawn-out war.” The senator also announced her intention to retire from public office at the end of the year. She highlighted her unique position as the first woman combat veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate, a distinction she has carried throughout her career. Her remarks underscored her focus on national security and the need for decisive action to safeguard American interests while balancing the desire to avoid unnecessary conflict. The event, which combined political discussion with a nod to local tradition, provided a platform for Ernst to address both current challenges and her future plans.#iowa #sen_joni_ernst #new_hampshire_institute_of_politics #politics_and_eggs #granite_state

Dominican Republic hits four HRs in WBC rout of Netherlands The Dominican Republic dominated the Netherlands with a 12-1 victory in seven innings Sunday, securing a double-digit lead that triggered the mercy rule in the World Baseball Classic. Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero, and Austin Wells each hit home runs, propelling the Dominican team to a commanding win in Group D play. The game concluded in the bottom of the seventh when Soto’s two-run blast extended the Dominican Republic’s lead to 12-1, marking the third instance of a mercy rule ending in the tournament. The Dominicans outscored their opponents 24-4 in their first two games at loanDepot Park, showcasing their offensive prowess. Starter Luis Severino pitched four innings, allowing one run and three hits while striking out five. The team’s offensive surge began in the fifth inning, where Caminero hit a three-run homer and Wells added a two-run blast. Marte’s sacrifice fly further expanded the lead to 10-1. Caminero’s second home run of the tournament reached an exit velocity of 115.8 mph, highlighting his power. The Dominican Republic struck early in the first inning, capitalizing on a two-run opportunity against Netherlands starter Arij Fransen. Guerrero’s RBI single and Marte’s unearned run from third on a throwing error by Xander Bogaerts gave the Dominicans an early 2-0 lead. Didi Gregorius narrowed the gap for the Netherlands with a solo homer in the second inning, but Guerrero’s two-run drive in the third made it 4-1. The Netherlands’ struggles continued as the Dominican Republic’s offense kept churning out runs. The team’s ability to capitalize on scoring chances and defensive errors proved decisive in the rout.#dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #juan_soto #vladimir_guerrero_jr #junior_caminero

Mets’ Juan Soto reflects on hitting game-ending homer in Dominican Republic’s win over Netherlands Juan Soto of the New York Mets took pride in his game-winning home run during the Dominican Republic’s victory over the Netherlands in an international exhibition match. The moment, which secured a crucial win for his national team, marked a significant milestone in Soto’s career. Speaking about the achievement, Soto described it as “one of the most important and beautiful times in my career,” highlighting the emotional weight of the moment. The home run came in a pivotal moment of the game, with the Dominican Republic trailing in the late innings. Soto’s clutch hit not only tied the game but ultimately propelled his team to victory. The win was particularly meaningful for the Dominican Republic, as it showcased their competitive spirit on the global stage. Soto’s performance underscored his ability to deliver under pressure, a trait that has defined his career in Major League Baseball. Soto’s reflection on the moment emphasized the blend of personal achievement and team success. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and the pride that comes with contributing to a collective victory. The game also served as a platform for Soto to connect with fans and teammates, reinforcing the camaraderie that defines international competition. The Dominican Republic’s win over the Netherlands was a testament to the team’s preparation and resilience. Soto’s home run became a focal point of the celebration, symbolizing the blend of skill, strategy, and determination that characterized the match. For Soto, the moment was a reminder of the impact athletes can have beyond the field, inspiring fans and fellow players alike.#netherlands #dominican_republic #juan_soto #new_york_mets #international_exhibition_match

Buffalo’s Roster Shakeup: Bills Release Four as $22M Cap Deficit Looms The Buffalo Bills have made four roster cuts to address their salary cap situation ahead of the new league year, creating $12.1 million in cap space. Bills president and general manager Brandon Beane announced the moves on Friday, releasing veteran cornerback Taron Johnson, wide receiver Curtis Samuel, safety Taylor Rapp, and cornerback Dane Jackson. Despite these cuts, the team remains approximately $22 million over the NFL’s $301.2 million salary cap limit. Beane’s decision to part ways with Johnson, a longtime starting nickel cornerback, aligns with the team’s strategic shift under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Johnson, a 2018 fourth-round pick, is best known for his iconic interception of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in the 2020 divisional round playoff game, a play that culminated in a touchdown from out of his own end zone. While the Bills explored potential changes to Johnson’s role, including a possible move to safety, Beane emphasized that all options were still on the table. “Nothing’s off the table,” Beane said, noting Johnson’s value as a “good football player.” Rapp, who started 24 games over the past three seasons, joined the Bills as a free agent from the Los Angeles Rams. He took over the starting safety role after Micah Hyde’s retirement and Jordan Poyer’s brief stint with the Miami Dolphins. However, Rapp’s 2025 season was cut short by a season-ending knee injury, limiting him to just six games. Samuel, a three-year team member signed in 2024 to reunite with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, struggled with recurring injuries and played in only six games last season. He caught seven passes for 81 yards and one touchdown, far below expectations.#buffalo_bills #jim_leonhard #taron_johnson #brandon_beane #micah_hyde

Raiders Acquire Bills' Taron Johnson in Trade The Las Vegas Raiders have completed a trade to acquire cornerback Taron Johnson from the Buffalo Bills, preventing him from becoming a free agent. The deal was finalized ahead of the NFL's trade deadline, with the Bills receiving a sixth-round draft pick in exchange for Johnson’s services. The Raiders, who had been monitoring the situation, stepped in to secure the veteran defender before he could enter the open market. Johnson, a 29-year-old cornerback, spent his entire NFL career with the Bills after being selected in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. Over his tenure with Buffalo, he made 113 regular-season appearances, including 87 starts. His performance earned him a spot on the second-team All-Pro list in 2023, highlighting his impact on the field. The trade includes financial terms tied to Johnson’s contract, which runs through the 2027 season. For the 2026 season, he is scheduled to earn a base salary of $8.1 million. Additionally, Johnson received a $150,000 workout bonus and a total of $510,000 in per-game roster bonuses. These incentives are part of the compensation package negotiated as part of the trade agreement. The transaction is set to become official on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ET, coinciding with the start of the new NFL league year. This move underscores the Raiders’ commitment to strengthening their defensive roster, while the Bills aim to manage their cap space and rebuild their secondary. Johnson’s arrival in Las Vegas is expected to provide immediate depth and experience to the Raiders’ defense, which has been a focal point of their recent roster adjustments.#trade_deadline #buffalo_bills #taron_johnson #las_vegas_raiders #nfl

Buffalo Bills release longtime CB Taron Johnson, three others ahead of free agency The Buffalo Bills announced on Friday, March 6, that they have released cornerback Taron Johnson, safety Taylor Rapp, wide receiver Curtis Samuel, and cornerback Dane Jackson. The moves come as the team prepares for the upcoming free agency period. Johnson, who spent eight seasons with the Bills, concluded his tenure in 2025 after playing in 13 regular season games and making eight starts. During the 2025 season, he recorded 57 tackles, four passes defensed, and one tackle for loss. Over his entire career with the Bills, Johnson amassed 572 tackles, 48 passes defensed, 23 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, eight forced fumbles, six interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. He developed into one of the league’s top nickel cornerbacks, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2023. Johnson is also remembered for a standout defensive play in Bills history, a 101-yard interception return against the Ravens in the 2020-21 NFL Playoffs. The Bills selected him in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 121st overall, and he appeared in 113 games with 87 starts over his eight seasons. Rapp, who joined the Bills in 2023 after spending three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, played 36 games for the team, including 24 starts. Over his time with Buffalo, he tallied 158 tackles, eight passes defensed, three interceptions, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one quarterback hit, and a half-sack. His career with the Bills was impacted by a lingering knee injury, which led to his placement on injured reserve on October 24, 2025. Despite the injury, Rapp started six games in 2025, recording 26 tackles.#buffalo_bills #taron_johnson #taylor_rapp #curtis_samuel #dane_jackson

World Baseball Classic Games in Miami: Full Schedule and Venues The 2026 World Baseball Classic will feature games in Miami as part of its global tournament structure. LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, will host Pool D games and knockout-round matches. The tournament, which began on March 4 and runs through March 17, includes four host cities: Tokyo, Japan; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Houston, Texas; and Miami. In Miami, the World Baseball Classic will host Pool D games, with a total of 10 matches scheduled from March 6 to March 10. The matchups include: March 6: Netherlands vs. Venezuela; Nicaragua vs. Dominican Republic March 7: Nicaragua vs. Netherlands; Israel vs. Venezuela March 8: Netherlands vs. Dominican Republic; Nicaragua vs. Israel March 9: Dominican Republic vs. Israel; Venezuela vs. Nicaragua March 10: Israel vs. Netherlands; Dominican Republic vs. Venezuela Knockout-round games will take place in both Miami and Houston. The schedule for Miami includes: March 13: Quarterfinal 1 at 6:30 p.m. ET March 14: Quarterfinal 4 at 9 p.m. ET March 15: Semifinal 1 at 8 p.m. ET March 16: Semifinal 2 at 8 p.m. ET March 17: Final at 8 p.m. ET The Miami venue will serve as a key location for the tournament, with fans from around the world expected to attend the games. The event will showcase international competition, with teams from diverse regions vying for the championship title.#loandepot_park #world_baseball_classic #tokyo #miami_marlins #san_juan

2026 World Baseball Classic predictions: Will USA win it all? The 2026 World Baseball Classic, set to begin after a three-year hiatus, has sparked intense speculation about which teams will dominate the tournament. Following Japan’s 2023 victory over the United States, the 20-team event has drawn attention to the potential for a repeat of that historic matchup. ESPN’s baseball experts have weighed in on the tournament’s likely progression, focusing on which teams will advance from each pool, the final championship showdown, and standout performers. In Pool A, Puerto Rico and Canada are the top contenders, with Puerto Rico receiving the most votes as the winner. Experts believe both teams will advance to the quarterfinals, citing Puerto Rico’s roster of MLB stars like Nolan Arenado, Edwin Diaz, and Seth Lugo. Canada, despite being an emerging force, is expected to make a strong push. Colombia and Cuba are also predicted to advance, though with less confidence. Pool B features the United States as the overwhelming favorite, with 14 of 15 experts selecting the team to advance. The U.S. roster includes elite players like Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and Cristopher Sanchez, making them a formidable squad. Italy is the second-most likely team to advance, with some experts predicting it could edge out Mexico for the second quarterfinal spot. Mexico’s MLB talent, including players like José Abreu and José Ramírez, gives it a strong chance, but Italy’s depth and international experience may give it an edge. In Pool C, Japan is the clear favorite, with 14 of 15 experts picking the team to win. The Japanese squad, led by Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is considered one of the most stacked in the tournament.#japan #united_states #world_baseball_classic #puerto_rico #canada