Iowa
African American Museum of Iowa brings back Kwanzaa celebration
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Kwanzaa celebrations have returned to the African American Museum of Iowa.
The Cedar Rapids museum hosted a Kwanzaa event on Saturday, and organizers said it was the first event of its type for the museum in about 20 years.
The holiday of Kwanzaa consists of seven principles, and Michelle Edwards, a member of Women in NAACP (WIN), can tell you how her life is a reflection of those ideas.
Edwards wrote a children’s book, which she said connected to one Kwanzaa principle in particular.
“It goes along with the principle of Nia, and [that] stands for purpose,” she said.
The book Edwards was selling at Saturday’s event was about not being afraid of storms.
“My motto was never put a period on your life, so this gave my writing that I’ve always done a purpose,” she said.
Organizers of Saturday’s event said Kwanzaa was about purpose, as well as empowerment, self-determination, and joy.
“It’s a celebration of Black culture, Black life,” said Jacqueline Hunter, Museum Educator for the African American Museum Of Iowa. “The things that we are thankful for from the past, what we are looking to do, and focusing on the future.”
While the holiday was a celebration of Black life, Hunter added that anyone can live by the Kwanzaa principles.
“This is an event that is inspired by Black life, but we live among the community, and we want people to share in the experiences that we have here at the museum.”
“To me it’s about unity, uniting this community. I think about peace, peace in this world,” said Nancy Humbles, Chairperson of WIN.
A question Kwanzaa poses is “How can we be our best?” and the answer on Saturday was found in an afternoon of shared togetherness, and in the attention paid to how that togetherness can inspire.
“It gives you the strength, the umph to keep going,” said Edwards. “Because sometimes when you start things that are even in your purpose, you don’t always finish them and Kwanzaa—the concept of Kwanzaa helps you get there. Gives you that extra push.”
Copyright 2024 KCRG. All rights reserved.
Iowa
Iowa Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 Midday results for May 8, 2026
The Iowa Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big with rewards ranging from $1,000 to millions. The most an Iowan has ever won from playing the lottery was $343 million in 2018 off the Powerball.
Don’t miss out on the winnings. Here’s a look at Friday, May 8, 2026, winning numbers for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing
37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick-3 numbers from May 8 drawing
Midday: 0-5-8
Evening: 9-9-2
Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick-4 numbers from May 8 drawing
Midday: 0-2-7-3
Evening: 0-7-0-6
Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing
14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Iowa Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 3 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 3 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Iowa editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Iowa
Iowa SNAP restrictions raise concerns over confusion, impact on summer food aid
IOWA — Iowa’s new restrictions on SNAP benefits are drawing concern from advocates who say the changes could make it harder for families to buy food and could put future summer assistance for children at risk.
The state’s SNAP waiver took effect January 1, 2026, limiting what items can be purchased based on Iowa’s taxable food list. While that includes widely discussed restrictions on soda and candy, the policy also affects certain prepared foods, creating confusion for shoppers.
“Something as small as whether or not a utensil is included in a food item actually impacts whether or not you can continue to purchase that item using your SNAP benefits,” Paige Chickering, Iowa State Manager for the Save the Children Action Network, said.
Advocates say the rules can be difficult to navigate, especially for people relying on quick meals. Items like prepackaged salads or sandwiches may or may not qualify depending on how they are packaged.
At the same time, new legislation slated for the next session at the statehouse could make those restrictions more permanent by requiring Iowa to continue seeking federal approval for the waiver.
That’s raising additional concerns about the future of Summer EBT, also known as “Sun Bucks,” which provides food assistance to children when school is out.
“This makes that food assistance dependent on a decision made in Washington, D.C. that is just arbitrary and not really dependent on the needs of Iowans and Iowa children,” Chickering said.
The program is expected to help around 220,000 children in Iowa during the summer months. Advocates worry leaving it up to federal approval of the waiver could jeopardize that support if policies change. They also point out that SNAP plays a major role in addressing hunger compared to other resources.
“We know that for every one meal provided by an emergency feeding organization, SNAP provides nine,” Chickering said.
Advocates say they support improving nutrition but argue there are more effective, evidence based ways to do that without limiting food choices.
For now, organizations across Iowa are working to help families understand the new rules, while also pushing lawmakers to reconsider how the policy could impact food access moving forward.
Iowa
Harkin backs Turek for Iowa Senate
Scoop: Iowa Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek snagged a major endorsement for his Senate bid from former Sen. Tom Harkin.
Harkin, who retired in 2015, was the last Democrat to represent Iowa in the Senate. Turek is locked in a competitive primary with state Sen. Zach Wahls in a race that has divided major factions of the Democratic Party.
“I have a pretty good idea of what it takes to win an election, and then to faithfully represent all Iowans, not just those who voted for you,” Harkin said in his endorsement. “That’s why I’m supporting Josh Turek.”
Harkin served in the Senate for 30 years and is the author of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Turek, who was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, was 11 when the ADA was enacted.
Harkin is a widely sought after endorsement in the Hawkeye State. His decision to wade into the race is notable because Harkin also has a relationship with Wahls.
Wahls called Harkin “one of my closest political mentors,” and said the former senator officiated his wedding in 2021.
Iowa’s Senate primaries are June 2.
-
New Mexico5 minutes agoPhoebe Bridgers Debuts New Music at First Show in Three Years
-
North Carolina11 minutes agoNorth Carolina man found dead after falling overboard in East TN lake: TWRA
-
North Dakota16 minutes agoFederal judge agrees to toss $28M judgment related to Dakota Access Pipeline protests
-
Ohio23 minutes ago8th Annual Trumbull County Special Olympics Invitational held in Girard
-
Oklahoma29 minutes agoKendall Wells Falls Behind in Home Run Race as Oklahoma Waits for Selection Sunday
-
Oregon35 minutes ago4.9 magnitude earthquake strikes off Northern California coast near Oregon border
-
Pennsylvania41 minutes agoPennsylvania Medical Marijuana And Hemp Regulation Bill Sets The State Up For Broader Recreational Legalization, GOP Senator Says – Marijuana Moment
-
Rhode Island47 minutes agoProposed tax hike would hurt small businesses and our communities | Opinion