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Drake Relays: Iowa State’s Kiki Connell wins 3,000 steeplechase title

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Drake Relays: Iowa State’s Kiki Connell wins 3,000 steeplechase title



Kiki Connell becomes the second Iowa State woman to win a Drake 3,000 steeplechase title

Kiki Connell is grateful to Peter Smith for gifting her a Drake Relays winner’s flag. Her second Relays flag feels much more special, however.

The Iowa State redshirt senior pulled away from teammate Sheridan Wheeler over the final 600 meters to claim the Women’s Steeplechase Open title during the Thursday, April 24 Distance Carnival at Drake Stadium.

Connell shaved .97 of a second off her personal record from the Bryan Clay Invitational a week ago while running 10:16.83 over 3,000 meters and 28 barriers. Oregon’s Kendall Martin was a distant second in 10:20.71.

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“On the drive here I said, ‘Blue Oval magic.’ Like it’s going to happen. I have a lot of people who love me here. I’m super appreciative of all my support. Words can’t describe it. I’m going to get emotional.

“I knew that Sheridan has better foot speed than me. At 600 to go, I was like, ‘You’re just going to have to send it right now or she’s going to catch you at the line. That was on a whim.”

Connell, who ran for Charles City in high school, becomes the second Iowa State woman to win a Drake 3,000 steeplechase title. The first was Abby Caldwell, a former Waverly-Shell Rock prep, in 2021.

Connell was surprised a year ago when Smith, a good friend and Cyclone teammate, promised he would win Connell a white winner’s flag at the Relays. The Iowa State All-American delivered when he anchored the Cyclones to a victory in the 4×800 university relay in 7:22.53.

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Connell isn’t sure where she will put her new flag. She has her sights on an all-conference performance at the Big 12 meet and running well at NCAA prelims next month while taking a shot at breaking 10 minutes, like Caldwell.

“The 10 (minute) barrier is where we’ve been dreaming for the past two years,” Connell said. “Last year I broke my navicular (bone) and that took me out. The dream’s still there.”

Connell’s time in an Iowa State uniform is ending soon. She will be transferring to run for NCAA Division II Northwest Missouri State in August. Her fiance, Riley Witt, is the Bearcats’ 800-meter and 1,500 record holder. They will be getting married in August.



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Groundbreaking held for Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s 16th Woman Build

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Groundbreaking held for Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s 16th Woman Build


IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) — Volunteers broke ground Saturday for Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s 16th Woman Build, honoring a retired University of Iowa nursing professor.

Liz Swanson, a retired nursing professor, was chosen as this year’s honoree for her decades of impact. The Women Build program focuses on including women in every step of home construction.

While the home is built in Swanson’s honor, it will go to a fellow nurse and mother of three. The family applied through the affordable housing program.

Swanson said she’s proud to be part of a project that directly connects to her nursing legacy.

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“It’s very special to have the unique opportunity to help the nurse who is working nights,” Swanson said.

Swanson said stable housing gives families the security to plan for the future.

“It means security for families. We talked briefly to the children and they said, ‘we’re gonna have our own bedroom,’” Swanson said.

Volunteers are set to begin work on the home in August. Those interested in volunteering can find more information here.

Copyright 2026 KCRG. All rights reserved.

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Iowa Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 Midday results for May 8, 2026

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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.

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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

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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.



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Iowa SNAP restrictions raise concerns over confusion, impact on summer food aid

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Iowa SNAP restrictions raise concerns over confusion, impact on summer food aid


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.

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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.

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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.



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