Gov. Kim Reynolds has named a task force to prepare Iowa to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year.

Reynolds signed an executive order on Nov. 6 creating the task force, named the Governor’s Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, which will be led by Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

In a statement, Reynolds said she was honored to launch the task force.

“Ever since President Donald Trump visited the Iowa State Fairgrounds to kick off the 250th celebration, my administration has been working to coordinate our own year-long celebration,” she said. “I look forward to showcasing the incredible contributions Iowans have made throughout our nation’s history.”

Trump visited the Iowa State Fairgrounds on July 3 for an event kicking off America250, the national yearlong celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial, leading to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

“Iowa has a prominent place in American history more than deserving of displaying for our country’s 250th birthday,” Cournoyer said in a statement. “I want to thank Gov. Reynolds for appointing me to lead this task force with the goal of acknowledging Iowa’s impact on American excellence over the years.”

Naig said he was grateful to help lead the task force.

“America 250 is an incredible opportunity to celebrate the people who have and continue to make our nation exceptional, as well as the values that built this country — faith, family and freedom,” he said. “I look forward to working with partners across the state to highlight Iowa’s important contributions to our nation’s history over the last 250 years.”

Twenty-one Iowans will serve on the task force, including four ex officio members made up of a Republican and Democratic lawmaker from the Iowa House and Senate, who will be appointed by their legislative leaders.

The remaining members of the task force are:

• Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer 
• Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig 
• Secretary of State Paul Pate 
• Department of Administrative Services Director Mark Campbell 
• Department of Management Director Kraig Paulsen 
• Department of Economic Development and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham 
• Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow 
• Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon 
• Iowa National Guard Major General Stephen Osborn 
• Department of Veterans Affairs Director Todd Jacobus 
• Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons 
• Member selected by the Iowa Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution 
• Member selected by the Iowa Society of the Sons of the American Revolution 
• The FAMiLY Leader President and CEO Bob Vander Plaats 
• RMA Armament Founder and CEO Blake Waldrop 
• Stellar Industries President and CEO Dave Zrostlik 
• Cambrex (Charles City) President Joe Nettleton 

After a hard push by Iowa women’s basketball, in-state 2026 five-star shooting guard prospect Jenica Lewis announced on Thursday night her commitment to Notre Dame. Lewis chose the Irish over fellow finalists Iowa, Oregon, and TCU.

Lewis had long been one of the Hawkeyes’ most sought-after prospects in the 2026 class and she took an official visit to Iowa City on Oct. 25 late in the process. While the Hawkeyes hoped to add the Johnston, Iowa, native as their second 2026 commit alongside fellow five-star McKenna Woliczko, Iowa instead finishes as one of the four finalists.

“From every moment, every game, every dream – it all fits. Committed to Notre Dame,” Lewis wrote in her X announcement.

Lewis is the nation’s No. 22 overall recruit, the No. 4 shooting guard, and the No. 1 prospect in the state of Iowa, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. Per Rivals, Lewis is the nation’s No. 21 player, the No. 5 combo guard, and No. 1 player in the state in 2026, while ESPN rates Lewis as the country’s No. 24 player overall.

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 Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, winning numbers for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Nov. 5 drawing

09-17-29-61-66, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 5

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick-3 numbers from Nov. 5 drawing

Midday: 1-9-0

Evening: 9-1-1

Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick-4 numbers from Nov. 5 drawing

Midday: 4-9-6-3

Evening: 2-4-0-2

Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Nov. 5 drawing

09-12-29-38-43, Lucky Ball: 15

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Nov. 5 drawing

01-26-35-50-51, Star Ball: 05, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.