Iowa

Iowa Navy veteran creates art after life-saving kidney transplant

Published

2 years ago

April 26, 2024

Iowa Navy veteran creates art after life-saving kidney transplant

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – A kidney transplant at the Iowa City VA Medical Center has given a navy veteran a new lease on life. Navy veteran Jeffrey Pruitt was diagnosed with renal failure and was told he had six months before he’d be incapacitated. After fighting it for five years he got his lucky break with a kidney transplant.

“I will honor that transplant team with my life by living the absolute best life I can,” Pruitt said.

Pruitt said his fight with kidney failure was painful, but it’s a fight he’s using as inspiration for his new passion for art. Post-transplant, he’s made a career out of painting and creating music.

“The art came out of the pain,” Pruitt said. “I would not be doing this today if it were not for the suffering.”

Pruitt’s survival doesn’t only inspire his art, it also affects the way he lives his life. His outlook left an impression on the transplant team that helped him through his recovery.

“Every time I talk to Jeff I end up either crying or laughing,” Stacey Abel, who was on the team that helped Pruitt with his recovery, said. “He’s a light.”

Pruitt says he’s thankful for the work the team put into his recovery.

“They’re just so thoroughly invested in you,” Pruitt said. “They treat me as family and I love them and every chance I get I’m going to sing their praise.”

Veterans travel from around the nation to the Iowa City VA Medical Center for kidney transplants.

The connection between the recipient and the transplant team extends beyond their stay at the VA Medical Center. In some cases, it’s a lifelong relationship that lasts way longer than their time at the hospital.

“It’s really about building relationship, building trust,” Abel said. “Letting that patient know that we’re here, not only for this three-week period, but we’re here for the duration.”

Many patients wait years for transplants. The Iowa Donor Network reports more than 600 Iowans are on the waiting list, while an average of 17 Americans die every day awaiting a transplant.

There are local and national resources for those interested in becoming an organ donor:

The Iowa Donor Network has assistance for the donor registration process with information and statistics about the need for donors.

Programs like the National Kidney Foundation or Donate Life American help people across the country with the donation process.

Source link

Iowa

Iowa Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 Midday results for June 16, 2026

Published

7 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Press Room

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 Tuesday, June 16, 2026, winning numbers for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from June 16 drawing

12-20-53-67-70, Mega Ball: 12

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick-3 numbers from June 16 drawing

Midday: 4-2-6

Evening: 0-8-5

Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick-4 numbers from June 16 drawing

Midday: 1-5-4-3

Evening: 2-8-3-9

Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 16 drawing

01-13-21-40-57, Bonus: 01

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.

Source link

Iowa

At least 7 tornadoes hit Iowa June 11 as storms swept across Midwest

Published

17 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Press Room

At least 7 tornadoes hit Iowa June 11 as storms swept across Midwest

It was an active day for severe weather on Thursday, June 11, in Iowa, with at least seven confirmed tornadoes statewide.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service have been surveying storm damage and weather data to confirm more than a half-dozen tornadoes that hit the state. The majority of the tornadoes were rated EF-1, with two producing winds up to 110 mph.

Here’s a roundup of all the confirmed tornado reports from June 11.

Confirmed tornadoes in Iowa on June 11

There were at least 7 confirmed touchdowns in Iowa on June 11.

No injuries or fatalities were reported from any of the tornadoes. Most of the tornadoes occurred between about 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. and were concentrated in southwest Iowa.

5:29 a.m. An EF-1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 110 mph touched down near Thurman in Fremont County, just east of the Missouri River. The tornado tracked 1.5 miles, was 30 yards wide and ended after crossing Interstate 29 at 5:31 a.m., where a home lost most of its roof and trees were damaged, according to the National Weather Service in Omaha.
5:33 a.m. The NWS confirmed an EF-0 tornado with estimated peak winds of 65 mph touched down north of Tabor in Fremont County. The 20-yard-wide tornado traveled 1.7 miles, damaged a few trees near and ended at 5:35 a.m.
5:58 a.m. An EF-1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 90 mph touched down just east of Coburg in Montgomery County. The tornado tracked just over 7 miles and was up to 100 yards wide, damaging trees and farm outbuildings before ending at 6:08 a.m., according to the NWS.
6:08 a.m. An EF-1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 105 mph formed east of Stanton in Montgomery County. The tornado traveled 5.2 miles, was 75 yards wide and caused extensive damage, including uprooting trees around Viking Lake, causing minor damage to homes, collapsing an outbuilding and downing power lines. The tornado also “lofted grain bins from over a mile away into the interchange of Highway 71 and Highway 34,” according to the NWS. It ended at 6:16 a.m.
6:11 a.m. Also in Montgomery County, an EF-1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 90 mph developed south of Villisca. The 50‑yard‑wide tornado traveled 1.9 miles, damaging trees, a farm outbuilding and a carport before ending near the county line at 6:13 a.m., according to the NWS
6:26 a.m. An EF-2 tornado with estimated peak winds of 115 mph was confirmed in Adams County. The tornado traveled 6 miles, was up to 200 yards wide and ended at 6:32 a.m.

At around 4:05 p.m. on June 11, a brief tornado occurred near Ainsworth in Washington County, according to the NWS Quad Cities office. No damage was reported, and the tornado’s strength was not reported.

What’s the forecast in Des Moines?

Central Iowa faces a late-night start to severe weather Tuesday, June 16, followed by multiple rounds of storms Wednesday, June 17, including the potential for large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to the NWS. The high in Des Moines will reach around 87 degrees, with temperatures dropping to near 60 overnight. Wind gusts could reach as high as 38 mph.

Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.

Source link

Iowa

Des Moines suburbs become the region’s new dining frontier

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2026

Press Room

Des Moines suburbs become the region’s new dining frontier

The Des Moines metro is in the midst of a growth spurt, and this time the momentum is coming from its restaurants. From brunch powerhouses expanding into new neighborhoods to fast-casual outlets adding suburban outposts, the region’s dining scene is stretching in every direction.

The latest wave includes breakfast spots, Mediterranean eateries, fried chicken specialists, Japanese and national brands making an expanded push into central Iowa. Combined, these new restaurant openings show how the suburbs are becoming dining destinations, while established corridors in Des Moines continue to attract fresh concepts.

Discover some of the latest additions and what they serve, where they opened and why they matter, as well as a snapshot of restaurants still on their way.

The Breakfast Club opens in Waukee

The Breakfast Club continues its metro expansion with a bright, energetic new location in Waukee, bringing its signature lineup of playful brunch dishes to the fast‑growing Kettlestone district. Known for over‑the‑top pancakes, boozy brunch cocktails, and colorful, social‑media‑ready plating, the restaurant builds on the success of its four Des Moines metro locations with a space designed for families, brunch groups and weekday regulars. The Waukee restaurant opened June 6 and operates daily from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., serving staples such as breakfast burritos, Benedicts, scrambles and its popular mimosa flights. The new build features modern finishes, cheeky decor and plenty of natural light.

Details: 2285 Grand Prairie Parkway, Waukee, 515-978-9333, thebreakfastclubusa.com/waukee-kettlestone-central.

The Breakfast Club moves in the East Village

Breakfast Club’s move of its original location to a new space in the East Village marks a major shift for the brunch brand as it relocated to a high‑visibility corner at 418 E. Grand Ave. on June 12. The new space gives the restaurant more room for its lively brunch crowds while keeping the same playful menu that helped it grow. Customers can expect the full lineup of indulgent breakfast plates, stuffed French toast, oversized cinnamon rolls and brunch cocktails that have become the restaurant’s signature.

Details: 418 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, 515-528-7836, thebreakfastclubusa.com.

The Green Olive expands in Des Moines

Green Olive has officially opened its newest Des Moines location, expanding its Mediterranean footprint with a menu built around shawarma, gyros, falafel, kabobs and fresh‑baked pita. The restaurant, now at three metro locations, focuses on fast‑casual service with generous portions and scratch‑made sauces, including its popular garlic sauce and tahini. The new location opened on May 19 and features a bright, modern interior with counter service, ample seating and quick turnaround for breakfast through dinner crowds. Green Olive has built a loyal following for its customizable platters, family‑style meals and vegetarian‑friendly options, making it a reliable stop for diners seeking Mediterranean flavors at an accessible price point.

Details: 520 S.W. Ninth St., Suite 116, Des Moines, 515-635-7770, thegreenoliveiowa.com.

Bubbie’s BBQ debuts in West Des Moines

Bubbie’s BBQ has expanded to West Des Moines with a new location serving its signature lineup of smoked meats, hearty sandwiches and homestyle sides. The restaurant, now with three metro locations, blends Midwestern comfort food with classic barbecue flavors, offering brisket, pastrami, turkey and rotating specials. The West Des Moines restaurant opened June 8 at 1510 Mills Civic Parkway and features both dine-in and carry-out service, with lunch hours from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. The space offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with counter service and quick turnaround for busy weeknights. Bubbie’s continues to build a following for its generous portions, approachable price point and scratch-made sides like mac and cheese, potato salad and coleslaw.

Details: 1510 Mills Civic Pkwy., Suite 100, West Des Moines, 515-348-8025, bubbies-bbq.com.

Izumi Sushi & Hibachi plans an Ankeny location

This all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant with a hibachi grill to boot plans a new location in Ankeny with lunch specials daily and teriyaki, udon, soba noodles, curry and tempura dishes. The restaurant offers a kids’ menu, gluten-free dishes and bento boxes. The Izumi location just south of Costco will anchor the west side of a new 17,930-square-foot, multi-tenant building that is under construction. The chain has locations in Clive, Davenport, Waterloo and North Liberty.

Details: 1950 N.E. 36th St., Ankeny

Flip’N Jacks Pancake House & Eatery comes to Des Moines

The breakfast and lunch specialist with locations in Ames, Ankeny and Altoona added a fourth location in Des Moines in the Southgate Shopping Center. Known for oversized pancakes, hearty omelets and classic diner comfort food, the restaurant features a family-friendly space designed for quick service and approachable pricing. Flip’N Jacks has built a reputation for generous portions and a menu that leans into nostalgia. Think skillets, waffles, burgers and melts, served in a bright, casual setting.

Details: 3411 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines, flipnjacks.com.

Charlotte’s Kitchen heads to Waukee

Charlotte’s Kitchen is expanding west with a new Waukee location slated to open in September or October 2026, bringing its popular fried chicken sandwiches, tenders and comfort‑food sides to one of the metro’s fastest‑growing suburbs. The restaurant, which currently operates three metro locations and a food truck, has built a strong following for its crispy chicken, house‑made sauces and rotating specials. The Waukee expansion will offer both dine‑in and carry‑out service, with a menu centered on its signature sandwiches, loaded fries and family‑friendly combo meals.

Details: 1165 S.E. University Ave., Waukee, charlotteskitchendsm.com.

The Station brings a second location to Urbandale

The Station is set to expand with a new Urbandale location opening late this summer at 4810 86th St., the former home of the Beerhouse, which closed in February after 11 years. The Station, known for its neighborhood bar feel, approachable menu and sports-friendly atmosphere, adds its second location, with a space designed for casual dining, gameday gatherings and family-friendly service. The menu is expected to include burgers, wraps, appetizers and pub-style comfort food, along with a full bar and ample TVs.

Details: 4810 86th St., Urbandale, facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590189280833

Mullets expands to Waukee

Mullets expands its footprint with a Waukee location opening in late July or early August. The original breakfast-and-lunch restaurant opened at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers in June 2010, with views of downtown Des Moines and Principal Park. John Royer bought Mullets in 2016 from the Des Moines restaurant operators Full Court Press and began franchising locations, with the 2024 opening of Mullets in Ankeny. Mullets is best known for hearty, Iowa-style American breakfast and brunch, along with bar-and-grill staples. The menu includes classic breakfast plates such as biscuits and gravy, pancakes and omelets; signature comfort dishes like chicken and waffles, country-fried steak breakfast and a variety of breakfast burritos; breakfast nachos, specialty hash brown plates and eggs Benedict; and sandwiches, po’boys, burgers and some pub-style fare.

This location plans to be open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Details: 1105 S.E. Pleasant View Drive, Waukee, facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587667092517.

Bonchon is expanding to Ankeny and Ames

Bonchon, the global Korean fried chicken chain known for its ultra-crispy double-fried wings and signature soy garlic and spicy sauces, is planning two new Iowa locations in Ankeny and Ames. The expansion will mark the brand’s expansion of its internationally recognized menu to central Iowa diners. Bonchon currently operates in West Des Moines, debuting in April, and the Ankeny and Ames restaurants will feature its full lineup of wings, drumsticks, Korean street food appetizers, fried rice and noodle dishes. Both locations are in the planning stages, with opening timelines to be announced.

Qdoba Mexican Eats expands to West Des Moines

The Mexican chain opens a second Des Moines metro location for fast-casual breakfast burritos, steak bowls, quesadillas, tacos and salads. The original Qdoba opened on Ingersoll Avenue in 2012. Qdoba notes that toppings like three-cheese queso, guacamole and pickled red onions are free. The West Des Moines location opens on June 23.

Details: 6305 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines, qdoba.com.

Dutch Bros Coffee

Dutch Bros Coffee is making its way into the Des Moines metro, preparing to launch its first wave of Iowa locations as its famously loyal “Dutch Mafia’’ fans eagerly await opening day. The first location opens in Des Moines this summer, according to a publicist with Dutch Bros.

Since the first location was confirmed last October, the list of planned shops has expanded rapidly — now totaling at least seven across central Iowa — as the high-energy, drive-thru chain gears up for its debut in the Hawkeye State.

The first confirmed Dutch Bros is taking over the former Fazoli’s at 4800 S.E. 14th St., transforming the site into a 986-square-foot, drive-thru-only coffee shop. The latest seventh location is proposed at Southwest Eighth Street and MLK Parkway in Des Moines. Confirmed locations include:

4800 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines
4019 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines
315 N.W. 36th Drive, Ankeny
2459 E. Euclid Ave., Des Moines
440 S.E. Alice’s Road, Waukee
5950 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines
Southwest Eighth Street and MLK Parkway, Des Moines

Sign up for our dining newsletter, Table Talk DSM, which comes out on Wednesday mornings with all the latest news on restaurants and bars in the metro. You can sign up for free at DesMoinesRegister.com/tabletalk.

Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.

Source link