Iowa
Iowa nonprofit worries about meeting Thanksgiving meal demand amid SNAP funding concerns
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A local nonprofit that provides Thanksgiving meals to families in need says it might not be able to fill all requests this year due to concerns about SNAP benefit funding during the government shutdown.
The Iowa Giving Crew has distributed Thanksgiving dinners since 2017. This year, the organization plans to distribute 2,500 meals, surpassing its previous record of 2,000, and is expanding its coverage area to include the Quad Cities.
“People don’t always humanize that, and you know, it’s really hard to share that story,” said Danielle Monthei, fundraising director for Iowa Giving Crew.
Monthei said she understands food insecurity firsthand, having been raised by a single mother who relied on SNAP benefits.
“She worked really, really hard. The benefits that we were given were really necessary for us,” Monthei said.
The nonprofit loads boxes with everything families need for a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner. With SNAP benefits not being funded during the government shutdown, organizers worry more people will need assistance this year.
“What I think some of us feel the void we are trying to fill is food insecurity in general, whereas ‘Operation Give Birds’ is to create the Thanksgiving experience,” Monthei said.
The organization’s Operation Give Birds program typically focuses on providing Thanksgiving extras while families use their regular benefits for everyday groceries. But the current funding situation could change that dynamic.
People can start signing up on Thursday to receive Thanksgiving meals through the Operation Give Birds website or Facebook page. The program serves the areas of Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, Dubuque, and Davenport.
“When people have access to their benefits, they can only worry about Thanksgiving,” Monthei said.
With Congress moving forward to reopen the government, Monthei said she hopes public support will help meet grocery needs so Operation Give Birds can focus on holiday extras.
Copyright 2025 KCRG. All rights reserved.
Iowa
Iowa Lottery Pick 3 Midday, Pick 3 Evening results for May 31, 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 Sunday, May 31, 2026, winning numbers for each game:
Winning Pick-3 numbers from May 31 drawing
Midday: 9-9-4
Evening: 6-1-0
Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick-4 numbers from May 31 drawing
Midday: 5-3-2-7
Evening: 5-3-0-0
Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 31 drawing
03-11-26-45-56, Bonus: 05
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 Football Looking to Cash in on Highly Touted Four-Star Offensive Lineman
More and more, it is looking like playing on the offensive line for the Iowa Hawkeyes is becoming a one-way ticket to the NFL. Offensive line coach George Barnett is among the best in the business, and his 2026 offensive line should continue the trend of strong play for the Hawkeyes.
This past NFL Draft saw the Hawkeyes send Logan Jones, Gennings Dunker, and Beau Stephens to the next level as the latest successes. They come on the heels of Tyler Linderbaum and Tristan Wirfs, two of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.
Iowa is now looking to continue the offensive line prowess as it hosts a highly touted recruit, as they prepare for more future departures to the NFL. Two starters on the offensive line this season, Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck, have each generated NFL buzz, and if history tells us anything, NFL teams like Iowa offensive linemen.
Iowa Hawkeyes Hosting Four-Star Caleb Johnson
While it may be summer for the current roster with training camp approaching, the recruiting trail doesn’t sleep for the coaching staff. Some of the latest news for Iowa’s class of 2027 is the upcoming visit that Caleb Johnson, a four-star offensive lineman, will take to Iowa City.
Johnson, a product of Noblesville High School in Noblesville, Indiana, is coming off a string of visits to high-profile schools such as Indiana and Michigan State, with a visit to the Hawkeyes on deck.
Iowa may have a slight inside track on Johnson, as it was on Johnson’s recruiting trail earlier than some in the process, offering him back in January of 2026.
Caleb Johnson Bio
High School: Noblesville
Hometown: Noblesville, Indiana
Class: 2027
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 260
Recruiting Rankings: No. 2 recruit in Indiana, No. 22 offensive tackle, No. 248 recruit overall
Other Offers: Indiana, Michigan State, Missouri, Cincinnati, Auburn, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, UNC, Oklahoma State, Purdue, UCLA, and others
Analysis: At just 260 pounds, Iowa would be able to mold Johnson in the weight room and developmental program, which is one of the best in the country. In his tape from high school, Johnson is seen playing snaps at center, guard, and tackle, which offers versatility from the jump.
Iowa Football 2027 Recruiting Class
The Iowa Hawkeyes currently sit with the No. 29 overall 2027 recruiting class as things stand right now. The Hawkeyes have landed 10 commits for the 2027 class, two of them being offensive linemen.
Reilly Newman from West Chester Ohio, a three-star recruit, and Nate Brenneman from Rock Valley, Iowa, another three-star recruit have given their commitments to the Hawkeyes.
Follow
Iowa
IOWA DROPS GAME FIVE AT INDIANAPOLIS
With the I-Cubs trailing 1-0 in the second inning, Scott Kingery singled home a run and another came home on a sacrifice fly from
-
Dallas, TX5 minutes agoFree Agent Focus: Dallas Stars
-
Miami, FL7 minutes agoMiami lands commitment from Rivals300 LB Noah Glover
-
Boston, MA13 minutes agoFree June events: Pride Month, Father’s Day, and more – The Boston Globe
-
Denver, CO20 minutes agoTwo Colorado smoke shops shut down for selling restricted products to minors
-
Seattle, WA22 minutes agoWEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: Graduation season begins Monday
-
San Diego, CA28 minutes agoAnnual Rock ’n’ Roll races bring 30,000 runners to San Diego streets
-
Milwaukee, WI35 minutes agoAuburn baseball vs Milwaukee regional championship: Time, TV, how to watch
-
Atlanta, GA38 minutes agoJackets Fall to Sooners in Game 6 of Atlanta Regional