Iowa

Iowa reaches 75% Real ID compliance

Published

1 year ago

April 7, 2025

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – A gold star doesn’t just symbolize a job well done and soon travelers will be required to have one.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a release reminding residents that starting on May 7, a Real ID is required to board federally regulated commercial flights nationwide. A Real ID may also be required to access certain federal buildings or nuclear power plants.

These requirements stem from the REAL ID Act of 2005. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the act is meant to establish security standards for license issuance and production.

The Siouxland Tri-States have already begun issuing Real IDs, with South Dakota announcing 99% compliance in 2019.

Iowa is catching up, according to the release. As of March 2025, 75% of Iowa Driver’s licenses and IDs are Real ID compliant, ahead of the national average of 60%.

Nebraska began circulating Real IDs in 2013 and placed a statewide compliance deadline in 2020, according to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles.

“With driver’s licenses and state identification cards renewed every five years, this means all valid Nebraska DMV cards in circulation are REAL ID compliant,” stated Nebraska officials in a press release dated Feb. 24, 2020.

Real IDs can be identified by a gold star in the upper-right corner. If the corner is blank or reads “NOT FOR REAL ID ACT PURPOSES,” then you will need to obtain a Real ID prior to boarding any domestic commercial flights, some federal facilities, or power plants.

For more Real ID information, follow this link.

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Iowa

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

Published

15 minutes 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.

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Iowa

Des Moines suburbs become the region’s new dining frontier

Published

10 hours 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.

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Iowa

Panel boots Libertarians from Iowa ballot for governor, US House

Published

21 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Press Room

Panel boots Libertarians from Iowa ballot for governor, US House

A state panel ruled Libertarian candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and the 3rd Congressional District failed to qualify for Iowa’s general election ballot.
Lieutenant governor candidate Jules Cutler failed to file an affidavit of candidacy, invalidating the party’s gubernatorial ticket.
The State Objection Panel ruled 3rd District candidate Marco Battaglia can’t appear on the ballot since he failed to run under his legal name, Mark T. Andersen.

A state panel voted to remove Libertarian candidates for governor and Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District from the Nov. 3 general election ballot — and the candidates are vowing to appeal the decision in court.

Republican voters, strategists and activists challenged the candidacies of gubernatorial candidate Nicholas Gluba, 2nd Congressional District candidate Rick Stewart and 3rd Congressional District Marco Battaglia.

The three-member State Objection Panel heard the challenges Monday, June 15.

The panel said Gluba and his lieutenant governor candidate, Jules Cutler, failed to qualify for the ballot because Cutler did not submit an affidavit of candidacy by the June 2 deadline.

And the panel said 3rd District candidate Marco Battaglia could not appear on the ballot because his affidavit of candidacy and nominating papers do not match his legal name, Mark T. Andersen — even though he run as a candidate previously on election ballots as Marco Battaglia.

Gluba, Cutler and Battaglia say they will appeal the panel’s ruling to district court.

“We have over 8,000 petitions signed,” Cutler said. “I think not appealing it would be doing a disservice to the people who actually signed those petitions.”

The panel found Stewart qualified for the general election ballot, unanimously voting to dismiss a complaint against him.

Republicans are expected to face competitive elections this fall as they seek to retain the governor’s office and their full control of Iowa’s congressional delegation. Having Libertarian candidates on the ballot could potentially pull away votes from Republicans they need to win.

Election analysts at the Cook Political Report rate Iowa’s governor’s race, and the 3rd District as “toss-ups.” The 2nd District is considered “likely Republican.”

Libertarian lieutenant governor candidate failed to submit affidavit of candidacy

The challenge against Gluba and Cutler’s candidacies from Waukee Republican Keven Arrowsmith revolved around Cutler’s failure to provide a signed affidavit of candidacy to the Iowa Secretary of State’s office.

Cutler said an employee in the office, Dani Phillips, told her she did not need to submit a separate affidavit of candidacy and that Phillips would not accept Cutler’s affidavit when she tried to submit it.

Gluba turned in his own affidavit of candidacy, as well as more than 8,000 signatures of Iowans who support placing the proposed gubernatorial ticket on the ballot, exceeding the 3,500-signature threshold.

Phillips, however, testified to the panel that Cutler did not provide an affidavit of candidacy or ask if she was required to provide one.

“I think there’s a factual issue that appears to be very much in dispute,” said Attorney General Brenna Bird, who sits on the panel. “Ms. Phillips says that the affidavit of lieutenant governor was never offered as part of the petitions. Ms. Cutler and others say that the objection was offered, and it was rejected as not necessary by Ms. Phillips.”

The panel, comprised of Bird, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, all Republicans, ruled unanimously in favor of the challenge against Gluba and Cutler, removing the gubernatorial ticket from the ballot.

“I tend to side with the election worker, because I don’t think she has a reason not to follow the law,” Bird said. “That hasn’t been seen here, and as she described it, I think that that affidavit for whatever reason may not have been filed.”

State Auditor Rob Sand, a Democrat, recused himself from hearing the challenge because he is running for governor.

With Gluba off the ballot, Sand and Republican Zach Lahn will be the only gubernatorial candidates on Iowa’s ballot.

At the hearing, Gluba and Cutler’s attorney, Jake Heard, questioned Phillips’ memory of the day that Gluba and Cutler submitted their nominating papers.

Cutler said she believes Phillips made a mistake and doesn’t remember Cutler trying to offer an affidavit of candidacy.

“It is natural for her to make a mistake, and I’m willing to give that to her,” Cutler said. “What I would really appreciate the objection panel to look at is her memory.”

After the hearing, Cutler criticized the panel’s proceedings.

“That is the most disappointing, frustrating and disheartening experience I’ve had in 30-plus years since I immigrated as a 16-year-old girl from the Soviet Union,” Cutler said.

Marco Battaglia removed from 3rd District ballot for not using legal name

A split panel voted to remove Battaglia from the ballot because he did not run under his legal name of Mark Andersen.

Alan Ostergren, an attorney for challengers Annie Kuhle and Wes Enos, said allowing someone to run for office under a different name would confuse voters.

“What would stop a candidate next cycle from saying, ‘My name’s Chuck Grassley, I’m running for the Senate,’” Ostergren said.

However, Battaglia ran for governor as a Libertarian in 2018, losing the primary and then running as the party’s nominee for attorney general that year. Battaglia also was the Libertarian nominee for lieutenant governor in 2022.

“Mr. Battaglia has appeared on the ballot in three general elections as Marco Battaglia,” said Stephanie Berlin, chair of the Libertarian Party of Iowa. “He is known professionally as Marco Battaglia in his band. Everybody knows who he is as Marco Battaglia.”

He also ran for Congress in the 3rd District in 2024 but was removed from the ballot for a different reason and ran as a write-in candidate.

Sand asked Berlin about Battaglia’s previous runs for office under the name Marco Battaglia.

“Wouldn’t an objection at this point when he’s already done it be in some way unfair?” he said.

Berlin agreed.

Bird said she believes Iowa law is clear that candidates have to run under their own name.

“I don’t think Iowa law allows someone to run for office under a fictitious name that’s not their name,” Bird said.

The panel voted 2-1 to uphold the challenge against Battaglia, with Bird and Pate in favor and Sand opposed.

With Battaglia off the ballot, Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn and Democratic state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott will be the only candidates on the ballot in the 3rd District, which includes the Des Moines metro.

Battaglia says he faces pressure from Republicans to drop out of the race.

He said Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn and Kuhle, who is a Republican strategist and adviser to Nunn, visited his home and asked him to drop out. Battaglia said he also received a call from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Officials with Nunn’s campaign said they believe Battaglia submitted petition signatures they suspect were gathered by an outside group, which could constitute an illegal in-kind contribution to Battaglia’s campaign under federal law.

After meeting with Nunn and Kuhle, Battaglia told them in a text that he would consider ending his candidacy “if you would be willing to introduce impeachment of the President for Treason, Bribery and other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

Kuhle refused.

“To be clear, this is not a negotiation; Zach will not be making any promises about official policy actions in exchange for your removal from the ballot,” she wrote in a text to Battaglia.

After the hearing, Berlin criticized what she called threats against Battaglia, saying Nunn and Kennedy offered Battaglia time in the White House and visits to Trump administration officials if he dropped out.

“We are not the Republican JV team,” she said. “We are not backing down.”

Kuhle disputed that characterization in a statement, saying, “no offer, inducement or thing of value was ever proposed or provided in exchange for withdrawing the nomination petitions.”

Rick Stewart will appear on ballot in 2nd District

Stewart will appear on the general election ballot in Iowa’s 2nd District after the panel voted unanimously to dismiss the objection against him.

Bernie Hayes, chair of the Linn County Republicans, argued Stewart should be disqualified because he identifies himself as Rick Stewart on his affidavit of candidacy but turned in nominating petitions identifying himself as Richard Stewart.

Ostergren, who represented Hayes, said he did not know whether he would appeal the panel’s ruling.

Stewart will join Republican Joe Mitchell, Democrat Lindsay James and no party candidate Dave Bushaw on the ballot in the northeast Iowa district.

Stephen Gruber-Miller is the Capitol bureau chief for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com, by phone at 515-284-8169 or on X at @sgrubermiller.

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