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Axios Des Moines
We visited Des Moines' new adults-only beach house
We don't have white beaches, blue waters or tropical skies. But that sure doesn't mean Des Moines doesn't try.Driving the news: Broadway Beach House, Des Moines' newest 21+ pool, recently opened on the city's east side at 5100 Hubbell Ave.Call it FOMO towards all my friends at resorts right now, but I had to check it out.Catch up fast: The former 1950s "Broadway Motel" was converted to a "Florida-style" pool by metro developer Ryan Smithson, who's owned several downtown properties like The District Bar & Grill.What they're saying: When I told people I was going to visit, there were a...
Des Moines' best day for a summer cookout is next week
Data: Pantry and Larder; Note: Ideal conditions defined as a late sunset, maximum "feels-like" temperature of 88°F, minimal chance of rain, 25% cloud cover and a slight breeze; Map: Axios VisualsDon't stress if you haven't grilled yet this season because our best cookout date is next week!The big picture: A five-year review of summer weather data by food research company Pantry and Larder found the optimal date for a summer cookout in DSM is July 13.How it works: Pantry and Larder determined ideal weather conditions include:A maximum feels-like temperature of 88.25% cloud cover and low rain chances.A slight breeze.Reality check: Our worst date was predicted to be May 28 — although that was a mostly sunny day with a high of 73.🔥 Our thought bubble: Fire up the grill and crack a cold one anytime you want.Iowa weather is too unpredictable to worry about perfection.
Scoop: The Buccaneers back out of Merle Hay Mall arena plan
The Des Moines Buccaneers have ended discussions with Merle Hay Mall to resurrect a $60 million arena project, Urbandale spokesperson Derek Zarn tells Axios.Why it matters: The development was intended to transform the former Younkers department store into a multi-purpose destination and boost the local economy.Now the future of the site is unclear.Flashback: Younkers, one of the mall's longtime anchor tenants, closed in 2018.In 2020 the Bucs and mall owners announced a plan to retrofit the building into a hockey arena to replace the team's aging facility.They held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the 3,500-seat venue in May 2022.Plus: Local and...
Des Moines officers will patrol parks for fireworks violators
A team of cops will patrol Des Moines parks to issue fireworks citations over the Fourth of July this year for the first time since state lawmakers reversed an 80-year ban on them in 2017.Why it matters: Despite being illegal in DSM, annual forays of celebratory explosives have caused widespread damages to public property, including $20,000 in shattered downtown library windows.They also increase risks of fires or injuries and their noise can be problematic for people with PTSD and animals, chief Dana Wingert told City Council last year.State of play: DSM police received thousands of complaints about fireworks but have...
3 cheap, unique wedding venues around Des Moines
Earlier this year, I was on the hunt for a nearby wedding venue that didn't leave me saying "I do" to years of debt.The big picture: After a pandemic-induced backup, weddings have come roaring back with bigger budgets, longer guest lists and grander ideas.Driving the news: To make sure I left no stone unturned, I toured over a dozen venues in central Iowa.My criteria: 150+ person capacity, indoor and outdoor space and flexibility on food and drinks, which are the biggest expenses of many weddings.I also wanted to feel good about where my money went, whether it was a nonprofit...
First bite: We tried Bussin' Eggroll and Rice Co.
Bussin' Eggroll and Rice Co. opened earlier this month on the ground floor of the Equitable Building in downtown Des Moines.The vibe: It's a quick meal option.There is seating but takeout was the most popular choice when I visited.Best bites: Six types of egg rolls are on the regular menu — Chicken, pork, veggie, Philly, Southwest chicken and spinach artichoke.Multiple rice dishes, salads and sides like fried Brussels sprouts are also options.On my plate: My small combo ($14) included the Southwest chicken and veggie egg rolls, lime cilantro rice and a side of crab salad.The egg rolls were fresh with a satisfying deep-fried crunch while the salad tested like my old favorite Subway sandwich.My thought bubble: Including the $2.50 upcharge for the crab salad, my bill was $16.50. I felt that was a bit steep, especially since I hadn't ordered a drink.With egg rolls costing between $3.50 and $4.25, I should have ordered individual items and avoided leftovers.Yes, but: Bussin' is still a nice addition to the downtown restaurant scene and worthy of a visit.Stop by: 10:30am-7pm, Monday-Saturday.604 Locust St., DSM The portion sizes are decent; I had leftovers. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios
Iowans await Supreme Court decision on 6-week abortion ban
The Iowa Supreme Court is expected to release a decision Friday about whether the state can ban most abortions at six weeks.Why it matters: The monumental moment could change Iowans' lives and reshape the state's politics and health care.Catch up quick: Iowa Republican lawmakers passed a "fetal heartbeat" law banning most abortions at six weeks during a special one-day session last July.There are specific exceptions in the case of rape, incest or to save the life of the patient.A Polk County judge temporarily blocked the law a week later which escalated the question to the state Supreme Court after the...
This Des Moines nonprofit seeks to mend our partisan division
As partisan divides grow stronger leading up to the 2024 election, the Lyceum Movement, a local nonprofit in Des Moines, believes our estrangements can be bridged.Why it matters: Increased polarization coincides with reports of more loneliness and mental health issues.The Lyceum Movement hopes to address and counter both problems through grassroots, community events aimed at finding common ground.State of play: Call it loneliness, isolationism or tribalism, but today's circumstances make it easier than ever to avoid people unlike us, says Nathan Beacom, the group's founder and executive director.Social media, cable news and politicians are incentivized to attract people towards inflammatory...
Des Moines' MLK Jr. Parkway to reopen early as Ninth Street lanes close for improvements
West Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway's westbound lanes are expected to fully open late Wednesday, six months ahead of schedule, Des Moines city spokesperson Youssef Ghazali tells Axios.Flashback: The lanes closed in spring 2022 as part of an ongoing $29 million sewer project.The road segment — between East Fourth and Southwest 16th streets — was expected to be completed at the end of this year. Two of the four lanes along the 600 block of 9th Street in downtown Des Moines are permitted to be closed until October. Photo: Jason Clayworth/AxiosMeanwhile, two of the four lanes along the 600 block...
Des Moines to introduce park popups
A recreation van is joining Des Moines' parks department fleet.Why it matters: The new wheels will bring games and activities to neighborhoods that don't have parks.Catch up fast: DSM's parks systems recently received a score by the Trust for Public Land that is better than more than 80% of the nation's 100 largest cities.Yes, but: Park equity and access comparing neighborhoods within a 10-minute-walk of parks is a significant part of the score and is an area where DSM could improve.Driving the news: Friends of Des Moines Parks raised $50,000 to buy the van, which will be regularly stationed within the city's "park deserts" starting in coming weeks, Sarah Lohmeier, the group's director, tells Axios.The popup programming will offer free recreational activities like yard games, waterslides, karaoke and musical instruments.What's next: The van will debut in late July. Scheduling through Labor Day will be published on the Friends' social media accounts.
Ankeny ranks near top in U.S. for being bike friendly
Ankeny is the sixth-best mid-sized city in the country to ride a bike, according to new 2024 rankings released today by People for Bikes.Why it matters: A bikeable city offers transportation options and encourages healthy activities and tourism.How it works: People for Bikes, a bicycle advocacy nonprofit, ranks cities annually based on population and ease of transportation via bike.The group examines the quality and connectivity of bike paths, traffic infrastructure, roads and protected lanes.Medium-sized cities are considered 50,000-300,000 people.State of play: Ankeny scored high because of its number of wide, multi-use paths, says Rebecca Davies, city ratings program director of...
First bite: Hugo's Wood-Fired Kitchen
I've been excited to try Hugo's Wood-Fired Kitchen since December when I wrote about the new $13 million Meals on Wheels campus and hydroponics farm. At that time, the restaurant was still being constructed on the first floor of Drake University's former education building. The latest: It opened at the...
"An enormous disruption:" Iowa auto dealers face ransomware attack
Sales at dozens of Iowa auto dealerships have been paralyzed for almost a week because of a widespread ransomware attack.Why it matters: Auto sales employ tens of thousands of Iowans and contribute billions of dollars in sales to the state's economy each year.It's "an enormous disruption" with total loss estimates still unknown, Iowa Automobile Dealers Association president Bruce Anderson tells Axios.Catch up fast: Recently hacked CDK Global provides a software platform used by roughly 15,000 car dealerships in North America, including about more than 60 in Iowa.The June 19 attack shutdown systems that process sales and auto repairs, forcing many...
Des Moines sees dramatic results from preschool expansion
Nearly all students who attended a full-day preschool program sponsored by the city of Des Moines this year dramatically increased their readiness for kindergarten, district data shows.Why it matters: Math and reading skills at kindergarten entry are indicators of later school success and children who fall behind at that age are unlikely to catch up, according to an analysis from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER).Threat level: The city's $3.3 million investment boosted half-day programs in six classrooms to free, full-day instruction, but that success could falter in the future without permanent funding.Catch up fast: State funding only...
Fewer people traveling to Iowa for abortions
Data: Guttmacher Institute; Note: Includes procedural and medication abortions provided at brick-and-mortar health facilities as well as medication abortions via telehealth and virtual providers; Map: Axios VisualsOne in 10 abortion patients in Iowa last year traveled here from out of state, new data estimates from the Guttmacher Institute show.Zoom out: That's down from 2020, two years before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.By the numbers: The majority of out-of-state patients in 2023 traveled to Iowa from Nebraska — around 270 people.Meanwhile, 390 people traveled from Iowa to Minnesota to get the procedure.Between the lines: While abortion remains legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks of pregnancy, it became more restrictive in 2022, due to a 24-hour waiting period law.The big picture: The Iowa Supreme Court will likely rule on Friday if Iowa's "fetal heartbeat" law can take effect — a long-awaited decision that will decide if most abortions are banned at nearly six weeks in the state. Today marks the second anniversary of the Dobbs decision, which has changed the political landscape surrounding abortions in Iowa.Related: More than 171,000 people traveled out-of-state for abortions across the U.S. last year
Meet Iowa's trendiest baby names
Data: Social Security Administration; Chart: Erin Davis/Axios VisualsAs it turns out, Iowans haven't been conforming to all the national baby name trends over the last decade.The big picture: "Millie," "Maeve," "Theo" and "Dean" have seen the largest increases in popularity in the state since 2013, according to new Social Security Administration data.Americans broadly have been more drawn towards "Atlas," "Nova" and "Thiago.""Theo" is the only top Iowa name that overlaps with the national trends.The (spelling) intrigue: While "Luka" saw an 8.9x increase over the last decade across the country, Iowans opted for "Luca" at a 7.7x increase.Losers: Since 2013, Hawkeye...
New redemption center to open in Ankeny
A new bottle and can redemption center is opening in Ankeny next month.Driving the news: Ankeny Bottle and Can at 1317 SW Ordnance Road will become the latest center to open since the Legislature reformed the bottle bill in 2022.Flashback: That bill overhauled the state's container collection process, which required stores to collect empty cans and bottles and return customer deposits on them.The new law allows grocery stores to retire their collection programs if a redemption center is within a 10- to 15-mile radius.State of play: Ankeny Bottle and Can owners JL Vaughn and Evan Burger opened their first redemption...
Iowa's 24/7 mental health line gets uptick in users
Your Life Iowa, the state's six-year-old 24/7 mental health and addiction resource, saw unprecedented usage last year.Why it matters: It's a free, confidential program that people can call, text, email and use online if they're struggling.Driving the news: The increase shows that a recent push to make Iowans aware of the program is working, says Behavioral Health Division Director Marissa Eyanson. Awareness has been their biggest hurdle, she tells Axios.The state spent around $1.6 million last year on marketing.By the numbers: Staffers answered 47,000+ phone, text, chat and emails in FY23, a 15% increase over FY22.The website had 541,000+ visitors,...
Yellow cherries are part of Johnston's 'edible cities' movement
Friends alerted me to a gorgeous yellow cherry tree in Johnston's Ray Schleihs Park last weekend and I learned it's OK to pick them!. Zoom in: Johnston has planted some edible landscaping for public consumption, city communications director Janet Wilwerding tells Axios. Separately, there's an orchard in the Town Center...
A Blood Donor Day mystery
Today is Blood Donor Day and the first that LifeServe Blood Center is hosting from its new Johnston headquarters. Why it matters: The move makes way for redevelopment at its former East Village site, which is in a prime business and real estate spot. The intrigue: The downtown site is...
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Axios Des Moines, anchored by Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
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