Des Moines, IA

<div> Greater DSM Botanical Garden has a new outdoor lighting system that illuminates its iconic dome in different colors. Driving the news: The inaugural dome lighting is at dusk Thursday during the attraction's <a href="https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/music-in-the-garden-details/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Music in the Garden concert </a> . <hr><ul><li> Guests will give a countdown as the lights go up. </li></ul> If you go: The concert starts at 6:30pm <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><ul><li> Tickets are $12 for adults; $9 for children between 2 and 12; and free for children 1 and younger. </li></ul></div>

Iowa State

Axios Des Moines

Des Moines is undergoing an unusually high number of trail closures and construction this summer, resulting in a "painful" period for outdoor enthusiasts, says city parks planner Colby Fangman.Why it matters: The city's extensive trails link people across the metro, and closures can cause major disruption, especially in the summertime.But they're also necessary to help bring the next generation of smoother, safer trails.State of play: There are several reasons for the "extraordinary" year of construction, Fangman says.Des Moines allocated $1 million in ARPA funding for trails that must be used by 2026.3+ years of drought as well as recent severe...

Des Moines trail closures reach "painful" level

Axios

Even though Jeff Bruning owns some of the most popular bars in town, don't expect to see the business owner up past 9:30pm most days. "I'm 53," Bruning says. "I've gotten to the point that most of my business happens in the AM." Driving the news: As the co-owner of...

How Full Court Press owner Jeff Bruning starts his day

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...

Des Moines sees dramatic results from preschool expansion

Chicago, IL

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

writer

Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

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.

Des Moines' best day for a summer cookout is next week

Data: cancer.gov; Map: Axios VisualsIowa's estimated rate of new melanoma cases remains well above the national average and is the fifth highest in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).Why it matters: Melanoma is less common than other types of skin cancer, but is more likely to grow and spread.By the numbers: There's an average of 30 new cases in the state per year, in comparison to 23 cases nationally.Zoom in: Melanoma cases are higher in northern Iowa, according to zip code analysis by the Iowa Cancer Registry.Health experts have pointed to Iowa's agricultural industry as a potential cause for the higher rates, due to more time spent outside, the Gazette reports.Plus: Melanoma is also 20 times more common in white than Black populations.Iowa is about 62% white,  higher than the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.Yes, but: Sun exposure isn't the only possible reason for the uptick in melanoma diagnoses.Other factors: More effective skin cancer detection and the fact that many Americans are living longer, says Shanthi Sivendran, ACS senior vice president of cancer care support.Go deeper: How to pick a "safe" sunscreen

Iowa melanoma rates are higher than the U.S. average

Waukee, IA

Here are some of the latest restaurants and bars that have opened (or closed) their doors across the metro.OpeningsHiFi Brew Lounge: The brewery opened recently at the former Fox Brewing site in Valley Junction at 103 S. 11th St., WDM.It features a new second-level patio and lunch and dinner menus.Chikin Lickin: Known for Korean fried chicken, it's the second of its kind to open this year in Waukee. 1196 SE University Ave.Teriyaki Madness: The Seattle-based chain opens its first metro restaurant on July 16 near Jordan Creek Town Center at 160 Jordan Creek Pkwy., #160, WDM.Closings and relocationsTeehee's Comedy Club shared in late June that it was holding a "send off" for its location at 15th and Walnut streets in Des Moines. Its site says it will share its new location this winter.The club's owners didn't respond to Axios' request for comment. They are hosting pop-up shows this summer, including Saturday at Big Grove Brewery.

Waukee Korean fried chicken opens, Teehee's plans new spot

Ankeny, IA

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...

Ankeny ranks near top in U.S. for being bike friendly

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...

First bite: Hugo's Wood-Fired Kitchen

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...

Scoop: The Buccaneers back out of Merle Hay Mall arena plan

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...

Meet Iowa's trendiest baby names

The Iowa State Fair on Tuesday announced the 84 foods that will debut at this year's event.What's next: A panel of local celebrity judges — including Axios' Linh Ta — will help determine the top three to compete for the coveted Peoples' Choice Award next Tuesday.The ultimate winner will be determined by fairgoers.The three we're most excited to try:Linh: Candied Bacon Gnocchi, Hot Cheeto Float and deep-fried bubble gum.Jason: Ragin' Raspberry Ravioli, Walking Frito Pie and the Chicken Mac Attack Bowl.The complete list:• Apple Fries• Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Roll• Barbie Era Funnel Cake• Beer Belly Fries• BLT on a Stick•...

Your guide to this year's new Iowa State Fair foods

Denver, CO

Contributors represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. They have also demonstrated their experience writing hard news for other outlets. Contributors are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

contributor

David Heitz

A dangerous drug that is being mixed into fentanyl is causing those who inject it to develop a rash of sores that resembles a case of flesh-eating bacteria. People experiencing homelessness around Denver can sometimes be seen with these bloody, weeping wounds. I recently mentioned this phenomenon to a fentanyl user who told me about the xylazine connection.

Denver homeless people suffer sores as xylazine enters fentanyl supply

Nearly 3,000 tickets were issued in the first 10 weeks of Des Moines Police Department's new downtown "summer squad."Why it matters: Officials believe it's working. Since the launch, there's been a noticeable drop in traffic-related nuisance behaviors like loud mufflers, blaring music and loitering, Downtown Neighborhood Association of DSM president Deb Madison-Levi tells Axios.Catch up fast: Complaints about noise and unruly behavior in downtown perennially escalate in summer months when "scooping the loop" is at its peak.Meanwhile, downtown's population is growing and more people are being affected by the problems.City and county officials have turned to extra policing in entertainment districts and parking restrictions in recent years to make improvements.State of play: The "summer squad" started April 15 with six existing patrol officers placed on the special assignment through September.The team focuses on common violations that diminish quality of life downtown, like speeding or excessive noise.By the numbers: The officers had written 2,925 citations, 631 warnings and made 129 arrests as of last week, Sgt. Paul Parizek tells Axios.The intrigue: Problems persist on weekends but weekday issues are less severe, Parizek said.What's next: City officials will in the coming months evaluate whether to continue the squad next year, he added.

Des Moines' new police "summer squad" has issued 3,000 tickets so far

Wyoming State

WyoFile

Caitlin Tan wanted to breed her childhood horse, JP, because she’s been “amazing” — the type of animal any equestrian would be lucky to have once in a lifetime. Having access to coveted bloodlines increased the allure. Via the Miller Ranch, she could pair her 18-year-old mare with a stud descendent of Playboy’s Buck Fever.

Cream of the crop: a cremello foal is born in Wyoming

Polk County, IA

The Polk County government is seeking redevelopment proposals for nearly two acres adjacent to the courthouse.Why it matters: It's prime downtown real estate that could extend the vibrancy of Court Avenue, according to the county's request to developers.State of play: The county purchased surface parking lots from Wells Fargo Properties last year.Driving the news: Five contiguous and vacant parcels for development are being offered for development.Ground-level retail, affordable housing, an indoor park and an activity center are among the ideas previously generated for the site by residents, DSM city planners and downtown groups.What's next: Developers have until Sept. 20 to respond.

Polk County seeks courthouse-adjacent redevelopment

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...

This Des Moines nonprofit seeks to mend our partisan division

Windsor Heights, IA

Pleasant Hill, IA

Urbandale, IA

West Des Moines, IA

Clive, IA

Berwick, IA

Johnston, IA

Norwalk, IA

Altoona, IA

Greater DSM Botanical Garden has a new outdoor lighting system that illuminates its iconic dome in different colors.Driving the news: The inaugural dome lighting is at dusk Thursday during the attraction's Music in the Garden concert.Guests will give a countdown as the lights go up.If you go: The concert starts at 6:30pmTickets are $12 for adults; $9 for children between 2 and 12; and free for children 1 and younger.

Des Moines' iconic botanical dome gets a lit makeover

Comments / 0