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Children among 9 injured in shooting near Hollywood beach in Florida

Politics & Policy

Texas Senate sets date for AG Ken Paxton's impeachment trial

Biden warns Uganda may face sanctions if anti-gay law not repealed

World

Graham responds to Russian warrant for his arrest: "See you in The Hague!"

"The Little Mermaid" makes a splash at Memorial Day weekend box office

Economy & Business

Scoop: Ingersoll Avenue to lose more lanes

A five-lane street cross section will be reduced to three.

News

West Des Moines launches DEI program to improve city operations

The city is launching a DEI program to improve city operations.

Theater's 100th celebration unveils a Grant Wood discovery

Multiple original Grant Wood pieces will be on display this week.

Things to Do

Des Moines' most hated highway spot

It's 58 years old and traffic has increased dramatically since then.

Des Moines City Council to take civility course

Des Moines City Council members are spending half the day learning how to better work together.Why it matters: Tuesday&#x27;s four-hour training is intended to increase effectiveness of the city&#x27;s top leadership, partly by promoting civility among themselves and the public.

Illustration of a handshake, repeated backward several times. 

Iowa's new "nuisance bar" law could help fix Court Avenue

Provisions in a new law may help Des Moines expedite actions to stop problematic bars.

Des Moines could use a new law that gives cities more ability to file lawsuits against the owners of problematic bars, city manager Scott Sanders tells Axios.Why it matters: Metro leaders have long voiced frustration about having limited ability to close establishments that they view as posing an ongoing threat to public safety.

Illustration of a gavel coming down on a cocktail napkin.

Out-of-state landlords seize the Des Moines metro

An influx of investments factor into higher area rents.

Real Estate

Rental properties across the metro have become a hot commodity for out-of-state investors, real estate and housing officials tell Axios.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a factor in higher area rents, advocates for low-income families contend, though some local realtors say the investments contribute to the local economy and can lead to property improvements.

Illustration of apartment doorbells with an intercom shaped like a dollar sign.

First look: The Collier, a lakefront Ankeny condo project

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Collier" data-vars-click-url="https://www.caliberiowa.com/for-sale/the-collier-the-grand" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.caliberiowa.com/for-sale/the-collier-the-grand" target="_blank">The Collier</a> is a new 22-unit luxury condo development overlooking Vintage Lake in Ankeny.Driving the news: Construction is expected to be completed in July.

New intersection could claim Beaverdale grill

Players Sports Bar & Grill faces "total acquisition" under a city plan.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Players Sports Bar &amp; Grill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100051215417204" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100051215417204" target="_blank">Players Sports Bar &amp; Grill</a> faces &quot;total acquisition&quot; under a city plan to realign the intersection of Beaver Avenue and 41st Street.Why it matters: The Iowa Department of Transportation considers the intersection project to have a high potential to reduce crashes, but it could result in the loss of a local business.

Des Moines' air quality improves while Iowa fight looms

Proposal for stricter air pollution limits is putting advocates at odds.

Air quality in the metro, as measured by fine particle pollution, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has improved since 2000" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/27/air-pollution-rates-map" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/27/air-pollution-rates-map" target="_self">has improved since 2000</a>.Why it matters: There&#x27;s a national effort to set stricter universal air pollution limits, putting some Iowa industry and environmental advocates at odds.

A photo of MidAmerican's George Neal Center South plant near Sioux City. 

Inside the Iowa Cubs' $65M "Cubbie Village" vision

The plan would expand the area's use into a year-round entertainment district.

Sports

The Iowa Cubs have a loose vision to transform Principal Park and its surrounding areas into something likeWrigley Field in Chicago, GM Sam Bernabe told <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Iowa Podcast" data-vars-click-url="https://iowapodcast.com/sam-bernabe-principal-park-renovations-iowa-cubs/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://iowapodcast.com/sam-bernabe-principal-park-renovations-iowa-cubs/" target="_blank">The Iowa Podcast</a> last week.Why it matters: The plan would expand the area&#x27;s use into a year-round entertainment district in what podcast producers dubbed &quot;Cubbie Village.&quot;

Des Moines embraces pickleball fever, remarks all tennis courts

The sport gained popularity in 2020 because it was pandemic friendly.

All city-owned tennis courts are now ready for pickleball, a Des Moines spokesperson tells Axios.Why it matters: Nationally, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleball participation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" target="_self">pickleball participation</a> increased nearly 160% over the last three years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to a report" data-vars-click-url="https://usapickleball.org/news/sfia-topline-report-tabs-pickleball-as-americas-fastest-growing-sport/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://usapickleball.org/news/sfia-topline-report-tabs-pickleball-as-americas-fastest-growing-sport/" target="_blank">according to a report</a> from the Sports &amp; Fitness Industry Association.<ul><li>Locally, it&#x27;s not uncommon to see more pickleball games than tennis matches at places like Waveland tennis courts. </li></ul>

Illustration of a pickleball racket and a tennis racket in a dueling position.

Skatepark vandalism leads to reduced bathroom access

Vandals smashed toilets and pulled sinks off walls in late April.

Ongoing vandalism at Lauridsen Skatepark has resulted in its restrooms being closed daily at 7pm, Polk County Conservation outreach supervisor Jessica Lown tells Axios.State of play: Vandals smashed toilets and pulled sinks off walls, causing thousands of dollars in damage to the free, public park in late April.

2 things to eat under $5 at the Des Moines Farmers' Market

Pull out your sun hats and pet some dogs — it's farmers' market season, baby.

Food and Drink

Pull out your sun hats and pet some dogs — it&#x27;s Des Moines Farmers&#x27; Market season, baby.Here are a couple of our favorite foods you&#x27;ll find for under $5:

Des Moines anticipates 20K cemetery visitors this Memorial Day

There are more than 350 acres of burial grounds at seven municipal cemeteries.

About 20,000 people will visit Des Moines cemeteries between now and June 1, city officials estimate.Zoom in: There are more than 350 acres of burial grounds at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seven municipal cemeteries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dsm.city/departments/parks_and_recreation-division/places/cemeteries.php" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dsm.city/departments/parks_and_recreation-division/places/cemeteries.php" target="_blank">seven municipal cemeteries</a>: Woodland, St. Ambrose, Glendale, Oak Grove, Laurel Hill, Sims and Elm Grove.

Des Moines' gas prices are cheaper this Memorial Day

Nationally, gas prices are rising slightly but still well below last year's levels.

Des Moines drivers were paying an average of $3.25 per gallon of regular gasoline as of May 1, compared to $4.25 a year ago, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/25/gas-prices-memorial-day" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/25/gas-prices-memorial-day" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj report</a>.The big picture: Gas prices set <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record all-time highs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/10/gas-prices-hit-new-all-time-high" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/10/gas-prices-hit-new-all-time-high" target="_self">record all-time highs</a> last year amid a broader inflation crisis, and driven in part by Russia&#x27;s invasion of Ukraine, which destabilized global energy markets.

a gas tank with the nozzle pumping dollar bills

People of color less likely to own vehicles in Des Moines metro

Why it matters: Transportation is a key social driver of health equity.

In the Des Moines metro, Asian American and Black households are more likely not to own a vehicle.Why it matters: Transportation is a key social driver of health equity.

Des Moines Refugee Support raises $1,000 for stolen car key

The group raised money to help make its minivan accessible again.

Des Moines Refugee Support has raised enough money to replace the ignition and keys for a minivan used to drive students to soccer practice.Flashback: Last week, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lockboxes were stolen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/05/22/thief-steals-van-keys-des-moines-refugee-nonprofit" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/05/22/thief-steals-van-keys-des-moines-refugee-nonprofit" target="_self">lockboxes were stolen</a> containing the car keys for the organization&#x27;s minivan, as well as the keys to two 15-passenger vans it rented from DART.

Iowa's Asian immigrant population is quickly growing

The group is the second largest immigrant group in the state and the largest in Des Moines.

Immigrants from Asia are one of Iowa&#x27;s fastest-growing populations, according to U.S. Census data from 2017-&#x27;21 and the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Iowa Data Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iowadatacenter.org/index.php/data-by-source/american-community-survey/place-birth-foreign-born-population" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iowadatacenter.org/index.php/data-by-source/american-community-survey/place-birth-foreign-born-population" target="_blank"> Iowa Data Center</a>.Why it matters: Iowa&#x27;s population growth has been sluggish for decades as more residents leave rural areas, as well as the state altogether.

Line chart showing the percentage of Iowans 25 years or older who have graduated high school, by select race. In 2021, the overall percentage was 92.8%. For Asians, it was 78.7% and for Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders, it was 74.7%.

Des Moines' sewer pipe crud cited for its beauty

A new book explores the natural mineral that's used to make pigments.

Des Moines&#x27; sewer pipe crud, an iron phosphate commonly known as vivianite, is cited as a thing of beauty in a new book about rare pigments and color.Why it matters: We always knew our $@!+ was special and now it&#x27;s documented.

Bobcat leaves Des Moines resident with a hot mess

The animals are becoming more common in Iowa, including in urban areas.

This bobcat was seen Saturday morning in Des Moines&#x27; Southwestern Hills neighborhood.Cat-ch up quick: DSM resident Gary Dickey took videos, including one clip that shows it pooping before trotting towards a creek that runs along George Flagg Parkway near Water Works Park.

CO2 pipeline opponents seek federal moratorium

Federal regulators are hosting a two-day conference in downtown DSM next week.

Federal regulators are hosting a two-day conference about carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline safety at the downtown DSM Marriott next week.Why it matters: Opposition to pipeline projects that would transport CO2 across Iowa and much of the Midwest has been building for months.

Des Moines' newest residents: Cotton-top tamarins

Zoologists hope the pair of cotton-top tamarins reproduce as part of a species survival plan.

A pair of cotton-top tamarins have been added to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blank Park Zoo&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.blankparkzoo.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.blankparkzoo.com/" target="_blank">Blank Park Zoo&#x27;s</a> exhibits, officials announced yesterday.<ul><li>They&#x27;re a critically-endangered primate species native to Colombia.</li></ul>

Unique places to stay: An onion farm in Ames

Onion Creek Farm is dedicated to sustainability.

If you&#x27;re looking for a unique weekend getaway, stay at an enchanting vegetable farm in Ames dedicated to sustainability.Flashback: For decades, a piece of land by Onion Creek was grazed by cattle, leaving little vegetation on the forested floodplain.

Doobie Brothers, Rob Zombie tickets on sale for $25

It's part of a Concert Week promotion through Live Nation.

Tickets to see Rob Zombie or The Doobie Brothers go on sale this week for just $25, Chris Connolly, GM of the Iowa Events Center, tells Axios.Why it matters: The promotion comes at a time when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ticket prices have skyrocketed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/06/why-concerts-expensive-tickets" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/06/why-concerts-expensive-tickets" target="_self">ticket prices have skyrocketed</a>.

Blindfolded dinner aims to teach about visual impairments

The Harkin Institute is hosting "Dining in the Dark" on May 9.

The Harkin Institute is hosting a blindfolded dinner to help diners learn first-hand some of the experiences people with disabilities go through.State of play: &quot;Dining in the Dark&quot; is part of the institute&#x27;s inaugural two-day summit focusing on people with disabilities and innovation.

Illustration of a place setting with a plate in the shape of Iowa.

Pella Tulip Time: 3 things to know before you go

The annual three-day tulip festival starts Thursday.

Pella&#x27;s annual Tulip Time festival starts Thursday, drawing in an expected 150,000 people for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three-day event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitpella.com/tulip_time/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitpella.com/tulip_time/" target="_blank">three-day event</a>.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s some tips if you plan on driving down for the festivities:</li></ul>

3 unique Airbnb getaways near Des Moines

Looking for a fun weekend trip? Here are some stays that are talkers.

If you&#x27;re looking to save yourself the hassle of flying this summer but still want a special vacation, there&#x27;s plenty of unique Airbnb spots close to our metro.Why it matters: Airlines, aviation officials and the TSA are all telegraphing an alarming message for travelers: Flying is shaping up to be an absolute nightmare, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/23/airlines-summer-travel-southwest-delays-airports" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/23/airlines-summer-travel-southwest-delays-airports" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick reports</a>.

Des Moines' south side Italian restaurants react to new Olive Garden

The national chain opened its third metro location on Monday.

Des Moines&#x27; south side has a vibrant history of Italian heritage, including the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa and a 120-year-old Italian<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" grocery store" data-vars-click-url="https://grazianobrothers.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://grazianobrothers.com/" target="_blank"> grocery store</a>.<ul><li>And now you can add to that list ... Olive Garden.</li></ul>

Early Bird expanding popular brunch restaurant to Ankeny

The menu will mirror that of the first location in West Des Moines, including "hash holes."

Early Bird is opening a second metro location in Ankeny this summer, owner Kendall Owen tells Axios.State of play: The funky brunch restaurant is planning to open in August at 1520 South Ankeny Boulevard.

Cottage cheese goes from old curdles to new trendy food

The dairy product last peaked in the 1970s.

Get ready to welcome cottage cheese with open arms — the dairy dish long associated with grandma&#x27;s house and diets is experiencing a trendy revitalization.Driving the news: Thanks to unique recipes popularized on Instagram and TikTok, cottage cheese is making a comeback after long living in the shadows of yogurt.

Steve McFadden's Grumpy Goat and Boomer's both sold to new owners

Grumpy Goat in Ankeny and Boomer's Bicycle Lounge in WDM were sold to new owners.

Steve McFadden, a controversial local restaurateur, recently sold two of his restaurants.Driving the news: Grumpy Goat Tavern in Ankeny and Boomer&#x27;s Bicycle Lounge in West Des Moines sold to new owners who are transforming the locations into different restaurants.

Fong's offers stuffed artichoke pizza for LGBTQ+ fundraiser

$1 from each of these pies sold through May is donated to the Trevor Project.

👋 Jason here. I couldn&#x27;t resist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fong&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://fongspizza.com/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fongspizza.com/" target="_blank">Fong&#x27;s Pizza</a> special of the month: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stuffed artichoke" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/100064371326621/posts/pfbid02gLKvMHHHXshjgCjAQ9VVBazqgt53Nf8Xa81zjerneC1SNU3tXri9PUwd6rbau2tul/?app=fbl" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/100064371326621/posts/pfbid02gLKvMHHHXshjgCjAQ9VVBazqgt53Nf8Xa81zjerneC1SNU3tXri9PUwd6rbau2tul/?app=fbl" target="_blank">Stuffed artichoke</a>.<ul><li>It&#x27;s made with a citrus cream cheese base with chunks of pancetta and topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and mozzarella cheese.</li></ul>

Downtown Farmers' Market has nearly two dozen new vendors

The 2023 Downtown Farmers&#x27; Market launches Saturday with nearly two dozen<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" new vendors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dsmpartnership.com/desmoinesfarmersmarket/vendor-list" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dsmpartnership.com/desmoinesfarmersmarket/vendor-list" target="_blank"> new vendors</a>.Zoom in: The newbies include two coffee spots, beef from<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Herd 77" data-vars-click-url="https://herd77.com/pages/our-farmers" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://herd77.com/pages/our-farmers" target="_blank"> Herd 77</a> and handcrafted candy from<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Fritz Toffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fritztoffeeco.com/?fbclid=IwAR0M3qEsdt03pfQsCAmhkip_DdDl6jaMVgx11bw9avJ01Cx1JYKj0Ses774" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fritztoffeeco.com/?fbclid=IwAR0M3qEsdt03pfQsCAmhkip_DdDl6jaMVgx11bw9avJ01Cx1JYKj0Ses774" target="_blank"> Fritz Toffee</a>.

Skatepark vandalism leads to reduced bathroom access

2 things to eat under $5 at the Des Moines Farmers' Market

Des Moines anticipates 20K cemetery visitors this Memorial Day

Des Moines' gas prices are cheaper this Memorial Day

Des Moines reporter picks

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