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Des Moines is trying to save the University of Commerce building

An adjacent project would create more public parking in Highland Park.

News

The Des Moines City Council recently allocated $750,000 in federal funding for the historic rehabilitation of the University of Commerce building in Highland Park.Why it matters: The project would add apartments and storefront space, another potential boost to the business district&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing comeback" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/20/scoops-beth-highland-park-comeback" data-vars-content-id="64491978-edd3-4da8-82bc-a9e0b3982381" data-vars-headline="Des Moines is trying to save the University of Commerce building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/20/scoops-beth-highland-park-comeback" target="_self">ongoing comeback</a>.

West Des Moines plans to rebuild Crossroads Skatepark

The council will vote on approving the funds on April 20.

After removing aging infrastructure at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Crossroads Skatepark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/14/1433" data-vars-content-id="b871bddb-a837-4cd0-8adf-ed3a2694e608" data-vars-headline="West Des Moines plans to rebuild Crossroads Skatepark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/14/1433" target="_blank">Crossroads Skatepark</a> last year, West Des Moines Parks and Recreation is ready to rebuild it.Why it matters: While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Legion Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/180/1433" data-vars-content-id="b871bddb-a837-4cd0-8adf-ed3a2694e608" data-vars-headline="West Des Moines plans to rebuild Crossroads Skatepark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/180/1433" target="_blank">American Legion Park</a> and Lauridsen Skatepark have features for more advanced skaters, the rebuild will focus on beginner and intermediate skaters.

DART is dropping about half its bus stops

The transit agency is betting that fewer stops and faster rides will improve the system.

DART is cutting about half its bus stops as it rolls out a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redesigned network" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/09/03/dart-proposes-cutting-27-bus-routes-to-10-in-a-major-redesign" data-vars-content-id="91dc10cf-5a92-415e-81db-145051f42d03" data-vars-headline="DART is dropping about half its bus stops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/09/03/dart-proposes-cutting-27-bus-routes-to-10-in-a-major-redesign" target="_self">redesigned network</a> this summer, ending Des Moines&#x27; status as one of the top cities in the U.S. for close bus stop spacing.Why it matters: DART is betting that wider stop spacing will improve service and expand access to jobs — even as some riders lose nearby stops.

How former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack starts his day

Vilsack's mornings are packed before he heads into work as the World Food Prize Foundation CEO.

Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack is learning a second language, reading Shakespeare, and practicing piano — all before he even starts his duties as the World Food Prize Foundation CEO.<ul><li>But most importantly, he&#x27;s attending Mass first thing in the morning.</li></ul>

Warehouse project near DSM backup water source moves forward

West Des Moines Water Works is working to protect the future drinking water source.

A West Des Moines developer can move forward with a warehouse project near a future drinking water source after agreeing to environmental safeguards.Why it matters: The project is across from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Purple Martin Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ciww.gov/news-1/water-source-protection-week%3A-purple-martin-lake" data-vars-content-id="b9a3038c-fe35-4b87-af8c-e8a776da673c" data-vars-headline="Warehouse project near DSM backup water source moves forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ciww.gov/news-1/water-source-protection-week%3A-purple-martin-lake" target="_blank">Purple Martin Lake</a>, a public recreation area and future backup drinking water source for when the Des Moines area experiences drought and high nitrate levels.

Des Moines metro taps backup water early amid nitrate concerns

Central Iowa Water Works is using its nitrate filtration system early.

As summer nears, officials from Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) and Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) are warning residents and businesses that the ability to filter drinking water fast enough remains a concern.Why it matters: This winter marked only the second time CIWW has activated its nitrate removal facility during these typically slower months, and the pace isn&#x27;t going down.

Iowa lawmakers push data center transparency

A new bill would require public reports on data center water and energy use.

Business

Iowa lawmakers want to know exactly how much water and energy the state&#x27;s booming data center industry is consuming.Why it matters: Iowa has become a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="magnet for data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/04/28/the-midwest-s-data-center-boom" data-vars-content-id="9d900c93-9b79-4fd0-acab-a9e75eef0878" data-vars-headline="Iowa lawmakers push data center transparency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/04/28/the-midwest-s-data-center-boom" target="_self">magnet for data centers</a>, but the infrastructure needed to power and cool these facilities puts pressure on the state&#x27;s electric grid and water supply, which can get passed on to homeowners.

Iowa's only native hare is steadily disappearing

The white-tailed jackrabbit is disappearing as its habitat goes away.

Iowa&#x27;s only native hare is steadily losing population in the state due to farmland shifting from small grain crops to majority corn and soybeans over the decades.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="white-tailed jackrabbit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iowadnr.gov/media/6997/download?inline" data-vars-content-id="1d31afef-077b-4ded-b046-375f1bb7ca0e" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s only native hare is steadily disappearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iowadnr.gov/media/6997/download?inline" target="_blank">white-tailed jackrabbit</a>, once common across northwest and north-central Iowa, now barely registers on the state Department of Natural Resources&#x27; annual statewide surveys.

Iowans requested a record number of nitrate test kits in 2025

The state experienced high nitrate levels following rainfall after years of drought.

Environment

Iowans flooded a national water quality testing program in 2025, as public concerns regarding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high nitrate levels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/06/26/polk-county-water-report-river-nitrate-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="00df5de2-0b49-43a3-bf8f-d0c410695e9c" data-vars-headline="Iowans requested a record number of nitrate test kits in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/06/26/polk-county-water-report-river-nitrate-des-moines" target="_self">high nitrate levels</a> peaked in the state.State of play: The Izaak Walton League of America&#x27;s (IWLA) citizen nitrate watch program experienced a &quot;record-shattering&quot; number of kit requests last year, driven by high demand from Iowans, says Heather Wilson of IWLA.

Urbandale saves $22,500 through solar panels

The carbon-free energy route has saved the city on electricity costs.

About 450 solar panels on top of Urbandale&#x27;s maintenance facility have saved the city around $22,500 annually on its electricity bill, per the city.Flashback: In May 2024, Urbandale installed a large-scale solar panel system on top of its Parks &amp; Public Works Maintenance Facility, costing about $500,000.

Report: Big Ag is to blame for Iowa's poor water quality

A Bloomberg story investigates how powerful lobbyists are controlling Iowa's waterways.

Iowa&#x27;s most powerful farm lobby is under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fresh scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KXOO3gK5wo" data-vars-content-id="1c2589c4-b774-4193-ae31-b2855c108041" data-vars-headline="Report: Big Ag is to blame for Iowa&#x27;s poor water quality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KXOO3gK5wo" target="_blank">fresh scrutiny</a> in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bloomberg investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-09-03/big-agriculture-is-stopping-polluted-water-from-being-cleaned-in-iowa?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc1ODEzMzI0NywiZXhwIjoxNzU4NzM4MDQ3LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUMjBCU1RHUEwzV1QwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJDQjM5NzBFMThBOTA0NzU5QUM2NTI2RDBGOEE1OTdBQyJ9.E-iYl9k9PsceiEltTn9HSJJtf1Y0QaDFbkrRQoNA9mI&amp;leadSource=uverify%20wall" data-vars-content-id="1c2589c4-b774-4193-ae31-b2855c108041" data-vars-headline="Report: Big Ag is to blame for Iowa&#x27;s poor water quality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-09-03/big-agriculture-is-stopping-polluted-water-from-being-cleaned-in-iowa?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc1ODEzMzI0NywiZXhwIjoxNzU4NzM4MDQ3LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUMjBCU1RHUEwzV1QwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJDQjM5NzBFMThBOTA0NzU5QUM2NTI2RDBGOEE1OTdBQyJ9.E-iYl9k9PsceiEltTn9HSJJtf1Y0QaDFbkrRQoNA9mI&amp;leadSource=uverify%20wall" target="_blank">Bloomberg investigation</a> into its influence on water policy.Why it matters: Researchers have stated that Iowa&#x27;s drinking water sources are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasingly polluted by nitrates from fertilizer and manure runoff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/30/nitrate-risk-iowa-drinking-water" data-vars-content-id="1c2589c4-b774-4193-ae31-b2855c108041" data-vars-headline="Report: Big Ag is to blame for Iowa&#x27;s poor water quality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/30/nitrate-risk-iowa-drinking-water" target="_self">increasingly polluted by nitrates from fertilizer and manure runoff</a>, and even low levels have been linked to health issues and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="higher water bill costs for customers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/08/14/lawn-watering-rates-des-moines-central-iowa" data-vars-content-id="1c2589c4-b774-4193-ae31-b2855c108041" data-vars-headline="Report: Big Ag is to blame for Iowa&#x27;s poor water quality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/08/14/lawn-watering-rates-des-moines-central-iowa" target="_self">higher water bill costs for customers</a>.

Iowa can learn water quality lessons from Minnesota, activists say

Environmental activists say laws in Minnesota could also help Iowa's water quality.

Iowans worried about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nitrate-laced water" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/30/nitrate-risk-iowa-drinking-water" data-vars-content-id="16f06618-575a-4509-b5ef-c89bcd8da225" data-vars-headline="Iowa can learn water quality lessons from Minnesota, activists say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/30/nitrate-risk-iowa-drinking-water" target="_self">nitrate-laced water</a> may have lessons to learn from Minnesota, where enforceable farm rules contrast with Iowa&#x27;s more voluntary approach, according to environmental activists.Why it matters: Health experts have expressed concerns that even a little bit of nitrates can contribute to long-term health consequences, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="like premature births and cancers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/30/nitrate-risk-iowa-drinking-water" data-vars-content-id="16f06618-575a-4509-b5ef-c89bcd8da225" data-vars-headline="Iowa can learn water quality lessons from Minnesota, activists say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/30/nitrate-risk-iowa-drinking-water" target="_self">like premature births and cancers</a>.

Iowa defies trend with cheaper electricity amid AI boom

Ending wind tax breaks could cause higher bills, some warn.

Iowa&#x27;s electricity prices decreased over the past year, while most other states experienced increases.Why it matters: Keeping rates affordable is crucial as the state emerges as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a hub for energy-intensive industries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/04/28/the-midwest-s-data-center-boom" data-vars-content-id="c8e1a49f-fa71-4c54-bd50-0bf964463e2f" data-vars-headline="Iowa defies trend with cheaper electricity amid AI boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/04/28/the-midwest-s-data-center-boom" target="_self">a hub for energy-intensive industries</a> like AI-powered data centers and cryptocurrency mining.<ul><li>Clean energy advocates warn that the phase-out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wind and solar tax breaks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/08/trump-executive-order-solar-wind-credits" data-vars-content-id="c8e1a49f-fa71-4c54-bd50-0bf964463e2f" data-vars-headline="Iowa defies trend with cheaper electricity amid AI boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/08/trump-executive-order-solar-wind-credits" target="_self">wind and solar tax breaks</a> could disrupt the movement and cause <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="higher utility bills" data-vars-click-url="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/06/06/clean-energy-tax-cuts-in-reconciliation-budget-would-stall-renewable-energy-projects-in-iowa/" data-vars-content-id="c8e1a49f-fa71-4c54-bd50-0bf964463e2f" data-vars-headline="Iowa defies trend with cheaper electricity amid AI boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/06/06/clean-energy-tax-cuts-in-reconciliation-budget-would-stall-renewable-energy-projects-in-iowa/" target="_blank">higher utility bills</a>.</li></ul>

How Des Moines residents can test their drinking water

These are a few tips for how Des Moines residents can learn more about their water.

Residents who want to know more about their drinking water or lower their nitrate consumption can take a few steps, says Heather Wilson of the Izaak Walton League.Why it matters: Central Iowa Water Works runs one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="world&#x27;s largest public nitrate filtration systems," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/06/26/polk-county-water-report-river-nitrate-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="e929d91a-1f29-4347-8ddd-09122ba1e88e" data-vars-headline="How Des Moines residents can test their drinking water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/06/26/polk-county-water-report-river-nitrate-des-moines" target="_self">world&#x27;s largest public nitrate filtration systems,</a> but research increasingly suggests that levels well below the current federal standards it follows may be unhealthy.

A small multiples line chart showing white-tailed jackrabbit sightings and habitat loss in Iowa from 1962 to 2025. Average roadside sightings have declined from a peak of 0.6 per 30 miles in 1967 to near-zero in 2025. The rabbit's small-grain habitat has similarly declined, from a peak of nearly 3 million acres in 1962 to 73,000 in 2025.

White-tailed jackrabbit sightings and habitat loss in Iowa

Data: Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Note: Sightings gathered during annual August roadside survey; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/Axios