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Roundabouts proposed for Des Moines' Southwest Ninth Street

Over 500 crashes were reported along the corridor in five years.

News

Des Moines is considering its most significant overhaul of southwest Ninth Street in decades — including two roundabouts and a direct sidewalk connection across the Raccoon River to finally link neighborhoods with downtown.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of the south side&#x27;s busiest and most crash-prone streets.

Des Moines plans evening golfing at Waveland Golf Course

Musco Lighting could install new lighting equipment to allow evening golfing.

The city of Des Moines wants to install lights on nine holes at Waveland Golf Course to extend playing hours into the evening.Why it matters: The project would open up tee times and generate more revenue, city staff say, though some nearby residents are concerned about light pollution and transparency.

Des Moines might buy adjacent buildings after Odd Fellows deal crumbles

A larger redevelopment package would be more likely to save the buildings, the city says.

The city of Des Moines is seeking to purchase three historic buildings adjacent to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Highland Park&#x27;s Odd Fellows Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/08/05/historic-highland-park-building-could-be-saved" data-vars-content-id="05a6aa3d-1ae2-4f99-9496-ec7e4220c11f" data-vars-headline="Des Moines might buy adjacent buildings after Odd Fellows deal crumbles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/08/05/historic-highland-park-building-could-be-saved" target="_self">Highland Park&#x27;s Odd Fellows Hall</a>.Why it matters: An effort to redevelop the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="landmark building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/economic_development/200_euclid_avenue.php" data-vars-content-id="05a6aa3d-1ae2-4f99-9496-ec7e4220c11f" data-vars-headline="Des Moines might buy adjacent buildings after Odd Fellows deal crumbles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/economic_development/200_euclid_avenue.php" target="_blank">landmark building</a> fell through last year.

Drake's Greek Street could become "Agha Street"

The name is for the past president of Drake's now-closed Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

Drake University&#x27;s Greek Street would be honorarily named &quot;Agha Street&quot; under a request being considered by city leaders.Catch up quick: Agha Noor Ahmed Khan was one of the last presidents of Drake&#x27;s Phi Gamma Delta fraternity before it closed late last year.

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.

Experts warn Des Moines' water nitrate standards may not be enough

A report finds that 5mg/L nitrate levels are linked to health issues, including preterm births

Central Iowa Water Works (CIWW) 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="b2cc5320-2be5-4c66-a105-6ce04aeb8019" data-vars-headline="Experts warn Des Moines&#x27; water nitrate standards may not be enough" 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.Why it matters: The metro&#x27;s tap water has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently exceeded" data-vars-click-url="https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/media/lixlchbz/ciswra-currents-of-change_final-scientific-assessment-of-source-water-research-report_jun272025.pdf#page=135" data-vars-content-id="b2cc5320-2be5-4c66-a105-6ce04aeb8019" data-vars-headline="Experts warn Des Moines&#x27; water nitrate standards may not be enough" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/media/lixlchbz/ciswra-currents-of-change_final-scientific-assessment-of-source-water-research-report_jun272025.pdf#page=135" target="_blank">frequently exceeded</a> 5 mg/L of nitrates for decades — only half the federal limit that the metro is already struggling to stay under.

Ethanol's role in Iowa's nitrate crisis

80% of river nitrates come from ag sources like corn, soy and fertilizer.

The state is at a crossroads of having some of the world&#x27;s best farmland — but also the pollutants that come from working it.Why it matters: A scientific report commissioned by Polk County and released this month found that 80% of the nitrates entering the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers come from agricultural sources.