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Discarded batteries causing fires in Des Moines metro landfills

Improper disposal of rechargeable devices is causing costly damage and safety risks.

News

Discarded vapes, smartphones and electric toothbrushes are becoming some of the biggest hazards in the Des Moines metro&#x27;s solid waste system, prompting fires and causing millions in damage.Why it matters: Lithium batteries are increasingly prevalent in our everyday lives, but improper disposal of rechargeable devices can spark fires in landfills and garbage trucks.

Polk County is exploring sites for homeless family housing

A hotel or other building would be converted to a shelter for temporary housing.

Polk County is working to convert an existing property — likely a hotel or similar building — into a centralized site where families experiencing homelessness can stay temporarily while receiving services to get back on their feet.Why it matters: The county&#x27;s current approach of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="paying for short-term hotel stays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/12/05/homeless-families-hotel-polk-affordable-housing" data-vars-content-id="023d56a3-3edb-4f43-9764-b547146d6eb0" data-vars-headline="Polk County is exploring sites for homeless family housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/12/05/homeless-families-hotel-polk-affordable-housing" target="_self">paying for short-term hotel stays</a> is becoming more expensive and less effective as family homelessness rises and shelters remain full.

West Des Moines plans marathon loop trail across city

The planned 26.2-mile loop would connect the city's existing trails and parks.

West Des Moines city staff want to create a 26.2-mile loop connecting the city&#x27;s existing trails and parks.Why it matters: Running out-and-back can get boring, but a set loop gives outdoor enthusiasts a path to follow and marathon trainers a more interesting training route.Driving the news: West Des Moines Parks and Rec is requesting around $5 million from the city&#x27;s upcoming fiscal budget to fund 15 projects, including several trail connections to complete the Marathon Loop.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Raccoon River East Greenway</h2><figure><img alt="A red line showing a proposed trail from the 1st street rec area, diagnol left into the raccoon river park" height="846" id="769ad0fd-1f45-437c-80f8-9f1be571a439" src="https://images.axios.com/uL8MoSii1gOIDL733V57sOygVPk=/2026/03/20/1774037568115.png" width="1032"/><figcaption>The proposed Raccoon River East Greenway Trail. Map: Courtesy of the city of West Des Moines</figcaption></figure>The 1.5-mile trail would connect Raccoon River Park to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new First Street Recreation Area" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/12/17/polk-county-2026-new-trails-parks" data-vars-content-id="83053068-c961-4ce6-9725-928e8fe29537" data-vars-headline="West Des Moines plans marathon loop trail across city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/12/17/polk-county-2026-new-trails-parks" target="_self">new First Street Recreation Area</a>.<ul><li>That new stretch would also help create a 10K loop at Raccoon River Park. </li><li>$850K is being requested to help finish the trail.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Great Western Trail connection</h2><figure><img alt="A red line showing a proposed trail connection" height="612" id="98aa6f5e-8cd7-4149-8cd9-19ba33dda254" src="https://images.axios.com/vTr3qKPVTMpS8VS4bWezhK_EEuY=/2026/03/20/1774037666268.png" width="736"/><figcaption>A red line showing a proposed trail connection from the Athene Pedestrian Bridge to the Great Western Trail. Map: Courtesy of the city of West Des Moines</figcaption></figure>In another project near Raccoon River Park, city staff are requesting $500K to help connect the new Athene Pedestrian Bridge to the Great Western Trail near the golf course through a new 1-mile trail.<ul><li>The southern part of the loop is the least developed, but a connection to the Great Western Trail provides plenty of miles for both cyclists and runners.</li></ul>Yes, but: The proposed route crosses private land, requiring negotiations with the landowners. That $500K would cover design and land acquisition costs, while construction expenses are expected later.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Valley View Park</h2><figure><img alt="A proposed road on the north side of Valley View Park." height="666" id="c8ec9051-23ba-48d5-ab8a-06102be4d843" src="https://images.axios.com/sbR1YbC0FgGGSIQux0mfV8xd2Rc=/2026/03/20/1774036957623.png" width="1042"/><figcaption>Map: Courtesy of the city of West Des Moines</figcaption></figure>Staff are requesting $600K to help build a road on the north side of Valley View Park — connecting the aquatic center on the east side and the sports courts on the west side near 88th Street.<ul><li>The road will help make the area feel more like one cohesive park. Construction also includes building an adjacent trail.</li></ul>Between the lines: The biggest challenge is completing the southern portion of the loop, which includes constructing a bridge and land acquisition currently on private property, says Marco Alvarez of the Parks and Recreation Department.<ul><li>While the proposed loop provides the most scenic route, city staff have also proposed another way to achieve a marathon loop by including sidewalks alongside major roads like Grand Prairie Parkway and Grand Avenue.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: 14 miles of the loop are complete, with four more planned in the next year or two.<ul><li>The alternate route is expected to be ready by 2028, while there is no timeline for the planned trail.</li></ul>

DSM to join No Kings protest and Palm Sunday march

The third No Kings protest is March 28 at the state Capitol.

Organizers across the U.S. are planning more than 3,000 local events Saturday for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Kings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/17/trump-no-kings-protest-safety-tips" data-vars-content-id="e8beff97-0882-4a4b-8644-6ee72aea611b" data-vars-headline="DSM to join No Kings protest and Palm Sunday march" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/17/trump-no-kings-protest-safety-tips" target="_self">No Kings</a> Day of Nonviolent Action.The big picture: Progressive political groups, labor unions and human and civil rights organizations expect Saturday&#x27;s nationwide demonstrations to surpass last year&#x27;s No Kings rallies in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" data-vars-content-id="e8beff97-0882-4a4b-8644-6ee72aea611b" data-vars-headline="DSM to join No Kings protest and Palm Sunday march" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" target="_self">June</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="October" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" data-vars-content-id="e8beff97-0882-4a4b-8644-6ee72aea611b" data-vars-headline="DSM to join No Kings protest and Palm Sunday march" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" target="_self">October</a>.

Train your brain to spot scams before they strike

Fraud has outgrown the stereotype of a lone phone call from a con artist.  It's now a systemic, organized enterprise that exploits technology, psychology and, most effectively, shame.

Partners

Fraud has outgrown the stereotype of a lone phone call from a con artist.<ul><li>It&#x27;s now a systemic, organized enterprise that exploits technology, psychology and, most effectively, shame.</li></ul>

Discover Edencrest, the vibrant residential community for Iowan seniors

Edencrest provides compassionate senior care in a vibrant residential setting.

Business

Iowa&#x27;s aging population is steadily growing, with projections showing that 40% of Iowans will be over 55 by 2050.Why it&#x27;s important: As demand for senior living increases, the market is becoming more competitive. Families need trusted, locally operated options that offer high-quality care, comfort and continuity — ensuring seniors can stay in their communities, and in the same home, while receiving the support they need at every stage of life.

Meet Grinnell College’s inspiration for Renfrow Hall

Renfrow Hall honors Edith Renfrow Smith’s life as an involved citizen and community leader.

Culture

Descended from mid-19th century freedom seekers, Edith Renfrow Smith was born in Grinnell, Iowa in 1914 and grew up in one of the town&#x27;s oldest Black families.

Seniors deserve more life and fun — here’s how to get it in Iowa

Living your best life at Edencrest in Central Iowa is easy with amenities that give residents everything they need to live freely and creatively.

Meet Edencrest, a senior living community in Central Iowa that leads with the philosophy that everyone should feel comfortable in their home, with access to the support options they need.Why it&#x27;s important: Iowa&#x27;s largest population group is 65+ — and the number of Americans in this group is projected to increase to 82 million by 2050, an unprecedented growth in U.S. history.