Toon’d In Art Show: 50th Anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons, The Fremont, Des Moines, Saturday, July 13, 6-10 p.m., Free A golden age for small indie art shows flourished from 2008 to 2021, when the now-defunct Des Moines Social Club was bursting with activity. It was an epicenter for all arts disciplines, including several small, […]
Central Iowa
Posted inFood & Drink
LV Recommends: NewBo’s newest Mexican restaurant, Cafe Tacuba, boasts a full breakfast menu, guac flights, decadent coffee and more
When Fong’s Pizza closed their Cedar Rapids doors in November 2022, their absence left a crab rangoon pizza-shaped hole in the New Bohemian district. The building sat empty for a short stint, until Oswaldo Aguirre and Ariel Barrios saw their opportunity to fill that hole with tacos, enchiladas and guacamole flights. Cafe Tacuba was born. […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Thieves target Pride flags flying at homes in Des Moines, Project Rainbow reports
Progress Pride flags have been stolen from yards in Des Moines over the past two weeks. The flags are from Project Rainbow of Iowa, which distributes Progress Pride flags to people in Polk County and the surrounding area, so they can fly them at their homes to show support for the LGBTQ community during Pride […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Drake University expands diversity, equity, inclusion and justice programs as public universities shrink theirs
As colleges and universities across Iowa are being encouraged, or even required, to restructure or eliminate diversity, equity, inclusion and justice programs, Drake University is expanding and promoting its efforts. Drake officials say the university is continuing its decade-long work of expanding DEI efforts on campus with a new initiative to foster a greater sense […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Des Moines area food banks see a record-breaking surge in people needing assistance as June begins
Food banks always see an increase in the number of people who need help at the beginning of summer, as school vacations begin and kids no longer have easy access to the meals at school. But even with that expected increase, the surge the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network experienced this week […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Project Rainbow of Iowa has a simple mission with a visible impact
It’s not surprising Project Rainbow of Iowa is getting the attention of local TV news outlets. After all, what the Des Moines-based nonprofit does is literally eye-catching. Project Rainbow delivers Progress Pride flags for people to fly in their yards throughout the month of June, as a statement of support for the LGBTQ community during […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Armed with a Hammond organ (or two), Delvon Lamarr and his trio have a groovy set in store for Des Moines
It only makes sense that at his home in northern Indiana, Delvon Lamarr’s garage is packed full of Hammond B-3 organs. “I had seven, but I just sold one, so now I got six,” Lamarr told me. “I always regret when I get rid of things. I’ve had all kinds of synthesizers and stuff, and […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Des Moines area residents asked to ‘hold off’ on lawn watering as high nitrate levels threaten drinking water supply in Central Iowa
Residents of Iowa’s largest metro area are being advised they “may need to reduce or hold off on lawn watering altogether,” as Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) and Central Iowa Water Works work to ensure the drinking water they provide to more than 20 percent of the population remains safe. The rains in recent months […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Photo Gallery: Des Moines band Munk Rivers at xBk
Des Moines band Munk Rivers brought their self-described “yearn-core” sound to xBk Live in on Tuesday, May 28. Brother and sister duo Tucker and Charlotte Judkins have been performing as a band since February, joined by drummer Izzy Marx and bassist Max Green. Charlotte is the lead vocalist and songwriter, while Tucker serves as the band’s guitarist […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
‘Visibility is education’: Pride Corner becomes part of Des Moines’ East Village
Pride Corner was unveiled in Des Moines’ East Village on Tuesday. All four corners of the intersection of East Grand Avenue and East Fifth Street are painted with curving images of the Progress Pride flag to celebrate the history and the presence of the city’s LGBTQ community. “We hope people will enjoy the beautiful art […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa ethics board fines candidate Melissa Vine and her former campaign manager for illegal contributions
Melissa Vine, a Democrat running in the June 4 primary in Iowa’s 3rd congressional district, and her former campaign manager Lou McDonald were each fined $500 by the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board on Thursday after the board’s investigation found the two made contributions to a state political action committee in other people’s names. […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Photo Gallery: A rock show at the roller rink with Ramona and the Sometimes, Greg Wheeler and the Poly Mall Cops
Des Moines bands Ramona and the Sometimes and Greg Wheeler and the Poly Mall Cops inaugurated Skate South (10494 County Line Rd, Des Moines)’s first rock show on Saturday, May 18. Bands performed from the center of the rink while skaters circled around them, dodging inflatable clouds and disco balls. Be on the lookout for […]
