The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is asking for help as it deals with a sudden boom in the number of puppies it is caring for. The 98-year-old nonprofit said in a news release on Thursday that it currently has “130+ more puppies than we did at this time last year.” “The surge is […]
Central Iowa
Posted inFood & Drink
LV Recommends: The Bartender’s Handshake, an intimate place for a cozy cocktail in Des Moines
For 2024, “stale, cheesy cocktail bars” are out and “vibey, modern cocktail bars” are in. The Bartender’s Handshake located on Ingersoll in Des Moines is no stranger to the latter. Walking in, you’re greeted with moody lighting and the soft murmur of both conversation and music that elicits speakeasy vibes. The bartender behind the beautifully […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Court battle over public art piece in Des Moines park reaches ‘unsatisfying status quo’
“Greenwood Pond: Double Site,” the large-scale work of public art that has been part of Greenwood Park in Des Moines since 1996, will remain in place following the decision of the federal judge on Friday to issue a preliminary injunction stopping the Des Moines Art Center from dismantling and removing its wooden structures. The large-scale installation […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Drake University to eliminate three academic programs to aid in balancing budget
Drake University will eliminate three programs as part of efforts to make up budget deficits, the university announced Monday. University President Marty Martin said in a message to campus that the religion major, East Asian studies minor and evidence-based health care graduate certificate will be discontinued. The 14 students in the programs will be given […]
Posted inCommunity/News
City Nature Challenge returns to Iowa City and Des Moines this weekend
More than 700 communities around the world will participate in the City Nature Challenge this weekend, including Johnson County and Polk County. It’s a four-day long event that starts Friday and concludes at midnight on Monday, during which time volunteers take photos of any “WILD plants and animals in backyards, in parks, along city streets, […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Judge orders Des Moines Art Center halt plans to remove a major public art work without the artist’s consent
On Monday, a federal judge in Des Moines issued a temporary restraining order stopping the Des Moines Art Center from dismantling and removing a work of public art that has been part of the city’s Greenwood Park for 36 years. “Greenwood Pond: Double Site” was created by renowned New York-based land artist Mary Miss for […]
Posted inCentral Iowa Community/News
Photos: DSM Trans Lives Festival
In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility, the First Unitarian Church in Des Moines held the fourth annual Trans Lives Festival on Saturday, March 30. The all-ages event showcased the creative work of transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming adults and youth from around Iowa.
Posted inCentral Iowa Arts & Entertainment
Photo Gallery: Benefit for Iowa Abortion Access Fund
The Benefit for Iowa Abortion Access Fund presented by Ryan O’Rein, unfolded on Saturday, March 23 at xBk in Des Moines. The event showcased a diverse lineup of local bands, including The Other Brothers, Dickie, Munk Rivers, Allegra Hernandez, Mr. Softheart, and The Deeves, all rallying behind the cause. Attendees contributed through free-will donations, knowing […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Photo Gallery: Chappell Roan at Val Air Ballroom
Photos from Chappell Roan at Val Air Ballroom on Sunday, March 17. Roan is currently on tour with Olivia Rodrigo and made a solo stop in Des Moines. The LA-based singer, songwriter and performer hit the stage to perform to an enthusiastic sold-out crowd. Five Midwest drag performers opened the show, and fans were decked […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Mississippi politician who smashed the Satanic Temple display at the Iowa Capitol seeks to have hate crime charge dismissed
The Mississippi politician who traveled to Des Moines in December to destroy the holiday display set up by the Satanic Temple (TST) in the rotunda of the Iowa State Capitol is seeking to have the hate crime charge for his actions dismissed. On Friday, the attorney for Michael Cassidy filed a motion in Polk County […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘Our joy is resistance’: Des Moines church to host fourth Trans Lives Festival on March 30
Within the first weeks of 2024 and the current Iowa legislative session, dozens of bills were introduced posing threats to the safety, healthcare access and legal recognition of transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming children and adults. As the fight against these bills continues to rage inside the State Capitol, the First Unitarian Church of Des […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Legendary pro skater, punk rocker and Des Moines local Mike Vallely is living his teenage dream
Growing up in New Jersey in the 1970s and ’80s, Mike Vallely was, of course, aware of skateboarding. But it didn’t seem approachable. Popular culture presented it as something made for Californians with nice tans and well-built bodies who wanted to show off and do handstands on their boards. So Vallely didn’t pay it much […]
