After enjoying K-dogs at Naughtea earlier this year, I did not anticipate going back to Ankeny, the mother of all Des Moines suburbs, to peruse a whole new menu of Korean corn dogs and tasty drinks so soon. But there I was on a warm July afternoon — back in Ankeny to try the second […]
Central Iowa
Posted inCentral Iowa
With no word from Indira Sheumaker, Des Moines City Council is officially without a Ward 1 representative
In an Aug. 21 letter to Des Moines City Councilmember Indira Sheumaker, Mayor Frank Cownie asked Sheumaker to explain her “intentions regarding [her] office and the duties of the office at the earliest practicable moment, but in any event, no later than August 28, 2023.” Sheumaker, who represents Ward 1, has not attended any council […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Des Moines mayor gives councilmember, absent since March, a deadline to return or risk removal
Des Moines City Councilmember Indira Sheumaker has not attended any city council meeting or communicated with any city official since March 6. Sheumaker, who represents Ward 1, has also not been in touch with constituents during that time, according to two community groups in the ward. On Monday, Mayor Frank Cownie sent a certified letter […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Eat food from 25 countries at the Des Moines World Food & Music Festival this month
Des Moines World Food & Music Festival is coming early this year, as the 2023 celebration moves from its usual September spot to an August appointment. The festival kicks off Friday, Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. with a naturalization ceremony — during which 100 individuals will gain U.S. citizenship — and from there offers more […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Des Moines to host National Senior Games in 2025
The National Senior Games will make its way to Des Moines in 2025 to showcase the benefits of physicality, competitiveness and active aging for adults over 50 years old. Both Catch Des Moines and the National Senior Games Association (NSGA) are combining efforts to tackle this goal. “I think it’s outstanding,” Catch Des Moines President […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
‘There’s a difference between a safe space and a brave space’: Q&A with Waukee GSA leader Naomi Pittman
Rarely are a student’s biggest bullies the governor and legislature of their state. But that’s the case for many queer K-12 students in Iowa, who are now subject to several laws passed by Iowa’s legislature and signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Plenty of adults and talking heads will gladly share their opinions, but it’s young […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
The National Balloon Classic launches in Indianola this weekend, continuing a five-decade tradition
In popular imagination — or at least in ads trying to exploit people’s imagination — hot air ballooning usually happens above the dramatic landscape of the American southwest or romantic vineyards, never over more prosaic locations like Kalamazoo, Michigan or Indianola, Iowa. But Kalamazoo hosted the first National Hot Air Balloon Championship 60 years ago, […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Q&A: Satomi Hofmann, member of final ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ cast performing in Winterset this weekend
This weekend, veteran The Phantom of the Opera actor Satomi Hofmann is singing the music of the night at the Iowa Theater in Winterset. Visiting with her are Beth Mullaney and Elizabeth Welch, the latter of whom is also an alum of The Phantom of the Opera have played Christine Daaé both on Broadway and […]
Posted inWeekender
Weekender in Central Iowa!
READ THE LATEST | SUPPORT LITTLE VILLAGE | SHOP PERKS THE WEEKENDER Your weekly editor-curated arts compendium Have you been anticipating being engulfed by by sunflowers? Your time is coming at Howells Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch starting 11 a.m. on July 29. Later on that day, enjoy live music, performance previews and a silent auction at the Moberg Gallery […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Cooling centers around the Des Moines metro and Ames
It’s hot. Really hot. On Thursday, around 150 million Americans were under heat alerts, with temperatures across the Midwest exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. “Even those places that are used to extreme heat have never seen as hot as it is now for as long as it’s been,” President Joe Biden said Thursday, directing the Department […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Midwest rapper Nur-D uses his powers for good, drawing wisdom from Fred Hampton, D&D and body positivity
After spending the past five years leveling up in Minneapolis, Matt Allen is rolling for initiative. “The Rolling Initiative Tour is my first ever me-headlining, like, I’m-the-guy tour,” said Allen, a hip-hop artist hailing from Minnesota who performs as Nur-D, a month before his debut tour kicked off. Back in 2019, Allen toured with fellow […]
Posted inWeekender
Weekender Central Iowa! Butter Sculpting | Fireflies at the Arbretum | Broadway Karaoke
READ THE LATEST | SUPPORT LITTLE VILLAGE | SHOP PERKS THE WEEKENDER Your weekly editor-curated arts compendium Need a reason to enjoy the outdooors this weekend? There are many: Here you go! Get ready for next month’s Iowa State Fair and learn how to sculpt butter with Sarah Pratt and the Central Library. Catch a floating light at Family […]
