For over 15 years, Brenda Tran’s cafe has served Vietnamese and Chinese staples to the Merle Hay patron. But as developers plan to close the food court, Tran now awaits an inevitable 60-day notice to vacate the premises — and an uncertain future. “If I give up,” she said, “I feel like I’m betraying myself.”
Central Iowa
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘What’s more I-O-W-A, Americana, “76 Trombones” than a marching band?’: Iowa Pride Ensembles are making noise all June
“We didn’t know what to expect,” said co-founder Amanda Thomas-Murphy. “We said we would be happy if 10 people performed with us, but the response was huge! So many members of the community from all over the state stepped up, participated and made our first Pride season amazing.”
Posted inCommunity/News
The Blazing Saddle is home to leather daddies, lesbians, cowboys, queens and queer elders who can remember a Des Moines before Pride
The Blazing Saddle is open 365 days a year, but a Thursday afternoon at the bar is very different from a Friday or Saturday night. The doors open at 2 p.m., and the bar quickly fills with men, most at retirement age or approaching it. They’ll drink a few beers, or a cup of coffee, […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: ‘Clumsy’ stepsisters, magical fairies and ballroom tableaus help give Ballet Des Moines a happy ending to the season
Ballet Des Moines brought Sergei Prokofiev’s Cinderella to the Des Moines Civic Center earlier this month, a timeless tale made for the big stage. This charming production drew audiences of all ages, thanks in great part to their community ticketing program, a partnership with Iowa libraries that has introduced ballet to hundreds of library patrons throughout their season.
Posted inCommunity/News
In July 1933, Bonnie and Clyde’s gang hid out at an Iowa amusement park — and were nearly killed in a shootout with police
Americans have always had a soft spot for flamboyant, devil-may-care criminals and the tales of their escapades and fast living. Add in a doomed love affair, and you’ve really got an enduring hit. The infamous Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were together just a few short years, meeting in January 1930 and dying in a […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Crow Tow keeps getting contracts in Polk County, despite years of consumer complaints. Some officials are calling for an overhaul.
On Feb. 23, the Des Moines City Council voted 5-2 to extend its contract with the controversial towing outfit Crow Tow, which has had the city’s towing contract since 2019. This reignited the public debate on local and state towing laws, which are among the loosest in the nation. Crow Tow has been accused of […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Review: Bar Martinez boasts thoughtful cocktails, an intimate space and a bathroom fit for the pope
I’m in a bathroom in Highland Park at 11 p.m. on a Friday night. The walls are painted deep red, and the room is lit almost exclusively by prayer candles. Pictures of Jesus line the walls, including one shadowbox image backlit by a single bulb. A black toilet looms in the corner, directly opposite a […]
Posted inCommunity/News
In Des Moines, JD Vance calls Iran war a ‘little blip in the Middle East,’ Zach Nunn compares pain at the pump to sacrifice of Gold Star families
“My friends, this is not a normal election,” Vice President JD Vance said near the end of his speech at a campaign rally in Des Moines Tuesday. “This is not a normal political environment.” Vance then demonstrated a major reason why this is not a normal political environment. Republicans who follow the lead of Donald […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Searching for ‘something more,’ Sara Routh left L.A. to return to Iowa. Now, making music is a family affair
Des Moines singer-songwriter Sara Routh lives her life with a passion, anchored by her love of music, family and making music with family. She also performs a rad acoustic cover of “Killing in the Name.” Routh shared her story with Little Village with a trademark candor also found in her songwriting and live shows. Talk […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Blood, sweat and jeers: Pro wrestlers with central Iowa’s 3XW open up about the thrill of the ring
Between tribute bands, themed raves and touring acts, Des Moines venue Wooly’s hosts events produced by 3XWrestling, an independent wrestling promotion company based in Central Iowa, active since 2005. I attended 3XW’s bout on Friday, March 6 for a crash course in kayfabe.
Posted inCommunity/News
Judge orders hearing for ICE detainee in Polk County Jail after immigration officials fail to comply with two previous orders for a hearing
For the third time, a judge in Iowa has ordered the federal government to provide a bond hearing for a truck driver detained 10 weeks ago by the Iowa State Patrol and immigration officials. U.S. District Judge Stephen H. Locher ruled this week that the government must provide a hearing at which truck driver Suraj […]
Posted inBook Reviews
Fully Booked at DMPL: Prose books authored by poets
I am a lifelong poetry lover. It began with my Shel Silverstein obsession as a child and carried through into my adulthood, as I discovered amazing poets like Lucille Clifton, Sharon Olds and Sandra Cisneros. I love poetry the same way I love short stories; it’s incredible the way a skilled writer can distill complex emotions […]
