June 03, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Feature 1
Beauty can be found among the landscape, wildlife, people, events and communities of Iowa. If anyone has doubts about that, they simply need to peruse the winning photographs of the 16th Annual Keep Iowa Beautiful photography contest, which invites photographers to showcase Iowa’s natural and environmental beauty through their lenses
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June 03, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Feature 2
Fireworks were an annual point of contention on our three-generation family farm. Grandma was agin’em. Grandpa was for’em, as were the four grandkids. Mom was Switzerland on this black powder issue. It was a standoff. Grandma’s vote weighed heavily against all others, but the deciding factor was beyond question: This
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June 03, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Business Feature
As of early 2026, commercial real estate in Des Moines is experiencing a rebound after recent drops in the market. While there are certainly ups and downs, CBRE Broker Ben Probst said the overall market is relatively strong with interest rates beginning to decline after rising in recent years. Demand
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June 03, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Civic Skinny
The Des Moines Register’s latest subscription numbers are in, and they are not pretty. The bad news is not just for the printed editions, but let’s start there. According to a report from Alliance for Audited Media, for the six months ending March 31, 2026, the Sunday Register now has
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June 03, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Political Mercury
Dozens of West Des Moines educators delivered a pointed rebuke of U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, a Valley High School alumna, during a May 16 rally that served as both a public condemnation of her record and a call to action ahead of Iowa’s closely watched U.S. Senate race. The event, organized
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June 03, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Film Review
When the “Mortal Kombat” big-screen reboot bludgeoned its way into the mainstream back in 2021, it carried the weight of a pandemic-weary audience looking for pure, unadulterated escapism. While it offered flashy choreography and a highly anticipated dose of R-rated gore, it ultimately stumbled over its own self-serious tone, an
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June 03, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Food Dude
Knowing that George Formaro’s love of horror stories inspired Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, I used to assume that Gateway Market and Café was named after a bloody piece of American cultural history. The LaBianca family, murdered by Charles Manson’s followers, owned an identically named chain of stores. After all,
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June 03, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Des Moines Forgotten
Exactly two years ago, I was eagerly waiting for the premiere of “The Last American Gay Bar” at the Varsity Cinema here in Des Moines. My closest friends joined me in making this series that told the history of the gay community of this city, along with the untold story
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June 03, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Joe's Neighborhood
Listen, it’s going to look like I’m talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI), but don’t run for the hills, don’t wring your hands, don’t fret. Father’s Day is coming up. So I’m really going to talk about my dad. Trust me. Let’s start with my dad. “Mankind has seen only a
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June 03, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Center Stage
Iowa Stage Theatre Company has a penchant for bringing unique programming through its play selections, and this thoughtfully developed niche of theirs gives Iowa audiences a deep dive into wonderful theatre. Samantha Hurley’s undeniably dark, comedic, brilliant script, “I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire,” is their next journey into great
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