Polk County health officials are warning folks not to plan on doing a lot of outside activity today in central Iowa. Temperatures are expected to hit their highest levels so far this summer, with the mercury reaching 97 degrees by 5 this afternoon. The heat index could hit 110.
Iowa could get more than 40 percent of its electricity from the wind by 2020, according to a new report. The American Wind Energy Association says fully developing Iowa’s wind energy would save more than 3-and-a-half billion dollars in electricity bills through 2050.
Home sales were down last month from May in the greater Des Moines area…but up by 16 percent from the same time last year. Not as many homes were on the market, but prices remained above last year’s number at 178-thousand-500 dollars as the median.
Another plan for a self-contained artists community in Des Moines is in the pipeline again…Justin Mandelbaum wants to bring to his Court Avenue district project a movie theatre, 32-story residential tower, jazz club and parking ramp. He’s presenting his 85-million dollar idea to the city council today.
The Hot Lotto fraud trial of a former lottery security officer may not start today as scheduled. State prosecutors have filed a motion for a delay of Eddie Tipton’s trial because of a flurry of motions submitted by Tipton’s lawyers. Tipton is accused of fixing the game in 2010 to get himself a winning ticket worth millions.
Des Moines utility customers will have to wait a couple of months before getting a refund of an illegal fee collected by the city. The court decided that ratepayers will have to fill out claim forms once they’re sent, and the claims will then be processed by a consulting firm. The court had ordered the city to refund 40 million dollars in the case.
Hundreds of school transportation experts will gather today in Des Moines to share information for the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association State Conference. The seminars run through Wednesday at the Holiday Inn Airport and Conference Center.
A billboard campaign aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and decreasing mistrust of the Muslim community has been launched in Iowa and 13 other states. Four billboards have been set up so far in the state as part of the “Why Islam?” campaign. Organizers say they’re not trying to convert anyone, it’s only a tool for outreach.
Ankeny’s Summerfest over the weekend drew in a crowd, despite a bout of thunderstorms and broiling heat. The event included music, food, carnival rides, a beer garden and fireworks.
