Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 7th of November.
Good morning, Ankeny.
🌲 Environment
NOAA forecasters said a coronal mass ejection is expected to bring colorful auroras to rural areas in Iowa tonight if conditions are favorable—though the bright moon may lessen their visibility.
Authorities are monitoring the storm and do not expect any disruptions to radio or GPS signals.
Yesterday, the Blank Park Zoo broke ground on its new 'Wild Iowa' exhibit that will feature local animals and serve as a rehabilitation program for otters, eagles, and bobcats.
Officials said the $12.4 million project is expected to be finished by 2027 — it also marked the unveiling of a new logo celebrating the zoo’s 60th anniversary.
Last Wednesday, a supermoon lit Iowa skies and looked 14% larger and 30% brighter as it came within 222,000 miles of Earth.
The beaver supermoon—second of three this year—signals the season when beavers begin preparing for winter.
🏛️ Government
Polk County supervisors approved $1 million in emergency funding on Thursday to help feed residents amid the ongoing SNAP suspension—checks were already cut to recipients.
The county allocated $750,000 to the Food Bank of Iowa, $230,000 to the Des Moines Area Religious Council and $20,000 to Caring Hands; officials said they may add funds if the suspension continues.
🏥 Health
In 2024, Mission Cancer + Blood partnered with University of Iowa Health Care to expand statewide clinical trial access for non-Hodgkin large cell lymphoma, and a trial began enrollment in August with one patient receiving treatment.
The program aims to bring cutting-edge cancer care closer to home for Iowans and has approved further trials set for 2026.
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Healthy Hometowns to expand rural health care access for Iowans by investing in new equipment, facilities, and recruiting more health care workers to increase mobile services and cancer screenings.
If fully awarded, the plan will bring $200 million each year over five years—a proposal that also calls for policy changes.
🎉 Ankeny Events
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ASHRAE Iowa Chapter - November Meeting
8 AM – 5 PM — FFA Enrichment Center — Registration fee applies — Explore energy efficiency innovations and network at this informative chapter meeting.
Speakeasy Comedy Special Taping: Darius Daye
7-8:30 p.m. — Java Joes Theater — In-person entry for ages 18+ — Enjoy a night of laughs at this local comedian's special taping.
Ankeny Turkey Trot
8:45 AM – 12:00 PM — DMACC Ankeny Campus — Registration required — Run the inaugural Ankeny Turkey Trot and enjoy delicious donuts at the finish line.
Christmas in Olde Town Celebration
2-7 p.m. — Olde Town Altoona — Free entry — Experience a festive transformation into a winter wonderland filled with community spirit for the holiday season.
Ankeny Christmas Light Trolley Tour
Evening Tour — 1.5-Hour Heated Trolley Ride — Whiskey River Ankeny — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of Christmas lights with festive drinks and post-tour specials.
🏠 Ankeny Real Estate
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📣 Ankeny Announcements
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