Some news from the middle of nowhere. Adventureland Park in Des Moines opens this Saturday. Masks are NOT required.
There are only two Gerstlauer Infinity coasters in North America, and they've got one one of them (the other is at Knots in California), the Monster. It has a beyond vertical 101 degree drop hill, and a night lighting system that changes the track color as the cars roll.
They'll be bringing an S&S Freespin online later this summer, and their other coasters include two woodies, the Outlaw (a CCI design) and the Tornado (the park's original), as well as a Maurer spinner.
Shit, I haven't been to Adventureland in years; got family out that way.
Iowa also recently passed constitutional carry; I still find it funny the flatland of corn and soybeans with a rapidly-developing urbanite population is leaning towards the 'based' end of the spectrum.
For statewide office, the balance is very close but slightly in favor of the GOP. In the districts, 2 (Iowa City) and 3 (Des Moines) are the only places where the democrats are competitive, 1 and 4 are deep red.
But at the state level the GOP has total control over the assembly.
The important thing about Iowa though is the incumbency effect. Iowans love incumbents. This is how Tom Miller (D) has been attorney general since 1979 with only a 4 year break in 91-95 to try for governor, and how Grassley and Harkin coexisted for decades. Iowans love the incumbent, which is why Meeks winning in Loebsack's old district is so big because it'll take years for the democrats to get rid of her.
What I found more interesting was the protests last year. Specifically how they ended with the derecho. Days to weeks without power sucked all the enthusiasm out of the protests and they haven't come back yet.