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Iowa State University broke ground on CyTown, a multimillion-dollar entertainment district planned between Hilton Coliseum and Jack Trice Stadium.

The project aims to boost campus life and community revenue after a year-long delay and is set for completion by 2028.

Iowa State Fair is holding kid-friendly contests and fun events today, with Bubble Gum Blowing at 10:30 a.m. and Big Wheel Races at 11 a.m. while country star Riley Green performs at the Grandstand; tickets + ride discounts are available at the gate.

After high E. coli levels triggered a no-swimming advisory at Big Creek Lake earlier in the summer, Mark Crawford of Big Creek Marina expects customers to return when conditions are safe for water activities — he hopes for a rebound in traffic and boat rentals in time for Labor Day weekend.

A proposed 100,000 sqft data center near the municipal airport is moving through FAA approvals before council votes on a long-term lease with Lightedge (the company behind the plan).

Local officials say it may boost airport revenue while imposing limits on size, water, and noise.

A report from Food Bank of Iowa shows that one in six children faces food insecurity — prompting local groups to plan new food aid programs for at-risk families.

A new central Iowa housing development aims to tackle the state's small-town housing crisis by adding affordable units, officials said.

The project will move forward soon to boost local housing supply.

At the Iowa State Fair, the top three new food contenders were named: Porky Parm Gnocchi (Destination Grille, $14), All-American Scrambled Egg Roll (Winn & Sara's Kitchen, $15) and Ultimate Minneapple Pie (Minneapple Pie, $14).

Fairgoers will vote for the Best New Food on Aug. 21.

Cedar Ridge Vineyard plans to open in the former Americana space in Ames and will start operations soon.