Ames

Backed by the Department of Energy, Iowa State University researchers are studying how farming the land around solar panels can diversify farm income, boost biodiversity and improve worker safety.

Every summer, Ames' Roosevelt neighborhood puts on Roosevelt Summer Sundays, an evening concert series. The musicians play while the community celebrates and builds just that — community. Attendees pay no admission fee and can hear some of the best Iowa-based and Iowa-adjacent musicians.