Nomade sculpture returns to Des Moines after monthslong restoration

One of Des Moines most beloved landmarks has returned.

On May 5, crews started reassembling Nomade at the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines. One of the park's most photographed and admired sculptures, it has beenabsent from the park since October2025, when it was removed for conservation work.

Nomade, a crouching human form composed of painted stainless‑steel letters from the Latin alphabet, has been at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park since it opened in September 2009. Spanish artist Jaume Plensa created the 27‑foot‑tall sculpture.

Here's what to know about the return of the Nomade.

What renovations were done to the Nomade?

A team of members from the Des Moines Art Center, professional conservators and Des Moines company specializing in metalwork removed the sculpture from the park and disassembled it bolt by bolt, according to aMay 5 news release.

Afterward, they conducted a thorough inspection, which included 100 hours of sandblasting and meticulous repainting of each surface before reassembling the work.

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There will be a ribbon‑cutting to celebrate Nomade’s return on Wednesday, May 20, at 11:30 a.m. Remarks from Des Moines Art Center staff begin at noon, followed by free guided tours, refreshments and a picnic in the park. Thursday, May 21, is the backup date if weather does not cooperate.

Are more renovations coming to sculptures at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park?

Conservation work on Nomade was the first of a series of conservation efforts happening over the next three years, Amy Day, the senior director of communications and marketing at the Des Moines Art Center, told the Register in 2025.

The Register reported in October 2025 that the Des Moines Art Center received a $113,000 Legacy Grant from Prairie Meadows to preserve Nomade and upgrade the park's security and accessibility. The organization also received $50,000 from The Fred Maytag Family Foundation and launched a $500,000 "Friends of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park" campaign, a multi‑year fundraising effort to protect sculptures across the park and improve security and accessibility, the news release said.

"Thanks to Prairie Meadows' leadership and commitment, we can ensure this beloved space remains welcoming and inspiring for generations to come," Dr. Kelly Baum, John and Mary Pappajohn Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Des Moines Art Center, said in the news release.

Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register:Nomade returns to Des Moines sculpture park after monthslong repairs

byAndy Corry

in

May 10, 2026

Nomade sculpture returns to Des Moines after monthslong restoration

One of Des Moines most beloved landmarks has returned. On May 5, crews started reassembling Nomade at the John and Mary Pappajohn...

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Chaka Khan Dishes on Friendship with 'Brilliant' Sia and How She Became the Singer's 'Godmother' (Exclusive)

Chaka Khan and Sia collaborated on the dance-pop single "Chakzilla," the first release from the "I'm Every Woman" singer's upcoming album

NEED TO KNOW

• Khan tells PEOPLE about how she became Sia's godmother

• "Chaka is the Godzilla of chanteuses alive," Sia tells PEOPLE in a statement

Friendship looks good onChaka KhanandSia.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member's new single "Chakzilla" is out now, and the dance-pop track was written with Sia, who also provides backing vocals, marking their latest collaboration after years of knowing one another.

"The moment we met, we felt like we knew each other forever," Khan, 73, tells PEOPLE of the "Chandelier" singer-songwriter, 50. "She's now my goddaughter. I'm a godmother."

How did Khan become Sia's godmother? "Quite naturally," she explains. "She asked me to be her godmother. I said, 'Absolutely.' Simple as that."

The two artists previously performed "I'm Every Woman" together when Khan was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, and they later collaborated on the song "Immortal Queen" from Sia's 2024 albumReasonable Woman.

"She's got a big, beautiful heart. And she's such a talent," says Khan of Sia. "She's so clever and so smart and a great singer, a great writer. I mean, she's almost perfection when it comes to art. She's brilliant."

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"Chakzilla" serves as the first single off Khan's upcoming album of the same name, which comes out on Friday, Sept. 18 after about "a year and a half" of making the project together with producer Greg Kurstin.

Sia tells PEOPLE in a statement, "Chaka is the Godzilla of chanteuses alive, and it was my honor to collaborate with her on this music!"

The "Cheap Thrills" artist came up with the title of "Chakzilla," according to Khan. "I would've never thought of that," she says. "[Sia is] clever. She comes up with lots of ideas."

In the song's music video, Khan portrays a Godzilla-like "monster of a person" who rebuilds society instead of destroying it. She was inspired to embody the altruistic character "because that's closer to what I am," she says. "I tried to make it true to who I am and what I'm about."

Chakzillawill mark Khan's first new album since 2019'sHello Happiness. "It's a really, really great album, a great CD with great songs. It's going to be on the pop dance side," she explains. "We've got lots of great people collaborating as well."

Read the original article onPeople

byAndy Corry

in

May 10, 2026

Chaka Khan Dishes on Friendship with 'Brilliant' Sia and How She Became the Singer's 'Godmother' (Exclusive)

Chaka Khan and Sia collaborated on the dance-pop single "Chakzilla," the first release from the "I'm Every Woman...

Read More

Here's What the Judges Are Performing at the Season 24 “American Idol” Finale (Exclusive)

The season 24 finale will feature performances by judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie

NEED TO KNOW

• Alicia Keys will serve as the guest mentor and performer alongside a star-studded lineup of musical guests

• The finale will air on Monday, May 11

The season 24 finale ofAmerican Idolis officially stacked with exciting performances.

The episode, which will air on Monday, May 11, will feature performances by judgesCarrie Underwood,Luke BryanandLionel Richie, PEOPLE can exclusively reveal.

Bryan, 49, Richie, 76, and Underwood, 43, will perform "Deep River Woman" by Richie.

Bryan will take the stage solo to perform his new song "Fish Hunt Golf Drink" — and then again with finalist Julián Kalel to perform "A Thousand Miles from Nowhere" by Dwight Yoakam.

Underwood will also take the stage once more for an exciting performance withMötley Crüe.

Idol previously announced its star-studded lineup of finale performers, includingBrad Paisley, Blues Traveler,Cameron Whitcomb,Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Gin Blossoms,Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack,Nelly,ShinedownandTori Kelly.

In addition,Alicia Keyswill serve as the guest mentor and performer.

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On May 4, contestants Chris Tungseth and Braden Rumfelt were sent home, leaving Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson as the Top 3 in the finale.

Elsewhere in the episode, which hosted a Class of 2006 Reunion, Paris Bennett,Kellie Pickler, Elliott Yamin, Bucky Covington and winnerTaylor Hicksreturned to the show to honor the 20th anniversary of their season.

The show also welcomed original judgesRandy JacksonandPaula Abdul. Both served as mentors for the Top 5 — and Abdul joined Underwood, Bryan and Richie as a guest judge.

"I'm just so happy to be at my old home and to see some of my children that are now grown and have kids, and meeting the new hopefuls," Abdul said, according toEntertainment Weekly. "I hope all of you have the best time ever and leave your heart out there."

Ahead of the finale, Underwood wasmoved to tearsby Harper's audition to an original song about postpartum depression. Meanwhile, Richardsonmoved guest judge Jennifer Hudson— in addition to the rest of the judges — when she performed "Circle of Life" on Disney night. On Taylor Swift night, McCullough was praised by Richie — who said he has the ability to turn everything he sings into "a religious experience."

The season 24 finale of the singing competition show will air on Monday, May 11 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Read the original article onPeople

byAndy Corry

in

May 09, 2026

Here's What the Judges Are Performing at the Season 24 “American Idol” Finale (Exclusive)

The season 24 finale will feature performances by judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie NEED TO KNOW ...

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Oregon Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 4 results for May 8

TheOregon Lotteryoffers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here's a look at May 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing

37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 8 drawing

1PM: 8-8-1-3

4PM: 2-2-2-8

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7PM: 7-2-7-4

10PM: 1-7-4-6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky?Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Oregon Lottery drawings held?

• Powerball: 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

• Mega Millions: 7:59 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.

• Pick 4: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.

• Win for Life: 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

• Megabucks: 7:29 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oregon editor. You can send feedback usingthis form.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal:Oregon Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 4 results for May 8

byAndy Corry

in

May 09, 2026

Oregon Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 4 results for May 8

TheOregon Lotteryoffers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here's a look at May 8, 2026, results for each game: ...

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Paycom CEO Chad Richison donates to OETA after Gov. Kevin Stitt's veto

A foundation created by Paycom founder and CEO Chad Richison announced Friday it is donating $500,000 to the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority in the wake of avetofor a funding extension by Gov. Kevin Stitt for the agency that broadcasts “Sesame Street,” “Antiques Roadshow” and highly acclaimed Ken Burns documentaries.

The grant from the Richison Family Foundation, established by Richison, is intended to help sustain OETA’s public media services for Oklahomans, including PBS KIDS early learning programming, the award-winning Oklahoma News Report and the statewide Wireless Emergency Alert system.

More:Oklahoma governor vetoes OETA extension, putting public TV at risk

“At a time when federal support for public broadcasting is uncertain, this investment from the Richison Family Foundation is both meaningful and essential,” said Shawn Black, executive director of OETA. “We are incredibly grateful for partners like the Richison Family Foundation, who believe in our mission and help make it possible. Their support also highlights the vital role underwriters play in sustaining public television as a trusted, noncommercial resource for all.”

Such underwriting has long been a part of funding for public broadcasting; the Richison Family Foundation grant represents 17% of the $2.95 million in funding the legislature allocated for the 2026 fiscal year.

“Public broadcasting is an essential resource for communities,” Richison said. “I’m proud to support OETA, a sustainable organization that is making a lasting impact.”

The Richison contribution and other donations will not end uncertainty about public broadcasting in Oklahoma that first went on the air in 1956 after OETA was created by state lawmakers. The statewide public television network, reaching all 77 counties through four full-power transmitters and 14 low-power translators draws more than 650,000 viewers each week, making OETA one of the most-watched PBS stations in the nation.

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Citing President Donald Trump’s opposition to public broadcasting and contending it shouldn’t be subsidized by taxpayers, Stitt vetoed OklahomaSenate Bill 1461, which would have extended the sunset date for OETA, from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2031.

More:Oklahoma House passes bill to expand private school tax credit

Without the state Senate and House of Representative's overriding Stitt's veto ofSB 1461— authored bySen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, andRep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus — OETA's legal mandate to operate as Oklahoma's public broadcaster could expire on July 1. Another bill, HB 3320, also addresses the sunset provision faced by OETA and passed 92 to 0.

“Right now, OETA’s focus remains on continuing to serve Oklahoma communities through trusted educational programming, PBS KIDS resources, local storytelling and journalism, statewide emergency communications infrastructure through WARN, and free over-the-air public television access for all 77 counties,” spokesperson Jennifer Mullins told The Oklahoman in an emailed statement.

“As legislative discussions continue regarding SB 1461 and HB 3320, we encourage Oklahomans who value OETA’s service to respectfully share their support for continued public television service with their legislators.”

Contributing: Brandy McDonnell, The Oklahoman

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman:Paycom CEO donates $500,000 to OETA as it faces uncertain future

byAndy Corry

in

May 09, 2026

Paycom CEO Chad Richison donates to OETA after Gov. Kevin Stitt's veto

A foundation created by Paycom founder and CEO Chad Richison announced Friday it is donating $500,000 to the Oklahoma Educational Telev...

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Hundreds of homes damaged in Mississippi storms as multiple tornadoes reported

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Powerful storms that included at least one confirmed tornado tore through parts of Mississippi, collapsing hundreds of homes, tearing up trees and downing power lines, authorities said Thursday.

There were no immediate reports of deaths or severe injuries from the storms that struck several counties Wednesday night.

A mobile home park in the small community of Bogue Chitto in Lincoln County was severely damaged.

“I was just watching TikTok on my bed and thought it was thunder. I went to my living room. I went back to my room, and the room’s gone,” resident Max Mahaffey told WAPT-TV.

He said he wasn't injured, but his grandmother hurt her ankle and some of his neighbors suffered cuts and bruises.

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The National Weather Service said “a very large and dangerous tornado” moved from eastern Lincoln County into Lawrence County.

Gov. Tate Reeves said multiple tornadoes were reported throughout the central and western parts of the state and that the state Emergency Management Agency was coordinating response efforts.

“Pray for Mississippi,” he posted online.

Emergency officials in Lincoln County said the severe weather caused major damage and several injuries, but no deaths.

“Damage assessments are ongoing, there are multiple roads blocked in the county we ask that you please refrain from sightseeing as crews are working,” the emergency management department posted early Thursday.

More storms were expected Thursday with the possibility of tornadoes across parts of Alabama, Georgia and Florida, the weather service said. Strong storms also were possible for parts of the Carolinas and Texas.

byAndy Corry

in

May 08, 2026

Hundreds of homes damaged in Mississippi storms as multiple tornadoes reported

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Powerful storms that included at least one confirmed tornado tore through parts of Mississippi, collapsing hundre...

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Check out the lineup for this year's Levitt AMP series in Springfield

Free, family-friendly concerts are returning to downtown Springfield this summer.

The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series will kick off its seventh season May 28, according to a community announcement from the Springfield Area Arts Council, which is organizing the series this year. The concerts will take place every Thursday through July 30.

The 10-week series, presented by PNC Bank, will feature a diverse lineup of performers from across the world. Entertainment will begin at 6:15 p.m. each Thursday in the vacant block north of the Illinois Governor's Mansion at Fifth Street and Capitol Avenue.

Each evening will include a Kids' Kickoff at 6:15 p.m., an opening act at 6:45 p.m. and a headliner at 7:45 p.m., according to the announcement.

More:'You get energy when you're down here': Levitt AMP makes play to stay in Springfield

Food, drinks and other activities available

The public is invited to bring their own food, drinks, lawn chairs and blankets. Food trucks and beverages will be available for purchase on-site, and local restaurants will be open for takeout.

Here is this year's main performers:

• May 28: Chloe Kimes (Americana)

• June 4: Anita Michelle Jackson (Jazz)

• June 11: The Matchsellers (Bluegrass)

• June 18: The Psycodelics (Funk)

• June 25: Roben Moreno & The Zydeco Re-Evolution (Zydeco)

• July 2: Shawn Holt & The Teardrops (Blues)

• July 9: Lowdown Brass Band (Hip Hop/Reggage)

• July 16: Esso Funk (Afro-Caribbean)

• July 23: Carver Commodore (Alternative Rock)

• July 30: Doc Robinson (Indie Pop/Soul)

More information is available on the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series Facebook page atfacebook.com/LevittAMPSpringfield.

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The concert series is made possible through support from local sponsors, including a three-year matching grant from the Levitt Foundation and a presenting sponsorship from PNC Bank.

"PNC has proudly supported the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series since its inception because we've seen how free, high-quality arts programming can strengthen downtown Springfield and bring people together," Brian Ray, PNC regional president of central Illinois, said in the announcement. "This series reflects our long-standing commitment to the community by creating experiences that celebrate creativity, connectivity and local pride."

The series, which began in 2019, has seen significant growth in attendance. Last year, more than 16,700 people attended the concerts, a 116% increase from the first year, according to the announcement.

Production of the music series is also supported by the city of Springfield, Central Baptist Church, Downtown Springfield Inc. and Springfield Youth Performance Group, among others.

"Every season, our community shows up with heart, energy and a love for live music which transforms the Y Block into a place of creativity, community, connection and caring," Jay Shanle, program director for the series, said in the announcement. "We're excited for what this year will bring and grateful to be part of it."

• The Juneteenth Celebration Committee will co-host the June 18 concert as part of its week-long Juneteenth celebration that begins June 11.

• The Sangamon Mass Transit District will offer a bus as a cooling station at three concerts.

Those interested in volunteering at the concerts can contact levittamp@downtownspringfield.org.

This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more athttps://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register:Levitt AMP series: Full lineup announced for Springfield concerts

byAndy Corry

in

May 08, 2026

Check out the lineup for this year's Levitt AMP series in Springfield

Free, family-friendly concerts are returning to downtown Springfield this summer. The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series will ki...

Read More