Melody Mercado
Block Club Chicago
Chicago, IL, United States
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Past articles by Melody:
Ald. Walter Burnett Endorses Paul Vallas In Mayoral Runoff
Burnett, an ally to Mayor Lori Lightfoot, said Paul Vallas has helped him with important projects in his ward over the years — and fully supports the Chicago casino project. → Read More
Polk County approves redistricting map that could bring new faces to board
The new redistricting map places four of the five supervisors in districts shared with a colleague, and creates two new ones with no incumbents → Read More
Urban Dreams' new 11,000-square foot facility, set open in late June, features esports, murals and services
The long-desired building's launch, "gives hope to people in the community that they can do the same kind of things." → Read More
Immigrant rights group seeks IDs for Polk County residents who can't obtain official ones
Johnson County already issues the alternative IDs, which are accepted at government agencies and businesses → Read More
Des Moines is one step closer to a final recommendation for a recreation center on the city's north side
Soon residents will see a final recommendation for a community center on the city's north side. → Read More
Des Moines Council members clash over budget plans for police, community resources
Ward 1 councilperson Indira Sheumaker pushed for the police budget to remain unchanged, others disagreed. → Read More
Need somewhere warm to go? Here are shelters and warming centers in Des Moines
With a wind chill advisory in place across the metro from 6 p.m. Wednesday through noon Thursday, spending too much time outside could be fatal. → Read More
Cold, bitter wind chills expected in central Iowa for second half of the week
Des Moines will see a high of around zero degrees with single digits likely for the rest of central Iowa. → Read More
Des Moines to launch new parking payment system downtown by the end of the month
The new $3.5 million system will allow motorists to park in any open spot and pay either through an app or a sidewalk pay station. → Read More
New Scooter's Coffee, green space, neighborhood signage coming to long-vacant Beaverdale corner
The rezoning will allow for a "restaurant with a drive-through component," which councilman Bill Gray said will be home to a Scooter's Coffee. → Read More
Off Hours: Finding memories of Puerto Rican food in Des Moines, a mac and cheese snack attack and dreamy smoothies
When the holidays roll around, Melody Mercado reaches for some of her favorite Puerto Rican dishes. → Read More
City Council OKs start of negotiations with Water Works Foundation for unpaid $1.6 million bill
The city has not committed to how much it will forgive, but according to city documents, it can be up to $540,000. → Read More
Des Moines to enter negotiations with Water Works Foundation for $1.6 million unpaid bill
The Des Moines Water Works Foundation has notified the city it does not have enough money to pay back what it owes for construction of Ruan Connector. → Read More
Des Moines backtracks on consideration of county-proposed ward map pitting city councilors against each other
The Des Moines City Council voted to move forward with one of three proposed maps at a meeting Tuesday night. → Read More
Portions of downtown Des Moines' Grand and 5th Avenue to be converted to two-way streets
Construction is slated to begin this upcoming spring and be finished by the end of 2022. → Read More
Des Moines City Council to vote on changes designed to make city policies more equitable
The three proposed ordinances are part of the city's 'Bridging the Gap' initiative which focuses on achieving equity through systemic change. → Read More
Social justice advocate Indira Sheumaker defeats incumbent Bill Gray in Des Moines City Council race
Eight people were vying for three seats on the Des Moines City Council. First-time candidate Indira Sheumaker defeated incumbent Bill Gray. → Read More
Conservatives sweep Ankeny School Board election putting mask mandate in question
Seven people were vying for three seats on the Ankeny School Board. → Read More
After 2020's protests, the future of Des Moines policing will be decided by November’s city council elections
Here's where the eight candidates for city council stand on the future of the Des Moines Police Department. Election Day is Nov. 2. → Read More
KCCI announces candidate forums ahead of Des Moines City Council election
Each of the three forums, to be aired Oct. 19-21, will feature the incumbent and challengers for a specific seat. → Read More