Good morning, West Des Moines.

Many Iowans are planning Labor Day getaways despite higher travel costs, with gasoline now averaging about $4 per gallon and round-trip flights costing around $750.

AAA-Iowa notes that while hotels are 8-9% more expensive, rental cars remain cheaper than last year.

Iowa DNR forester Mark Vitosh said early leaf drop on black walnut trees may be due to anthracnose — a fungus thriving under wet summer conditions — and should not affect long-term tree health.

Homeowners might also see similar changes on maples, ashes, and other deciduous trees.

Polk County approved a 15-year lease (extendable to 25 years) with Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino that shifts to a fixed rent model with a 6% increase every five years, transferring tax and maintenance costs to the casino while boosting financial stability with projected revenue over $500 million.