Midwest
Pork chop on a stick, bacon-wrapped 'Twinkie' and other odd foods dominate iconic state fair
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Over a million Americans are expected to attend the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines this summer, a beloved tradition that draws food enthusiasts from all over the country.
The Iowa State Fair hit an all-time record of 1,182,682 attendants in 2024, its highest guest count since 1.17 million fairgoers attended in 2019.
The event attracts not only everyday enthusiasts but also politicians seeking to appeal to heartland Americans.
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President Donald Trump is scheduled to join thousands of visitors attending the Iowa America 250 event on Thursday. He’s slated to deliver remarks at 7:30 p.m. local time.
This summer, the state fair promises a variety of food offerings that range from classic favorites to the downright unusual. Here’s a look at some fair favorites.
1. Pork Chop on a Stick
Perhaps the most symbolic dish at the Iowa State Fair is the famed Pork Chop on a Stick.
Countless politicians have been observed eating the entrée, including Trump, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah.
The Pork Chop on a Stick has been served at the Iowa State Fair for over two decades. Then-presidential candidate Donald Trump is seen eating one in 2015 in this image. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
The dish is a French-cut rib pork chop that weighs 9 to 11 ounces, according to the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA).
“This is a rib pork chop with the rib bone left on, so that it can work as a handle or ‘stick,’” the association’s website notes.
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“You eat the Pork Chop on a Stick with your hands and a napkin – no utensils.”
Although it’s one of the most popular dishes at the fair, it wasn’t always so. The Pork Chop on a Stick got a chilly reception when it debuted in 1999, according to the IPPA.
“We almost had to beg people to buy them the first year,” Dave Moody, a pig farmer and longtime fair volunteer, told the IPPA. Moody added, “I think we sold around 6,000 that year.”
2. Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Another legendary dish at the fair is the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich.
The Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is a Midwest regional favorite, and it’s available at multiple stands at the Iowa State Fair. (iStock)
The meal consists of a deep-fried pork tenderloin which is placed between two buns with regular hamburger fixings: onions, pickles and tomatoes.
The meat cutlet is often larger than the bun, leading to its distinctive appearance.
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The appearance of the tenderloin has been likened to Weiner schnitzel and chicken-fried steak.
The dish may appear unusual to non-Midwesterners — but the sandwich is popular in Iowa, Nebraska and Indiana.
3. Pecan Pie on a Stick
Pecan Pie on a Stick is a decadent dessert that’s only offered at the Iowa State Fair.
The dish is made with a homemade pecan-filled pie crust, which is then dipped in a chocolate caramel mixture.
As a final touch, the pie is rolled in extra pecans and bacon.
Pecan Pie on a Stick tastes like “sweet, sweet, salty goodness,” according to The Bacon Box. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The dessert is available at The Bacon Box’s stand. The dish is described as a combination of sweet and salty flavors.
“Each piece is dipped in caramel sauce and topped with bacon & pecans to make sure every bite is full of sweet, sweet, salty goodness,” The Bacon Box’s website reads.
The pie sells for $6, according to the website.
4. Deep-Fried Avocado Slices
Deep-Fried Avocado Slices are one of the very few vegetarian options available at the fair.
The dish features avocado slices that are breaded and deep-fried until golden brown.
Deep-Fried Avocado Slices are a savory snack that can appeal to Iowa State Fair attendees who abstain from meat. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
As far as deep-fried snacks go, the avocados are on the healthier side, as the fruit has been found to reduce the risk of diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease.
The snacks are sold at The Veggie Table, a vegetarian vendor.
5. Berkshire Bacon Balls
One of the fair’s meatiest dishes is Berkshire Bacon Balls, sold by The Bacon Box.
Berkshire Bacon Balls, which are sold by The Bacon Box, feature Berkshire Kurobuta pork stuffed with cheese. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The dish consists of a quarter-pound pork meatball, stuffed with cheese and bacon.
The meatball, which is served on a stick, is then wrapped with two pieces of bacon before being smoked and dipped in barbecue sauce.
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The dish is named after Berkshire Kurobuta pork, known for its distinct flavor and richness.
6. Iowa Twinkie
One of the newer dishes at the Iowa State Fair is called the Iowa Twinkie.
And it’s not as sweet as its name suggests.
The Iowa Twinkie is a rich, spicy treat consisting of pulled pork and a jalapeño pepper. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The savory treat is served at Watcha Smokin’ BBQ & Brew’s stand.
It was introduced in 2023.
The flavor-packed fare is made by stuffing a jalapeño pepper with pulled pork.
The filling also includes sweet corn and cream cheese.
As a final touch, the Iowa Twinkie is wrapped in bacon and seasoned with ranch and chives.
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Detroit, MI
How to watch ‘The Odyssey’ in IMAX, 70mm and more in metro Detroit
(WXYZ) — The highly-anticipated premiere of “The Odyssey” is officially here, with showtimes starting Thursday across metro Detroit.
The epic, directed by Christopher Nolan, was shot entirely with IMAX cameras, the first film to be shot with them. It will be available to watch in a variety of formats in the area and across the state.
On the website for the film, it lists all of the premium format options and where you can find them. Check out the details below.
IMAX 70mm
This is the premiere format to watch the film, presented in IMAX’s 1.43:1 expanded aspect ratio, according to the website.
“It is the largest and highest-resolution format available and gives you an unparalleled sense of immersion as the image fills IMAX’s signature floor-to-ceiling screen,” the website reads.
Across the country, there are only a 30 theatres that are capable of playing IMAX 70mm, and only one in Michigan. To see the film in that format, you’ll have to go to Celebration! Cinema in Grand Rapids.
IMAX
As we’ve said, “The Odyssey” is the first feature film shot entirely on IMAX cameras. “The film was shot and designed to be experienced on the biggest screen possible, and IMAX delivers on this,” star Anne Hathaway said.
It comes in the 1.90:1 expanded aspect ratio, filling your entire field of vision.
There are several theatres showing the film in IMAX in metro Detroit. They are:
- MJR Southgate
- MJR Troy
- AMC Forum 17 in Sterling Heights
- AMC Livonia 20
- AMC Star Great Lakes
- Cinemark Ann Arbor
70mm
The 70mm film is a large format that “offers a bright, clear image up to 3 times the resolution of standard digital projection formats,” according to the website. It’s shown at a 2.20:1 aspect ratio.
In metro Detroit, there are three theatres showing it in 70mm. They are:
- MJR Southgate
- AMC Forum 17 in Sterling Heights
- AMC Livonia 20
35mm
35mm is the classic film format shown at a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. “It projects light through the entire 35 millimeter frame to deliver clear, high resolution images with rich analog color,” the website reads.
Only the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor is showing the film in 35mm.
Dolby Vision
According to the film’s website, The Dolby Vision projection system has a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
“Dolby Vision allows you to experience every detail and nuance captured by the large format film cameras Christopher Nolan used in production,” the website reads.
You can see the film in Dolby Vision at AMC in Clinton Township, Sterling Heights and Great Lakes.
Premium Large Format
The premium large format movie will be in either 2.39:1 or 1.85:1 aspect ratio, depending on the theatre. “It features larger wall-to-wall screens, superior projection technology, including laser projection,” the website reads.
Here are places you can see “The Odyssey” in Premium Large Format.
- MJR Southgate
- Emagine Royal Oak
- Cinemark in Taylor
- MJR in Sterling Heights
- Emagine Woodhaven
- MJR Westland
- The Riviera in Farmington
- Emagine Canton
- MJR Partridge Creek
- Emagine Rochester Hills
- Emagine Macomb
- Emagine Novi
- MJR Chesterfield
MJR Waterford - Phoenix Theatres in Monroe
- Emagine Saline
- MJR Brighton
- Emagine Hartland
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee cooling centers, heat advisory tips; what to know
MILWAUKEE – The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Milwaukee and all of southeastern Wisconsin from noon Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday, with heat index values expected to reach the upper 90s to around 100 degrees.
While the advisory is expected to end Wednesday evening, hot and humid conditions are forecast to continue through the remainder of the week.
Forecast conditions can change, so everyone is encouraged to monitor local forecasts and follow guidance from the National Weather Service.
Milwaukee County cooling sites
What we know:
Cooling sites are available throughout Milwaukee County.
For an updated list of cooling locations, heat safety information, and resources on preventing heat-related illness, visit the City of Milwaukee website or call 211.
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Staying safe during extreme heat
What you can do:
Stay cool
- Limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible such as libraries, shopping centers, or community centers.
- If you have an air conditioner, make sure it is installed and working properly.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths, or use cool, wet towels to lower body temperature.
- Fans may provide comfort but should not be relied upon as the primary cooling method during extreme heat.
Stay hydrated
- Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.
- Encourage children, older adults, and others at higher risk to drink fluids throughout the day.
Protect yourself and others
- Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in vehicles. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become deadly within minutes.
- Check on older neighbors, family members, and others who may need assistance staying cool.
- Many public cooling sites are located along Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) routes. Visit RideMCTS.com for transit information.
Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Heat exhaustion may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fainting
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include:
- High body temperature
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Confusion
- Rapid pulse
- Loss of consciousness
Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing signs of heat stroke.
For additional hot weather safety information, visit the City of Milwaukee website.
The Source: City of Milwaukee Health Department sent FOX6 the information.
Indianapolis, IN
Indiana heat index to hit 100 as hot, dry pattern holds | July 14, 2026
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Central Indiana is bracing for a prolonged stretch of intense heat as a strong ridge of high pressure becomes firmly established over the region. High temperatures are expected to climb into the low to mid-90s through Thursday, while heat index values — the combination of heat and humidity — will reach between 100 and 105 degrees each afternoon.
Today Through Thursday: Sustained Heat
A well-entrenched upper-level ridge will maintain hot, dry conditions through Thursday. Daytime heating coupled with suppressed atmospheric mixing will keep dew points elevated, and thus heat indices high, especially during peak afternoon hours between noon and 6 p.m.
Storm chances during this period are expected to remain very low as the stable, dry air mass suppresses convective development.
Late Week: Transition and Storm Chances
The heat will begin to subside by the end of the workweek as the high-pressure ridge weakens and shifts eastward. This opens the door for increased moisture return and the development of scattered showers and thunderstorms, particularly Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Models currently show some variation on the timing and extent of this moisture return, so forecasts may adjust as the weekend approaches.
Residual scattered storms will be possible into Sunday and Monday, but the main story shifts away from oppressive heat to more typical summer storm activity.
7 Day Forecast:
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