Des Moines

Picture of the Des Moines skyline with DSM written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta.

Axios Des Moines Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Des Moines Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Axios Des Moines Partners

Axios Des Moines

Standard

Des Moines Members

Membership

National

Trump's PAC won't pay taxpayers back for his ads

At least $11 million in taxpayer money has already gone toward the spots.

Politics & Policy

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="0a54d24b-2321-461b-9c5e-af233eafb97e" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s PAC won&#x27;t pay taxpayers back for his ads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s</a> super PAC will not reimburse the government for taxpayer money spent on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="campaign-style ads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/29/trump-ads-taxpayer-funds" data-vars-content-id="0a54d24b-2321-461b-9c5e-af233eafb97e" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s PAC won&#x27;t pay taxpayers back for his ads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/29/trump-ads-taxpayer-funds" target="_self">campaign-style ads</a> promoting the administration.Why it matters: Taxpayers have footed a multimillion-dollar bill for the advertisements, which some critics of the president have called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="government propaganda" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/25/trump-white-house-taxpayer-funded-ad-democrats" data-vars-content-id="0a54d24b-2321-461b-9c5e-af233eafb97e" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s PAC won&#x27;t pay taxpayers back for his ads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/25/trump-white-house-taxpayer-funded-ad-democrats" target="_self">government propaganda</a>.&quot;

The Iran war's latest price shock could be your heating bill

Heating bills are eating into household budgets before winter sets in, with stark divides between fuel types.

Energy & Climate

Americans could pay far more to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat their homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/heating-oil-diesel-price-surge" data-vars-content-id="8247fe42-8ed2-4977-a93f-8da165d95d56" data-vars-headline="The Iran war&#x27;s latest price shock could be your heating bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/09/heating-oil-diesel-price-surge" target="_self">heat their homes</a> with oil this winter than last, a new analysis reviewed by Axios shows, as volatile energy markets and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran War" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/19/iran-war-global-pain-fuel-prices" data-vars-content-id="8247fe42-8ed2-4977-a93f-8da165d95d56" data-vars-headline="The Iran war&#x27;s latest price shock could be your heating bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/19/iran-war-global-pain-fuel-prices" target="_self">Iran War</a> deepen the affordability crisis.Why it matters: Heating bills are eating into household budgets before winter sets in, with stark divides between fuel types.

DOJ moves to strip citizenship from 40 people

Attorney General Todd Blanche called it the "largest denaturalization effort in modern history."

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="72cbb4bf-aa3f-4937-bc6a-72b70ab351f1" data-vars-headline="DOJ moves to strip citizenship from 40 people" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s</a> Justice Department moved to revoke citizenship from 40 naturalized citizens accused of crimes in recent months, representing what Attorney General <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Todd Blanche" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/16/todd-blanche-doj-independence-trump" data-vars-content-id="72cbb4bf-aa3f-4937-bc6a-72b70ab351f1" data-vars-headline="DOJ moves to strip citizenship from 40 people" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/16/todd-blanche-doj-independence-trump" target="_self">Todd Blanche</a> called the &quot;largest denaturalization effort in modern history.&quot;The big picture: The Trump administration has made denaturalization a priority, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moving personnel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/22/trump-citizenship-denaturalization" data-vars-content-id="72cbb4bf-aa3f-4937-bc6a-72b70ab351f1" data-vars-headline="DOJ moves to strip citizenship from 40 people" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/22/trump-citizenship-denaturalization" target="_self">moving personnel</a> to pursue more cases and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="setting a goal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/30/birthright-citizenship-decision-whats-next" data-vars-content-id="72cbb4bf-aa3f-4937-bc6a-72b70ab351f1" data-vars-headline="DOJ moves to strip citizenship from 40 people" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/30/birthright-citizenship-decision-whats-next" target="_self">setting a goal</a> of 250 cases by this month.

CDC: Monitoring Russian plague risk, "prepared" for any threat

The pneumonic plague is the most dangerous version of the plague.

Health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is monitoring reports of a suspected pneumonic plague <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="case in Russia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/russia-pneumonic-plague-outbreak-lab-us" data-vars-content-id="70f4df9f-768d-48ea-968c-cfc86d167341" data-vars-headline="CDC: Monitoring Russian plague risk, &quot;prepared&quot; for any threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/russia-pneumonic-plague-outbreak-lab-us" target="_self">case in Russia</a> and says it is prepared for any threat that emerges.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pneumonic plague" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/pneumonic-plague-symptoms-spread-covid" data-vars-content-id="70f4df9f-768d-48ea-968c-cfc86d167341" data-vars-headline="CDC: Monitoring Russian plague risk, &quot;prepared&quot; for any threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/pneumonic-plague-symptoms-spread-covid" target="_self">Pneumonic plague</a> is the most dangerous form of plague and is almost always fatal unless if left untreated.

Exclusive: Fed eyes AI, tariffs, energy for inflation outlook

AI demand could spread beyond high-end chips before supply catches up, says Mary Daly, extending the shock beyond the period the Fed would normally expect to look through.

Economy

Some companies are preparing for an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI-fueled" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="bd3b1008-2338-4471-9dbc-8ff52bcb73bc" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Fed eyes AI, tariffs, energy for inflation outlook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">AI-fueled</a> chip squeeze that could push up prices far beyond the data center boom alone, Mary Daly, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, tells Axios.Why it matters: The Fed can usually look through supply shocks that come and go. Daly&#x27;s concern is that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" data-vars-content-id="bd3b1008-2338-4471-9dbc-8ff52bcb73bc" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Fed eyes AI, tariffs, energy for inflation outlook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology/automation-and-ai" target="_self">AI</a>, tariffs and higher energy costs could last longer than expected or compound each other — keeping inflation elevated and requiring more tightening.

Historic Drake mansion opens for rare tours

The 1896 Captain Nicholas and Emma Johnson House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Things to Do

A 130-year-old Drake neighborhood mansion, rarely open to the public, will host guided tours this weekend.State of play: The 1896 Captain Nicholas and Emma Johnson House is listed on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Register" data-vars-click-url="https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/cafe4083-fde8-41e7-9083-85a4a42e6aed" data-vars-content-id="5e885208-f2a5-4690-b7c4-522bf66727c2" data-vars-headline="Historic Drake mansion opens for rare tours" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/cafe4083-fde8-41e7-9083-85a4a42e6aed" target="_blank">National Register</a> of Historic Places.

Valley West Mall is finally sold

A lease with JC Penney is holding up redevelopment plans.

Business

After years of delays, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Valley West Mall has finally sold" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/08/15/valley-west-mall-housing-west-desmoines-redevelopment" data-vars-content-id="9e20b598-e699-42eb-8e15-21cb57b61294" data-vars-headline="Valley West Mall is finally sold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/08/15/valley-west-mall-housing-west-desmoines-redevelopment" target="_self">Valley West Mall has finally sold</a>, though JCPenney&#x27;s longstanding lease could hold up redevelopment.Why it matters: The 58-acre site is in a popular traffic area ripe for commercial and residential development, but the empty, aging mall structure is a major impediment.

Sand and Lahn to face off in first of four Iowa gubernatorial debates

Iowa bucks a national trend with four governor debates this fall.

News

Iowa voters get their first of four chances Tuesday to see Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand debate face-to-face before the Nov. 3 election.Why it matters: Iowa&#x27;s four gubernatorial debates make it a national outlier as face-to-face matchups disappear from competitive races.

Elite basketball prep school plans Des Moines expansion

Iowa United dropped AAU as its founder doubles down on his passion project.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa United Basketball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/08/26/iowa-united-basketball-prep-school-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="a8654efb-b03b-4abe-ad11-b7b27cd5dce5" data-vars-headline="Elite basketball prep school plans Des Moines expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/08/26/iowa-united-basketball-prep-school-des-moines" target="_self">Iowa United Basketball</a> could invest millions of dollars to build a private outdoor recreation and training area.Why it matters: The project is another major investment by founder Mark Scharnberg in the scholarship-based prep school he and his wife fund.

New group targets Iowa's child sex abuse lawsuit deadline

Survivor Impact wants older abuse claims to have a path to court.

A new coalition of Iowa child sexual abuse survivors and allies is pushing to eliminate the state&#x27;s civil statute of limitations.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Survivor Impact" data-vars-click-url="https://www.survivorimpact.com/" data-vars-content-id="10045462-96cf-4b26-bbca-3986988b55df" data-vars-headline="New group targets Iowa&#x27;s child sex abuse lawsuit deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.survivorimpact.com/" target="_blank">Survivor Impact</a> wants Iowa to allow child sexual abuse survivors to bring civil claims regardless of their age.

Iowa cancer burden emerges as key issue in governor race

Zach Lahn's Tuesday cancer discussion could sharpen contrasts with opponent Rob Sand.

Cancer is emerging as a defining issue in Iowa&#x27;s race for governor, as Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand offer different approaches to addressing the state&#x27;s unusually high rates of the disease.Why it matters: Iowa&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high cancer rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/02/22/iowa-cancer-problem" data-vars-content-id="48d41791-e7cf-40df-bd59-fe0998ba4058" data-vars-headline="Iowa cancer burden emerges as key issue in governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/02/22/iowa-cancer-problem" target="_self">high cancer rate</a> is forcing the governor&#x27;s race into concrete debates over health coverage, prevention and what&#x27;s driving rates.

Des Moines to buy first home under new housing strategy

It marks the start of a massive, long-term effort to demolish or improve entire city blocks.

Des Moines City Council unanimously approved the first property acquisition tied to its new citywide housing strategy this week.Why it matters: The home at 1656 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway marks the start of a massive, long-term effort to demolish or improve entire city blocks, home to thousands of neglected houses that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have been called &quot;an albatross.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/13/redeveloping-blocks-house-eminent-domain-czb" data-vars-content-id="0740e30c-f721-4ec7-9d2a-613d791bd07e" data-vars-headline="Des Moines to buy first home under new housing strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/13/redeveloping-blocks-house-eminent-domain-czb" target="_self">have been called &quot;an albatross.&quot;</a>

Des Moines' historic Butler House is for sale

Much of the furniture is included in the sale.

Real Estate

The Butler House on Grand Avenue went on the market this week.Why it matters: It isn&#x27;t just a stately Tudor; it&#x27;s woven into Des Moines&#x27; architectural legacy — including its connection to the Butler Mansion on Fleur Drive, which recently became home to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/01/16/desmoines-butler-mansion-museum-italian-cultural" data-vars-content-id="9076b9b4-3e0b-41e7-9553-d67bc343aa69" data-vars-headline="Des Moines&#x27; historic Butler House is for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/01/16/desmoines-butler-mansion-museum-italian-cultural" target="_self">Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa</a>.

Lefty's music venue reopens Saturday as Strychnine

A familiar Drake-area stage gets a new name and new life.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Strychnine Live Music and Drinks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/strychninelivemusic" data-vars-content-id="abaf9d2b-6295-43e9-ab6c-aae71970673f" data-vars-headline="Lefty&#x27;s music venue reopens Saturday as Strychnine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/strychninelivemusic" target="_blank">Strychnine Live Music and Drinks</a> opens Saturday in the former Lefty&#x27;s space near Drake University.Why it matters: Strychnine preserves a small stage for local and emerging acts after Des Moines lost longtime venues including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gas Lamp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/07/26/soccer-gas-lamp-building-stadium-krause-desmoines" data-vars-content-id="abaf9d2b-6295-43e9-ab6c-aae71970673f" data-vars-headline="Lefty&#x27;s music venue reopens Saturday as Strychnine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/07/26/soccer-gas-lamp-building-stadium-krause-desmoines" target="_self">Gas Lamp</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vaudeville Mews" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/11/18/des-moines-4th-street-business-closed-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="abaf9d2b-6295-43e9-ab6c-aae71970673f" data-vars-headline="Lefty&#x27;s music venue reopens Saturday as Strychnine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/11/18/des-moines-4th-street-business-closed-pandemic" target="_self">Vaudeville Mews</a> in recent years.

The Polk County Election Office may relocate

County officials want to increase the office's functionality and security.

The Polk County Election Office might relocate, county administrator John Norris tells Axios.Why it matters: The office has become busier in recent election cycles due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/03/22/iowas-urban-areas-are-increasingly-democratic-driving-efforts-to-limit-early-voting" data-vars-content-id="0f109df2-79f4-4d4d-a05b-0166ff8ba329" data-vars-headline="The Polk County Election Office may relocate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/03/22/iowas-urban-areas-are-increasingly-democratic-driving-efforts-to-limit-early-voting" target="_self">state laws</a> that limit absentee dropbox locations to one per county.

Iowa's 1st District race could take weeks to finalize

Candidates have until Nov. 18 to request a recount.

Politics

The results of Iowa&#x27;s 1st District race remain up in the air, one week later.Why it matters: Thanks to outstanding races like this one, there&#x27;s still <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a slim chance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/07/house-election-results-control-count" data-vars-content-id="3063e71d-511a-406d-bd09-f7b723d0b95e" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s 1st District race could take weeks to finalize" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/07/house-election-results-control-count" target="_self">a slim chance</a> that Democrats will claim the U.S. House majority, although sources like Decision Desk HQ have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already projected" data-vars-click-url="https://decisiondeskhq.com/results/2024/General/US-House/" data-vars-content-id="3063e71d-511a-406d-bd09-f7b723d0b95e" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s 1st District race could take weeks to finalize" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://decisiondeskhq.com/results/2024/General/US-House/" target="_blank">already projected</a> the Republican Party will retain control.

Blind veterans can get free AI glasses Wednesday in Des Moines

Meta's smart glasses can read text and describe surroundings.

Legally blind veterans can get free AI glasses on Wednesday in Des Moines.Why it matters: The glasses can read text, identify objects and describe surroundings, potentially giving blind and low-vision users more independence.

Downtown Des Moines could get new entertainment district

Polk County wants to study more than 12 acres around the Iowa Events Center.

Polk County may explore turning underused land around the Iowa Events Center into a mixed-use entertainment district that could include more convention space.Why it matters: The proposal could create a denser destination that adds housing, businesses and a larger tax base.

Bread and Puppet show coming to Des Moines

The touring political puppet show will be at Riverview Park.

Bread and Puppet — a political, non-profit theater company — is bringing its touring show of colorful puppets, brass music and pointed current events to Des Moines.Driving the news: The Vermont-based puppeteering group is performing at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Riverview Park" data-vars-click-url="https://breadandpuppet.org/tour#DesMoines" data-vars-content-id="13576b96-5f46-42bc-9832-f4df6602cb7e" data-vars-headline="Bread and Puppet show coming to Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://breadandpuppet.org/tour#DesMoines" target="_blank">Riverview Park</a> on Wednesday at 7pm.

Ankeny Art Center plans to move to Uptown

The new center would add classrooms, pottery studios and outdoor sculptures.

The Ankeny Art Center is planning a move to Uptown Ankeny that would nearly double its space as demand for classes grows.Why it matters: The planned 10,000-square-foot center at 315 Cherry St. would add classrooms, pottery studios, a retail shop, expanded gallery space and outdoor sculptures.

West Des Moines considers e-bike ordinance

The city wants to restrict high-speed devices, and cycling advocates want to see more.

The West Des Moines City Council is considering moving forward with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-awaited high-speed e-mobility ordinance tonight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/17/des-moines-metro-leaders-debate-who-should-lead-e-bike-changes" data-vars-content-id="b66ff6ec-a2bd-4759-a5d4-88d9b994dab2" data-vars-headline="West Des Moines considers e-bike ordinance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/17/des-moines-metro-leaders-debate-who-should-lead-e-bike-changes" target="_self">long-awaited high-speed e-mobility ordinance tonight</a>, but local cycling advocates say there&#x27;s still a safety gap on city streets.Why it matters: Parents in the Des Moines metro are unknowingly buying their kids electric motorcycles and high-speed e-scooters, which can move at 30–60 miles per hour.

1 update: This historic cannon's contract

Des Moines relocated the Civil War cannon from a grave because of theft concerns.

Des Moines City Council this month extended the loan of its city-owned 1841 Civil War howitzer cannon to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa Gold Star Military Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov/" data-vars-content-id="f19f9816-cfa1-45ab-8fe2-6762907e9bdc" data-vars-headline="1 update: This historic cannon&#x27;s contract" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov/" target="_blank">Iowa Gold Star Military Museum</a> at Camp Dodge.Flashback: The cannon once stood at General Nathaniel B. Baker&#x27;s gravesite in Woodland Cemetery, but was moved to the museum more than 25 years ago to prevent theft.

Nearly 1,000 Iowa refugees face Medicaid cutoff

Polk County officials fear more uninsured patients will turn to ERs.

Nearly 1,000 Iowa refugees could lose Medicaid coverage Thursday under a federal law that Polk County health officials fear could drive more uninsured patients to emergency rooms.The big picture: Losing routine care can allow chronic conditions to become life-threatening, push patients into emergency rooms and raise costs for hospitals, Polk County Health Department director Juliann Van Liew tells Axios.

I nearly bought a stolen iPhone: Here's what I learned

Doublechecking a phone's unique identification number can save big headaches.

Jason here: With Apple&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="iPhone 18" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/16/ios-18-download-apple-software-update" data-vars-content-id="3a228429-edce-4d41-b2ed-214f6db2c48e" data-vars-headline="I nearly bought a stolen iPhone: Here&#x27;s what I learned" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/16/ios-18-download-apple-software-update" target="_self">iPhone 18</a> Pro hitting stores this month, I figured it might be a good time to upgrade — by buying somebody else&#x27;s old phone.Why it matters: My Facebook Marketplace experience nearly cost me $480 and taught me a useful lesson.

For 5 Borough Bagels owner, music is expression of trauma

Toney Chem, co-owner of 5 Borough Bagels, expresses his hardships through music.

Toney Chem has been rehearsing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for his biggest music set" data-vars-click-url="https://toneychem.com/" data-vars-content-id="074853dc-8f15-4c63-a2be-7bfd5b91a70e" data-vars-headline="For 5 Borough Bagels owner, music is expression of trauma" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://toneychem.com/" target="_blank">for his biggest music set</a> yet in an unlikely place: his car.<ul><li>He&#x27;s been practicing while driving back and forth to visit his wife, Sarah, who&#x27;s spent the past month hospitalized with a severe lung infection and plans to watch his Panda Fest performance over FaceTime.</li></ul>

Things to do in Des Moines: Oct. 2-4

From an Asian food festival to free live music, the metro has plenty to do this October weekend.

<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>🐼 Pandafest | A three-day Asian food and culture festival featuring street foods, cultural performances and panda-themed activities. | Outlets of Des Moines | Starts Friday at 4pm and goes through Sunday | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets: $18" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pandafests.com/pandafestevents/iowa2026" data-vars-content-id="55f33739-135c-4ba4-89fd-3f6e25ad353b" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Des Moines: Oct. 2-4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pandafests.com/pandafestevents/iowa2026" target="_blank">Tickets: $18</a>

Iowa startups explore better ag tech and bioplastics

It&#x27;s the first-ever <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa Startup Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iowastartupweek.com/" data-vars-content-id="42508033-dba8-45fa-ac60-ca7777310eac" data-vars-headline="Iowa startups explore better ag tech and bioplastics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iowastartupweek.com/" target="_blank">Iowa Startup Week</a>, and entrepreneurs from across the country are here for several days of pitches and networking.Driving the news: We chatted with two Iowa startups, one in turkey barns and the other in plastics manufacturing, to learn more about their innovations.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Des Moines

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="65ad868d-e4c0-4503-86ec-ebf96b0e6d9e" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in Des Moines&#x27; East Village neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Des Moines weekend plans: Oktoberfest, Beaverdale Fall Festival

From German beer to dancing in the club, here are your weekend plans.

<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>🍺 Oktoberfest at Des Moines Biergarten | Enjoy German bier, live music, games, food and family activities at Water Works Park. | 3pm Friday, 11:30am Saturday and Sunday | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Free!" data-vars-click-url="https://www.biergarten-oktoberfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="06e9788e-cbac-4a9b-9bfb-3777e93ca408" data-vars-headline="Des Moines weekend plans: Oktoberfest, Beaverdale Fall Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.biergarten-oktoberfest.com/" target="_blank">Free!</a>

Jay Wang plans Wasabi's next chapter

The restaurant owner is celebrating 15 years of business in Des Moines.

Food and Drink

When Jay Wang decided to open his first Wasabi restaurant in Des Moines, the Chinese immigrant and former New Yorker had no clue what the reception would be.Why it matters: Now, he is celebrating 15 years in the business, and after years of expanding, he wants to consolidate and train the next generation of restaurant owners who want to take up the mantle.

1 sweet thing to go: 9 to 5 cake

Proceeds will benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bubba" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bubbadsm.com/" data-vars-content-id="ff031497-e486-488e-944f-3c4c07d49ae4" data-vars-headline="1 sweet thing to go: 9 to 5 cake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bubbadsm.com/" target="_blank">Bubba</a> is celebrating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="9 to 5 Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/17/nashville-dolly-day-9-25" data-vars-content-id="ff031497-e486-488e-944f-3c4c07d49ae4" data-vars-headline="1 sweet thing to go: 9 to 5 cake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/17/nashville-dolly-day-9-25" target="_self">9 to 5 Day</a> (aka 9/25) with a dessert that was served by Dolly Parton&#x27;s character in &quot;Steel Magnolias.&quot;

The best thing Linh ate: Pho 515

Slurp up some wonton soup ($8) from Pho 515.

<figure><img alt="A gif showing a steaming bowl of wonton soup" height="450" id="6268b4bd-981f-4938-8ffa-138b786cde3d" src="https://images.axios.com/flPs0ab8O693PA4pZmj005Bgn4A=/2026/08/28/1787950587450.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Wonton soup ($8) from Pho 515. Gif: Linh Ta/Axios</figcaption></figure>Pho is Pho 515&#x27;s namesake, but don&#x27;t sleep on the restaurant&#x27;s simple, slurpable wonton soup.What it is: A soup with pork and shrimp-filled wontons and baby bok choy ($8).

3 tons of hash browns: Waveland tops Des Moines brunch list

A Des Moines breakfast staple earns more local bragging rights.

<blockquote>&quot;I should have bought into potato futures a long time ago.&quot; — David &quot;Stoney&quot; Stone, owner of Waveland Café.</blockquote>Context: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Waveland Café" data-vars-click-url="https://wavelandcafedsm.com/" data-vars-content-id="5ea1e351-5005-4563-bcdd-566c9441d31f" data-vars-headline="3 tons of hash browns: Waveland tops Des Moines brunch list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wavelandcafedsm.com/" target="_blank">The Waveland Café</a> cooks as much as 3 tons of hash browns a month, owner David &quot;Stoney&quot; Stone told Catch Des Moines in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new video" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQjp5QMNm_o" data-vars-content-id="5ea1e351-5005-4563-bcdd-566c9441d31f" data-vars-headline="3 tons of hash browns: Waveland tops Des Moines brunch list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQjp5QMNm_o" target="_blank">a new video</a> promoting its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Brunch list" data-vars-click-url="https://www.catchdesmoines.com/blog/stories/post/best-brunch-spots-in-greater-des-moines/" data-vars-content-id="5ea1e351-5005-4563-bcdd-566c9441d31f" data-vars-headline="3 tons of hash browns: Waveland tops Des Moines brunch list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.catchdesmoines.com/blog/stories/post/best-brunch-spots-in-greater-des-moines/" target="_blank">Best Brunch list</a>.

Des Moines' most unique dinner spot is a secret

FlashDine DSM is an al fresco dinig event, where the location is secret until the day of.

One of Des Moines&#x27; most unique dining events is happening Labor Day weekend, but the kicker is — no one knows where until the day of.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FlashDine DSM" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/27698702549790825" data-vars-content-id="b98f745b-d625-4aae-af86-23a8fd234985" data-vars-headline="Des Moines&#x27; most unique dinner spot is a secret" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/27698702549790825" target="_blank">FlashDine DSM</a> encourages people to be creative and share in a communal (and a little absurd) dining experience with one another.

The best thing Linh ate: Savor the Rise's new dinner

The bakery added dinner service with locally-sourced ingredients.

Savor the Rise, one of my favorite bakeries in the Des Moines area, recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="added dinner service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcgkKo6Gm8r/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="942c8ce3-6436-4abd-96c6-fc71b2068d5e" data-vars-headline="The best thing Linh ate: Savor the Rise&#x27;s new dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcgkKo6Gm8r/?img_index=1" target="_blank">added dinner service</a> featuring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.What it is: A cute Indianola bakery by day, and at night, the tables are cleared off and the space is transformed with checkered napkins and candlelight.

Subscribe to Axios Des Moines

Blind veterans can get free AI glasses Wednesday in Des Moines

Downtown Des Moines could get new entertainment district

Bread and Puppet show coming to Des Moines

Ankeny Art Center plans to move to Uptown

Des Moines reporter picks

News 🗞

Things to Do 🗓

Food and Drink 🍽

Politics 🇺🇸

Real Estate 🏠

Business 🏦

Election 🗳️

Axios' 5 big things