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The labor market's quiet upgrade

The labor market has spent years looking gloomier in hindsight, with job creation regularly downgraded in data revisions. But that pattern may be changing.

Economy

For the first time in years, data revisions could end up adding jobs to the official U.S. tally rather than erasing them.Why it matters: Early indicators point to a labor market that might be stronger than the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="monthly employment reports suggest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/05/may-jobs-report-iran-ai-tariffs" data-vars-content-id="7c0916a0-daf9-4f2a-aa24-0db07e5d8ff2" data-vars-headline="The labor market&#x27;s quiet upgrade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/05/may-jobs-report-iran-ai-tariffs" target="_self">monthly employment reports suggest</a>.<ul><li>Even a mild positive revision would reverse a stretch of after-the-fact updates that showed the labor market was notably weaker than it appeared in real time.</li></ul>

Trump's America gets global side-eye

Global views of U.S. reliability have fallen sharply under Trump.

Politics & Policy

The U.S. is losing standing abroad as 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="5fcaae18-d1a4-4a44-91c8-1aadcbfe34f3" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s America gets global side-eye" 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> foreign policy fuels doubts about whether America can still be counted on, according to new polling.Why it matters: The Pew Research Center findings capture how Trump&#x27;s second-term approach is reshaping America&#x27;s image, with allies and partners <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasingly viewing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/11/trump-strong-dangerous-leader-global-poll" data-vars-content-id="5fcaae18-d1a4-4a44-91c8-1aadcbfe34f3" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s America gets global side-eye" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/11/trump-strong-dangerous-leader-global-poll" target="_self">increasingly viewing</a> Washington as unreliable, self-interested and less committed to global <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cooperation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/04/trump-foreign-service-low-morale-survey" data-vars-content-id="5fcaae18-d1a4-4a44-91c8-1aadcbfe34f3" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s America gets global side-eye" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/04/trump-foreign-service-low-morale-survey" target="_self">cooperation</a>.

Scoop: Trump to headline McCormick defense summit

The event aims to reinforce Pennsylvania's role as a center for private-sector investment and national security growth.

President Trump is expected to announce on Tuesday that he will headline Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dave McCormick&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/14/mccormick-energy-permitting-bill" data-vars-content-id="fbe872c1-c8ed-4e7d-b743-9cdb326338ca" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Trump to headline McCormick defense summit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/14/mccormick-energy-permitting-bill" target="_self">Dave McCormick&#x27;s</a> Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit at the U.S. Army War College on July 15.Why it matters: The event builds on the momentum of McCormick&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2025 Energy and Innovation Summit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/07/15/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-ai-energy-investment" data-vars-content-id="fbe872c1-c8ed-4e7d-b743-9cdb326338ca" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Trump to headline McCormick defense summit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/07/15/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-ai-energy-investment" target="_self">2025 Energy and Innovation Summit</a>, which drew global CEOs and teed up over $90 billion in Pennsylvania energy investments.

SpaceX "Starfall" launches on secretive test flight

It's a small uncrewed capsule designed to haul cargo to and from space.

Science

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SpaceX&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/23/spacex-musk-bonds-stock" data-vars-content-id="263d2ff9-10d4-44e1-a000-a1e56a7feca3" data-vars-headline="SpaceX &quot;Starfall&quot; launches on secretive test flight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/23/spacex-musk-bonds-stock" target="_self">SpaceX&#x27;s</a> &quot;Starfall&quot; capsule launched Tuesday morning for its first test flight, a somewhat hush-hush affair for a small but potentially pivotal new bit of space tech.Why it matters: In FAA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="filings" data-vars-click-url="https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/DRSDOCID179523766920260515185428.0001" data-vars-content-id="263d2ff9-10d4-44e1-a000-a1e56a7feca3" data-vars-headline="SpaceX &quot;Starfall&quot; launches on secretive test flight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/DRSDOCID179523766920260515185428.0001" target="_blank">filings</a>, SpaceX suggests Starfall could serve two roles: Offering &quot;access to microgravity and vacuum&quot; for companies interested in space manufacturing, plus &quot;point-to-point delivery of critical cargo through space on rapid timelines&quot; — mail missiles, basically.<ul><li>The company also argues that Starfall could take the International Space Station&#x27;s &quot;successful manufacturing experiments and scale them to a self-sustaining manufacturing economy in space.&quot; </li></ul>

The cost of Brexit, 10 years later

Since the Brexit referendum, the U.K. economy has grown about 13% — less than half the U.S. pace over the same period, according to FactSet calculations.

Brexit is the real-world test of what happens when a major economy voluntarily raises trade barriers, restricts the free flow of workers and generates years of policy uncertainty — all at once. <ul><li>A decade since the vote to leave the European Union, the results are largely in. </li></ul>Why it matters: The economic drag came from overlapping effects. <ul><li>Businesses held off on investment as uncertainty dragged on, executives spent years consumed by Brexit logistics, and the firms most integrated with European markets were often the ones hit hardest.</li></ul>

Former school gets Des Moines' OK to anchor Tiny Village

Reusing the school could preserve history while supporting people transitioning out of homelessness.

News

A vacant 1880s school building has received a city permit to serve as a community hub for Joppa&#x27;s planned Tiny Village in Des Moines.Why it matters: Reusing the school could preserve a piece of Des Moines history while supporting people transitioning out of homelessness.

Des Moines metro leaders debate who should lead e-bike changes

There are calls for a more coordinated ordinance effort.

A Pleasant Hill City Council member is calling on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization" data-vars-click-url="https://dmampo.org/" data-vars-content-id="c5859239-f012-467e-be49-63fb1489fbdd" data-vars-headline="Des Moines metro leaders debate who should lead e-bike changes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dmampo.org/" target="_blank">Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization</a> (MPO) to bring stakeholders together to create a model metro-wide e-bike ordinance, though other metro leaders argue that would be unnecessary.Why it matters: The Des Moines metro is praised for its vast continuous trail system, but a patchwork of local ordinances could leave riders confused about what rules apply as they cross city lines.

Iowa State Fair pays $300,000 to replace DART shuttle

A longtime park-and-ride from Southeast Polk High School has ended.

The Iowa State Fair is paying $300,000 to provide a new, free Southridge Mall shuttle after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pleasant Hill&#x27;s exit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/11/pleasant-hill-iowa-dart-regional-transportation" data-vars-content-id="60ad5338-262c-434a-9b64-de75cfee8634" data-vars-headline="Iowa State Fair pays $300,000 to replace DART shuttle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/11/pleasant-hill-iowa-dart-regional-transportation" target="_self">Pleasant Hill&#x27;s exit</a> from DART ended the park-and-ride service from Southeast Polk High School.Why it matters: The move shifts major fair shuttle hubs, potentially making travel more cumbersome for the eastern parts of the metro and the state but possibly more convenient for those traveling from the south.

DART's new campus could reshape Des Moines

The move could open 11 downtown acres to redevelopment.

DART has completed the first phase of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new campus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/09/03/dart-new-campus-des-moines-transit-grants" data-vars-content-id="bc1246c5-6fa4-459d-aef6-a1b2083c3c26" data-vars-headline="DART&#x27;s new campus could reshape Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/09/03/dart-new-campus-des-moines-transit-grants" target="_self">a new campus</a>.Why it matters: The project could free the agency&#x27;s 11-acre downtown site for redevelopment near the future <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pro Iowa soccer stadium and Global Plaza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/09/23/des-moines-plaza-soccer-stadium-street-closures" data-vars-content-id="bc1246c5-6fa4-459d-aef6-a1b2083c3c26" data-vars-headline="DART&#x27;s new campus could reshape Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/09/23/des-moines-plaza-soccer-stadium-street-closures" target="_self">Pro Iowa soccer stadium and Global Plaza</a>.

After camping ban, Harvard fellow to aid Des Moines' homelessness work

The city accepted up to $300,000 in grant-funded support.

Politics

Des Moines&#x27; push to address homeless camps is getting a boost through a Harvard College program, with up to $300,000 in grant-funded support for a policy aide to work with the city for the next two years.Why it matters: City leaders hope the support will help the metro <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="move beyond planning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/12/11/homeless-des-moines-iowa-businesses-blueprint" data-vars-content-id="d88e0a49-69f9-4977-9528-5736d67a9abd" data-vars-headline="After camping ban, Harvard fellow to aid Des Moines&#x27; homelessness work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/12/11/homeless-des-moines-iowa-businesses-blueprint" target="_self">move beyond planning</a> and expand shelter options for unsheltered people.

Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing "big ag"

Zach Lahn, a MAHA-backed candidate, criticized big ag in Iowa.

Zach Lahn won the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa GOP gubernatorial nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-governor-zach-lahn-feenstra-primary" data-vars-content-id="8ba57b9c-26c9-413f-9ad8-ea0a710f5f5e" data-vars-headline="Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing &quot;big ag&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-governor-zach-lahn-feenstra-primary" target="_self">Iowa GOP gubernatorial nomination</a> after doing something almost no Republican in this state does: criticize &quot;big agriculture,&quot; per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Washington Post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/06/08/zach-lahn-wins-iowa-republican-governor-primary-after-blasting-pesticides/" data-vars-content-id="8ba57b9c-26c9-413f-9ad8-ea0a710f5f5e" data-vars-headline="Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing &quot;big ag&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/06/08/zach-lahn-wins-iowa-republican-governor-primary-after-blasting-pesticides/" target="_blank">The Washington Post</a>.Why it matters: Once shied away from, the public health impact of Iowa&#x27;s industrial farming is on the ballot for both sides of the aisle.

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.

Business

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>.

Casey's grew a lot, including its gas profit margins

The company posted record profits as it continues to build and acquire new stores.

Casey&#x27;s posted record profits in its last fiscal year, fueled by surging gas margins and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strong in-store sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/06/10/gas-station-pizza-iowa-pandemic-recovery" data-vars-content-id="274ae4d8-e54f-4fa7-939c-deb6b1597c89" data-vars-headline="Casey&#x27;s grew a lot, including its gas profit margins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/06/10/gas-station-pizza-iowa-pandemic-recovery" target="_self">strong in-store sales</a>, leaders shared during an earnings call this week.Why it matters: Gas stations are the great equalizers in our society, and purchasing habits at Casey&#x27;s can reflect how Iowans are doing in general.

Flood fixes lead to a George Flagg Parkway comeback

A $2 million office and warehouse-style building is the latest proposal.

New developments are in the works along George Flagg Parkway — where projects had been blocked by persistent flooding — including an expansion of Jasper Winery and a proposed $2 million &quot;flex office&quot; building.Why it matters:<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Des Moines has spent tens of millions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/03/22/flood-resiliency-desmoines-insurance-federal-iowa" data-vars-content-id="869b41e0-be42-476f-8878-f74ec091e087" data-vars-headline="Flood fixes lead to a George Flagg Parkway comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/03/22/flood-resiliency-desmoines-insurance-federal-iowa" target="_self"> Des Moines has spent tens of millions</a> of dollars in recent years to improve its levees, prompting federal flood officials to lift restrictions on property buyouts.

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.

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.

Suburbia catches up to historic Iowa barn, again

The barn, moved decades ago, is again on the edge of major metro development.

Robert Wilkening paid thousands to move a historic barn out of developers&#x27; path about 25 years ago. Now, he says, suburban growth is threatening it again.Why it matters: The case highlights the tension between preserving future street connections and protecting older structures in the path of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="metro expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/04/28/urbandale-loop-interchange-development" data-vars-content-id="bd2fb0d7-3341-403a-a21b-b3a41e3794e9" data-vars-headline="Suburbia catches up to historic Iowa barn, again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/04/28/urbandale-loop-interchange-development" target="_self">metro expansion</a>.

How Ankeny entrepreneur Dennis Albaugh starts his day

Dennis Albaugh is known just about everywhere in Ankeny.

If you&#x27;ve been in Ankeny, you&#x27;ve likely been somewhere with some sort of connection to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local entrepreneur Dennis Albaugh" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/05/05/ankeny-dennis-albaugh-chevrolet-collection-yenkos" data-vars-content-id="6edbfde9-17ad-4710-9cd1-68229039bd75" data-vars-headline="How Ankeny entrepreneur Dennis Albaugh starts his day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/05/05/ankeny-dennis-albaugh-chevrolet-collection-yenkos" target="_self">local entrepreneur Dennis Albaugh</a>.State of play: Albaugh is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="founder of D.R.A. Properties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dsmhba.com/members/dra-properties/" data-vars-content-id="6edbfde9-17ad-4710-9cd1-68229039bd75" data-vars-headline="How Ankeny entrepreneur Dennis Albaugh starts his day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dsmhba.com/members/dra-properties/" target="_blank">founder of D.R.A. Properties</a>, the developer behind Prairie Trail, Briar Creek and Otter Creek. He&#x27;s also the chairman of Albaugh, LLC, a global agricultural chemical company.

New West Des Moines dentistry focuses on spa-like experience

The new dental office opened near Coachlight Spa.

A new Des Moines practice is betting that a spa-like dentistry practice is in demand here.Why it matters: Americans are more obsessed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with their teeth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vogue.com/article/what-will-our-teeth-look-like-in-2045" data-vars-content-id="601a2ed6-3d98-451d-90f5-89305f112a14" data-vars-headline="New West Des Moines dentistry focuses on spa-like experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vogue.com/article/what-will-our-teeth-look-like-in-2045" target="_blank">with their teeth</a> than ever.

Private meetups don't end 515's running dispute over Des Moines fees

The city has not yet taken enforcement action.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="515 Run Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/02/des-moines-rejects-515-run-club-fee-permits" data-vars-content-id="33a038ec-1717-427f-b3da-3ec59092c9ac" data-vars-headline="Private meetups don&#x27;t end 515&#x27;s running dispute over Des Moines fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/02/des-moines-rejects-515-run-club-fee-permits" target="_self">515 Run Club</a> now meets on private property near Gray&#x27;s Lake, but Des Moines says it still needs permits and has yet to pay the fees tied to 38 city-authorized trail-use dates this year.Why it matters: The dispute tests whether large <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="informal fitness groups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/23/gen-z-is-turning-run-clubs-into-social-spaces-in-dsm" data-vars-content-id="33a038ec-1717-427f-b3da-3ec59092c9ac" data-vars-headline="Private meetups don&#x27;t end 515&#x27;s running dispute over Des Moines fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/23/gen-z-is-turning-run-clubs-into-social-spaces-in-dsm" target="_self">informal fitness groups</a> can use public trails as casual users or must follow the same permit rules as organized events, even if they initially gather on private property.

Polk County to bid on events center management

The next operator will shape how well the Iowa Events Center competes for concerts and events.

Polk County is putting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa Events Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/06/05/event-center-to-soon-get-a-new-look" data-vars-content-id="7be7df65-0eac-4333-ad04-1f0e2c16e405" data-vars-headline="Polk County to bid on events center management" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/06/05/event-center-to-soon-get-a-new-look" target="_self">Iowa Events Center</a> management contract up for bid for the first time since the downtown complex opened more than 20 years ago.Why it matters: The next operator will shape how well the Iowa Events Center competes for concerts, conventions and NCAA events — and how much money the county receives from the publicly owned venue.

I live in Iowa. Which water filter should I buy?

A reverse osmosis system is the most practical system to remove nitrates at home.

Welcome to our new series, Water Cooler Talk, where we answer your water quality and food questions.<ul><li>We got several questions last week about buying a reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration system, so let&#x27;s dive in.</li></ul>

CelebrAsian returns this weekend with a record 70 food vendors

The popular two-day festival celebrates Iowa's Asian community.

Things to Do

CelebrAsian is back this weekend <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for its 23rd annual event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iowaasianalliance.com/celebrasian" data-vars-content-id="dfb9d30b-6fb2-4739-b2e0-78213ce331db" data-vars-headline="CelebrAsian returns this weekend with a record 70 food vendors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iowaasianalliance.com/celebrasian" target="_blank">for its 23rd annual event</a>, and it&#x27;s using the moment to launch a fundraising push for a new refugee memorial project.Driving the news: Festival organizer Iowa Asian Alliance (IAA) wants to plant flowering and canopy trees along Robert D. Ray Drive and near the Capitol, with each tree symbolizing a refugee family as a &quot;living legacy&quot; to their stories, executive director Nu Huynh tells Axios.

Mushroom festival will cover foraging, mental health and more

If you love all things fungi, toadstool, or just that little dude from Mario Bros., there&#x27;s a free event May 31 just for you.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The DSM Mushroom Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://dsmmushroomfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="7f531869-8ab6-4106-a3d0-68f323716d0e" data-vars-headline="Mushroom festival will cover foraging, mental health and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dsmmushroomfest.com/" target="_blank">The DSM Mushroom Festival</a> covers everything mycology, from foraging to mental health research.

Waukee Parks exploring more green space, kayaks in future

Waukee Parks and Rec is asking for the public's input for future planning ideas.

Waukee wants to make sure all residents are within half a mile of a park.Why it matters: The new plan will help guide future green space and recreation growth for one of the metro&#x27;s fastest-growing cities.

I finally planted my giant pumpkins outside

Hope #1 and Hope #2 have made it into their new homes.

Linh here! And I&#x27;m on a journey to grow a giant pumpkin in the hopes of showing it at the Iowa State Fair.<ul><li>Aptly, the pumpkin is named Hope (and I&#x27;m also growing Hope #2, just in case).</li></ul>

Hinterland returns with new stage, extra room and traffic flow

The St. Charles festival returns with a star-studded lineup.

Music

Hinterland is back this summer with new features, including a permanent stage and an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eclectic four-day lineup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/lineup" data-vars-content-id="caf3aab9-a901-4448-8962-c8d4d6c02dd5" data-vars-headline="Hinterland returns with new stage, extra room and traffic flow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/lineup" target="_blank">eclectic four-day lineup</a>, July 30-Aug. 2.Why it matters: No one really expects to see Lorde out among farm fields, and we get to proudly say they&#x27;re our farm fields.

My giant pumpkin is growing too large for my home

I'm growing a giant pumpkin for the Iowa State Fair.

Linh here. I&#x27;m growing a giant pumpkin named Hope to enter at the Iowa State Fair, and this weekend, I&#x27;m finally planting Hope (and Hope #2, just in case.) Why it matters: They are not happy with me.

New Filipino coffee shop opening in Des Moines' East Village

The coffee pop-up has found a brick-and-mortar home.

Seven siblings are opening <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grounded" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/groundedbythecollective/" data-vars-content-id="b028836d-b25f-4f37-8c96-6de15e654458" data-vars-headline="New Filipino coffee shop opening in Des Moines&#x27; East Village" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/groundedbythecollective/" target="_blank">Grounded</a>, a new coffee shop in the East Village, featuring Filipino flavors they grew up loving.Why it matters: As brands like Starbucks and Trader Joe&#x27;s flood the market with Filipino <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ube flavors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/03/09/ubes-surging-popularity-challenges-filipino-supply-chain" data-vars-content-id="b028836d-b25f-4f37-8c96-6de15e654458" data-vars-headline="New Filipino coffee shop opening in Des Moines&#x27; East Village" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/03/09/ubes-surging-popularity-challenges-filipino-supply-chain" target="_blank">ube flavors</a>, this immigrant-owned shop wants to share their traditions with other Iowans.

A new Mexican meat market is opening in Des Moines

Cerro Grande Meat Market is opening in July.

Food and Drink

A family meat market with roots stretching back generations in Mexico is opening this summer at 2517 Hubbell Ave. in Des Moines.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cerro Grande Meat Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/CerroGrandeMeatMarket" data-vars-content-id="fb325f0e-78e8-4094-ab42-71c5e334846d" data-vars-headline="A new Mexican meat market is opening in Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/CerroGrandeMeatMarket" target="_blank">Cerro Grande Meat Market</a> aims to offer products not found at your typical grocery meat counter. It will sell Latino and Mexican specialty cuts, rotating seasonal sausages and ready-to-cook foods.

We tried West Des Moines' Dave's Hot Chicken

The hot chicken chain opened its second metro location.

Linh here. Dave&#x27;s Hot Chicken, a popular Nashville hot chicken chain, opened its second metro location over in West Des Moines, and I decided to try it to see if it&#x27;s as spicy as its namesake.What I got: A hot chicken sliders meal with fries ($14.50). There&#x27;s a spectrum of heat levels, ranging from zero spice to its Reaper heat, which requires a waiver.

Pie Bird Pies bakery grows bigger

The popular pie bakery is looking into wholesale products.

For years, pie dough and flour took over Kristen Daily and her wife&#x27;s Drake neighborhood home as she worked to keep up with the growing demand for her business, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pie Bird Pies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/03/12/des-moines-pie-bird-pies-creators-business-blew-up-overnight" data-vars-content-id="811d416b-a6d7-44e2-a680-3be1e17d8221" data-vars-headline="Pie Bird Pies bakery grows bigger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/03/12/des-moines-pie-bird-pies-creators-business-blew-up-overnight" target="_self">Pie Bird Pies</a>.Why it matters: After years of searching for a larger commercial kitchen, Daily learned that she doesn&#x27;t &quot;knead&quot; to look any further than her own backyard.

Bonchon opens its first Iowa location near Jordan Creek

The popular Korean fried chicken chain opened outside of Jordan Creek mall.

Linh here. I&#x27;m a huge Korean fried chicken fan. (Every Wednesday, you&#x27;ll find me at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Basic Bird for their $1 wing deal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/04/basic-bird-offers-dollar-wing-deal-every-wednesday" data-vars-content-id="b5a48473-aeca-47df-854a-ce67d0f18190" data-vars-headline="Bonchon opens its first Iowa location near Jordan Creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/04/basic-bird-offers-dollar-wing-deal-every-wednesday" target="_self">Basic Bird for their $1 wing deal</a>.)<ul><li>So when I saw that the popular Bonchon chain was opening just outside Jordan Creek mall, I was hyped to try it.</li></ul>

How The Bake Shoppe's co-owner starts her day

Lisa Kannapel wakes up bright and early to start work in the bakery.

Growing up in the newspaper business, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bake Shoppe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/03/the-bake-shoppe-plans-second-location-in-waukee" data-vars-content-id="9dcfbc90-39bb-40b4-8bef-c377ef357f41" data-vars-headline="How The Bake Shoppe&#x27;s co-owner starts her day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/03/the-bake-shoppe-plans-second-location-in-waukee" target="_self">The Bake Shoppe</a> co-owner Lisa Kannapel was no stranger to early mornings.<ul><li>Kannapel says she&#x27;s taken on the work ethic of her father, who still owns small-town Iowa papers in places like Armstrong and Ringsted today.</li></ul>And while she still puts many hours into the bakery, a breast cancer diagnosis last year kept her out of the kitchen — a major endeavor as a &quot;workaholic,&quot; she says. <ul><li>Now she tries to take more moments to appreciate other parts of her life.</li><li>&quot;Ever since my cancer diagnosis, we&#x27;ve just kind of decided our personal lives are a little more important than we&#x27;re giving it credit for,&quot; says Kannapel, who runs the bakery with her husband, Chris.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Lisa is in remission, and the Kannapels are opening a second location this spring in Waukee.<ul><li>&quot;You only live once,&quot; she says.</li></ul>Here&#x27;s how Kannapel starts her day:⏰ Wake up: 5:15–5:45am.🍳 Breakfast: Two hard-boiled eggs and coffee. Scrambled on the weekends.📱 What she&#x27;s reading: Work emails. 💡 Her advice for new bakers: Start at farmers markets for experience.

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