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$1 million starter homes spread to more cities

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House Dem campaign arm suffers second crushing primary loss

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Why homeownership costs are so high

The "dad bod," explained by science

Science

Redistricting strands Democrats in Trump districts

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.

How Pie Bird Pies baker Kristen Daily starts her day

The local home bakery has expanded its operations this year.

Everyone assumes that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pie Bird Pies owner Kristen Daily" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/05/15/pie-bird-pies-bakery-grows-bigger" data-vars-content-id="b651cafc-341f-452a-98e4-de6e3e7fa917" data-vars-headline="How Pie Bird Pies baker Kristen Daily 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/2026/05/15/pie-bird-pies-bakery-grows-bigger" target="_self">Pie Bird Pies owner Kristen Daily</a> starts her days rolling crusts bright and early. <ul><li>But Daily likes to describe herself as a &quot;middle of the day&quot; person, with her peak &quot;sweet spot&quot; between 10am and noon.</li></ul>

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.

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.

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.

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.

Judge tosses Iowa tax-sale lawsuit

Alan Woods argued that it's unconstitutional to take equity exceeding what is owed.

A Fayette County judge has dismissed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an Iowa homeowner&#x27;s lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/05/18/iowas-unpaid-tax-sale-challenged-as-unconstitutional" data-vars-content-id="0009d8e3-d5be-4ca3-aa42-6c7ab17425a7" data-vars-headline="Judge tosses Iowa tax-sale lawsuit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/05/18/iowas-unpaid-tax-sale-challenged-as-unconstitutional" target="_self">an Iowa homeowner&#x27;s lawsuit</a> challenging the state&#x27;s tax-sale system.Why it matters: The ruling is a setback for Alan Woods, whose case argued Iowa&#x27;s tax-sale laws violate the U.S. and Iowa constitutions by allowing investors to take equity exceeding taxes, interest and costs owed.

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>

New dashboard spotlights metro housing gaps

It'll show how much suburbs are doing to increase affordable housing.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regional dashboard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pchtf.org/dashboard" data-vars-content-id="f7a361da-afd8-4cad-8726-e1d1fe198e7b" data-vars-headline="New dashboard spotlights metro housing gaps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pchtf.org/dashboard" target="_blank">regional dashboard</a> now tracks which metro cities are adding affordable housing — and which are not.Why it matters: Des Moines leaders have long argued the city carries too much of the region&#x27;s affordable housing burden while <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some suburbs do little or nothing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/05/21/lihtc-des-moines-housing-low-income-iowa" data-vars-content-id="f7a361da-afd8-4cad-8726-e1d1fe198e7b" data-vars-headline="New dashboard spotlights metro housing gaps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/05/21/lihtc-des-moines-housing-low-income-iowa" target="_self">some suburbs do little or nothing</a>.

Full-time questions hit Polk races as GOP vets challengers

Candidates are clarifying whether being a supervisor would be their primary focus.

Polk County Democrats running for supervisor are beginning to clarify whether they would make the job their full-time professional focus.Why it matters: Republicans are weighing general-election challenges, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the issue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/27/polk-supervisors-dual-government-jobs-county-ban" data-vars-content-id="d750d073-d2d3-4035-85f6-a4dc1b6be2d9" data-vars-headline="Full-time questions hit Polk races as GOP vets challengers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/27/polk-supervisors-dual-government-jobs-county-ban" target="_self">the issue</a> could play a role in whether Democrats retain control of the five-member board.

A surprising twist for the giant Iowa State Fair pumpkins

Hope #2 is putting its best foot forward.

Linh here. I&#x27;m growing two giant pumpkins with the goal of showing one of them at the Iowa State Fair. (Their names are Hope #1 and Hope #2, just in case.)Driving the news: In a surprise turn of events, Hope #2, my backup pumpkin, is doing better than Hope #1.

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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