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Everything you need to know about last night in under 1,000 words

These are the key highlights from an historic night.

Politics & Policy

It was a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drubbing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/03/election-day-midterm-trump-democrats-republicans" data-vars-content-id="c736d7d1-7bc0-4cc8-b58b-1cd84e8000b9" data-vars-headline="Everything you need to know about last night in under 1,000 words" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/03/election-day-midterm-trump-democrats-republicans" target="_self">drubbing</a> on a scale that neither side saw coming: Democrats pummeled Republicans across the battleground map and into some of the most MAGA-friendly terrain in the country.Why it matters: The results were an emphatic rejection of Donald Trump&#x27;s second term in office — and set the stage for two years of corruption investigations and legislative frustration for the lame-duck president.

Blue tsunami breaks MAGA: 5 takeaways from a blowout midterm election

The blue tsunami that broke MAGA

Voters delivered a devastating verdict on Trump's second presidency.

President Trump&#x27;s Republican Party suffered an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electoral humiliation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/trump-republicans-midterms-2026-landslide-blue-wave" data-vars-content-id="95200d55-87a1-4970-b82e-38b60220b194" data-vars-headline="Blue tsunami breaks MAGA: 5 takeaways from a blowout midterm election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/trump-republicans-midterms-2026-landslide-blue-wave" target="_self">electoral humiliation</a> Tuesday night that stretched across the battleground map and into some of the deepest-red territory in America.Why it matters: The 2026 midterms will go down as one of the most sweeping repudiations of a sitting president in modern American history, on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scale reminiscent" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/SeanTrende/status/2117814894988763256?a=ggIVXp2SeR25x6PEGAs&amp;s=20" data-vars-content-id="95200d55-87a1-4970-b82e-38b60220b194" data-vars-headline="Blue tsunami breaks MAGA: 5 takeaways from a blowout midterm election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/SeanTrende/status/2117814894988763256?a=ggIVXp2SeR25x6PEGAs&amp;s=20" target="_blank">scale reminiscent</a> of the post-Watergate reckoning of 1974.

The 5 biggest shockers of Democrats' stunning night

5 shockers from a stunning night

The polls were wrong, but not in the way Democrats feared.

In red states and blue, Republicans suffered losses on a scale even Democrats would never have dared to dream about 24 hours ago.Why it matters: Democrats worried that polls showing a blue wave were overestimating the party&#x27;s strength. It turned out polls underestimated the size of the Democratic romp — by a lot.

Hakeem Jeffries gets the majority of his dreams

Jeffries gets his dream majority

The left's strategy is "going to look different from what it would have been with a smaller margin."

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is set to preside over a commanding Democratic majority after his party swept districts President Trump carried by double digits.Why it matters: Democrats&#x27; landslide win will make it much, much easier for the likely next speaker to secure the gavel without a sweat and ignore the demands of his progressive wing.

Voters deliver "AI earthquake," rebuking tech and billionaires

Election results deliver a warning shot to Silicon Valley.

Business

Voters showed deep distrust of the AI race Tuesday, approving dozens of data center moratoriums and electing a raft of candidates who favor slowing a $10 trillion buildout, including in Texas — the epicenter of the boom.Why it matters: In an election that hinged on an affordability crisis for many Americans, voters made it clear they view Silicon Valley&#x27;s AI ambitions not as a technological miracle, but as a resource-draining threat to their wallets and communities.<ul><li>The results were a warning shot to some of the nation&#x27;s wealthiest and most powerful executives, many of whom are already working on ways to build a more palatable version of the revolution they are dead set on winning.</li></ul>

The Iowa Clinic threatens to end UnityPoint partnership

Unresolved disputes could reshape where Central Iowa patients receive care.

News

The Iowa Clinic has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="notified UnityPoint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/09/12/union-unitypoint-nurses-vote-methodist-blank" data-vars-content-id="cf903c7d-4713-4971-b5f6-829615ed3db1" data-vars-headline="The Iowa Clinic threatens to end UnityPoint partnership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/09/12/union-unitypoint-nurses-vote-methodist-blank" target="_self">notified UnityPoint</a> of plans to terminate its 30-year partnership, citing concerns about hospital operations.Why it matters: The dispute could upend a partnership that helps determine where Central Iowa patients receive care and which doctors treat them.

These Des Moines sandwiches regularly sell out

The Good Butcher serves a different sandwich every Tuesday.

Food and Drink

From melty cheesesteaks to fat-stacked Reubens, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Good Butcher" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/30/good-butcher-specialty-shop-desmoines-sherman-hill" data-vars-content-id="32334ca2-26c6-43fe-b67c-bfed56a18f0c" data-vars-headline="These Des Moines sandwiches regularly sell out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/30/good-butcher-specialty-shop-desmoines-sherman-hill" target="_self">The Good Butcher</a>, off Ingersoll, is regularly selling out of its weekly Sandwich Tuesday specials.Why it matters: Food is fun, and these creative sandwiches get the shop&#x27;s chefs to think outside of the box while also using locally sourced meats.

Des Moines council members cross party lines to endorse Zach Nunn

Des Moines council members Joe Gatto and Mike Simonson voice their support for Nunn in a TV ad.

Politics

Des Moines City Council members Mike Simonson and Joe Gatto, both Democrats, are featured in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a TV advertisement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VorSukMsWR0" data-vars-content-id="3809e5db-8b49-4bea-8319-005a9e6a204f" data-vars-headline="Des Moines council members cross party lines to endorse Zach Nunn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VorSukMsWR0" target="_blank">a TV advertisement</a> this week for U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, the Republican incumbent running to keep his seat in Iowa&#x27;s 3rd District.Why it matters: The cross-party endorsements are efforts to appeal to voters beyond party lines, but they have also sparked backlash from Des Moines Democrats, including a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pledge to withdraw future financial support" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/jack.hatch.39/posts/i-just-emailed-the-following-statement-to-des-moines-councilman-mike-simonson-te/2627048864388262/" data-vars-content-id="3809e5db-8b49-4bea-8319-005a9e6a204f" data-vars-headline="Des Moines council members cross party lines to endorse Zach Nunn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/jack.hatch.39/posts/i-just-emailed-the-following-statement-to-des-moines-councilman-mike-simonson-te/2627048864388262/" target="_blank">pledge to withdraw future financial support</a>.

Iowa early voting surges

Democrats lead the early vote, but their share is down from 2022.

Iowans are casting early ballots at a considerably faster rate than in the 2022 midterms, with more than 307,000 ballots received as of Tuesday morning.Why it matters: The surge — nearly 30% higher than four years ago — signals heightened interest in Iowa&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closely watched midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/10/14/iowa-early-voting-elections-2026-midterms" data-vars-content-id="e5bc4425-4dd2-4531-bddd-bb86d3779158" data-vars-headline="Iowa early voting surges" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/10/14/iowa-early-voting-elections-2026-midterms" target="_self">closely watched midterms</a>, but doesn&#x27;t necessarily mean overall turnout will increase.

No rules for AI ads in Iowa

Iowa is among the states that don't require AI ad disclosure.

Iowa is among 19 states that don&#x27;t regulate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI-generated political ads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/19/ai-attack-ads-campaigns-elections-deepfakes" data-vars-content-id="16b866c7-9879-4998-92f9-7030f9d81aff" data-vars-headline="No rules for AI ads in Iowa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/19/ai-attack-ads-campaigns-elections-deepfakes" target="_self">AI-generated political ads</a>, which have already appeared in races from the U.S. Senate to the gubernatorial seat.Why it matters: Without restrictions, AI-generated political ads could sway voters to believe a stance that a politician doesn&#x27;t actually hold.

Des Moines: Your 1-minute guide to election day

Here's everything you need to know about how to vote and what's at stake.

Election day is finally upon us. Here&#x27;s a one-minute cheat sheet with what you need to know to vote Tuesday.🗳️ Where to vote: Look up your polling place on the Secretary of State&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="website" data-vars-click-url="https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx" data-vars-content-id="e9a5459d-8a94-495f-bc21-8f52a9e420f2" data-vars-headline="Des Moines: Your 1-minute guide to election day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx" target="_blank">website</a>.

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.

Valley West Mall is finally sold

A lease with JC Penney is holding up redevelopment plans.

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.

Iowa's early voting starts Wednesday

Cancer, the cost of living and tariffs are among the issues on voters' minds.

Iowans can begin voting Wednesday in an election that could reshape state government and help decide which party controls Congress.Why it matters: Iowa is once again a battleground, with competitive races for governor and the U.S. Senate and House — and several issues that could determine how voters break.

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.

Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott flips Iowa's 3rd District

Sarah Trone Garriott, a Lutheran minister and state senator from West Des Moines, won Tuesday night.

Democratic nominee Sarah Trone Garriott defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Iowa&#x27;s competitive 3rd Congressional District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/09/christian-pastors-democrats-elections" data-vars-content-id="a41d27f4-2561-4613-9d25-d864617a7b9b" data-vars-headline="Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott flips Iowa&#x27;s 3rd District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/09/christian-pastors-democrats-elections" target="_self">in Iowa&#x27;s competitive 3rd Congressional District</a>, flipping a key seat in the battle for Congress, according to the Associated Press.Why it matters: Her victory marks a major win for both national and local Democrats, who are trying to break through Republicans&#x27; dominance in the state.

Josh Turek flips control of Senate with Iowa upset

Turek gives Democrats their first Iowa Senate victory since 2008 in a major political breakthrough.

Democratic state Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Josh Turek" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/10/14/iowa-early-voting-elections-2026-midterms?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="b1eb6363-e2f5-46b5-b506-056120fa7e24" data-vars-headline="Josh Turek flips control of Senate with Iowa upset" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/10/14/iowa-early-voting-elections-2026-midterms?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_self">Josh Turek</a> defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson in a major upset Tuesday, becoming the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Iowa since 2008, the AP projected. Why it matters: Turek&#x27;s victory delivers Democrats control of the Senate — and signals a political backlash against Republicans in a state Trump won comfortably just two years ago.

Democrat Rob Sand flips Iowa's governor seat

The Democrat who touts himself as a watchdog flipped the state's top seat.

Rob Sand has won Iowa&#x27;s governor&#x27;s race, becoming the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first Democrat to lead" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/10/14/rob-sand-zach-lahn-different-priorities-water-cancer" data-vars-content-id="32c8278f-c362-4a51-b974-cc5d8be876bf" data-vars-headline="Democrat Rob Sand flips Iowa&#x27;s governor seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/10/14/rob-sand-zach-lahn-different-priorities-water-cancer" target="_self">first Democrat to lead</a> the state in 20 years by defeating Republican Zach Lahn, AP projects.Why it matters: Sand&#x27;s victory marks a major breakthrough for Iowa Democrats, who have struggled to win statewide elections during Iowa&#x27;s red shift over the past decade.

Democrats retain control of Polk County Board of Supervisors

Democrat Heather Jones-Brown defeated Republican Alyson DeMoss.

Election

Democrats retained control of the Polk County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, holding off a Republican bid to flip the longtime Democratic stronghold.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democrats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/matt-mccoy-supervisors-primary-john-forbes" data-vars-content-id="2c735fb9-bb5f-466f-a586-f30cb3c01509" data-vars-headline="Democrats retain control of Polk County Board of Supervisors" 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/matt-mccoy-supervisors-primary-john-forbes" target="_self">Democrats</a> will continue to control county budget priorities, property taxes and policies affecting public health, roads and other services.

Why an Iowa woman's final vote won't count

An unexpected death raises questions about a little-known election law.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pauline &quot;Kay&quot; Myers" data-vars-click-url="https://ilesfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/pauline-kay-myers/" data-vars-content-id="120f61d9-b38a-42de-8fad-4ec79f37a014" data-vars-headline="Why an Iowa woman&#x27;s final vote won&#x27;t count" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ilesfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/pauline-kay-myers/" target="_blank">Pauline &quot;Kay&quot; Myers</a>, 90, proudly cast her ballot alongside her son, Bruce. She died hours later, and now her vote won&#x27;t count under Iowa law.The big picture: Her story highlights a little-known Iowa law that can disqualify ballots legally cast by voters who die before Election Day.

New film celebrates Iowa legend Jay N. Darling

Free screenings Wednesday spotlight the Pulitzer-winning Iowan.

A new documentary celebrating the 150th birthday of legendary Des Moines cartoonist and conservationist Jay N. &quot;Ding&quot; Darling premieres Wednesday.Why it matters: The film introduces a new generation to an Iowa icon who helped transform wildlife conservation in America.

Two worthy Halloween stops: Sherman Hill and Park Avenue

Both events welcome donations to charities.

A spectacular Halloween display spanning multiple homes is free to visit in the 100 block of East Park Avenue in Des Moines.Zoom in: Organizers encourage visitors and welcome donations for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Skeletons for St. Jude" data-vars-click-url="https://skeletonsforhope.org/" data-vars-content-id="5fa21c74-eff3-46f1-86cb-82655a2d5cdf" data-vars-headline="Two worthy Halloween stops: Sherman Hill and Park Avenue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://skeletonsforhope.org/" target="_blank">Skeletons for St. Jude</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Brain Tumor Society" data-vars-click-url="https://braintumor.org/" data-vars-content-id="5fa21c74-eff3-46f1-86cb-82655a2d5cdf" data-vars-headline="Two worthy Halloween stops: Sherman Hill and Park Avenue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://braintumor.org/" target="_blank">National Brain Tumor Society</a>.

A $50M apartment  building named after this dog opens in Des Moines

A beloved four-legged friend inspired this 161-unit development.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Aston" data-vars-click-url="https://astoneastvillage.com/" data-vars-content-id="cd56ca84-7197-4b3d-a0f1-c71137f2f659" data-vars-headline="A $50M apartment building named after this dog opens in Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://astoneastvillage.com/" target="_blank">The Aston</a> — a nearly $50 million luxury apartment project in Des Moines&#x27; East Village that&#x27;s named after a dog — is now preleasing.State of play: The seven-story development at 603 E. Sixth St. replaces the former American College of Hairstyling building, which Heart of America Group (HOA) demolished to make way for the apartments.

Des Moines weekend plans from Oct. 30-Nov. 1

From a spooky concert to a beggars' night tradition, there's plenty to do this weekend.

Things to Do

<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>🎃 Beggars&#x27; Night | Dress up the kids and trick-or-treat along Ingersoll Avenue, where more than 40 local restaurants and businesses will hand out candy and treats. | 4:30–6:30pm | Ingersoll Avenue | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Free!" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theavenuesdsm.com/beggars-night-on-ingersoll-avenue-halloween-trick-or-treat/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="c397814e-aefc-4f59-b098-fb7fe610ef61" data-vars-headline="Des Moines weekend plans from Oct. 30-Nov. 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theavenuesdsm.com/beggars-night-on-ingersoll-avenue-halloween-trick-or-treat/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">Free!</a>

Try these Des Moines-specific Halloween costumes this year

From a kid on an e-moto to the AE Dairy cows, there's plenty of choices.

If you haven&#x27;t planned your Halloween costume yet, maybe these hyper-local options will give you some inspiration.<ul><li>From kids on e-motos to the most in-demand person this year (the Culligan man), there&#x27;s plenty to poke fun at this year.</li></ul>

Go thrifting, dress up for an ACOTAR party this weekend

There's plenty of spooky Halloween events to do this weekend in Des Moines.

<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>👗 Consignment fall pop-up | Shop more than 100 closets of gently used clothing, shoes and accessories at 50–80% off retail prices. | 10am–8pm, also open Saturday and Sunday | Iowa State Fairgrounds | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Free!" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/statemintwestdesmoines/2189953?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="a921dea2-140e-41f8-afa6-9d11291add5a" data-vars-headline="Go thrifting, dress up for an ACOTAR party this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/statemintwestdesmoines/2189953?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">Free!</a>

Des Moines weekend plans Oct. 16-18

The Iowa Home Expo, Capital City Gaming Con and Buccaneers hockey.

<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>🏡 Iowa Home Expo | Explore home improvement ideas and meet local contractors and designers. | Noon-6pm, also open through the weekend | Iowa State Fairgrounds | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Free!" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-iowa-home-expo-october-2026-tickets-1985320136973" data-vars-content-id="b00d0db6-e32f-45be-aac6-c0c198b88be6" data-vars-headline="Des Moines weekend plans Oct. 16-18" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-iowa-home-expo-october-2026-tickets-1985320136973" target="_blank">Free!</a>

Valley Junction's historic past includes "booze orgy," murders

Learn about the historic district's "unique" past during walking tours this month.

The typically quaint Valley Junction neighborhood is unearthing some true tales of its less savory past, including headlines that warned of booze-filled orgies, gambling dens and plenty of murders.Why it matters: The Historic Valley Junction Foundation is sharing these stories during its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayhem tours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valley-junction-mayhem-tour-tickets-2002584655613" data-vars-content-id="24240b3f-33cd-438d-b40c-cb5b85f3d3c0" data-vars-headline="Valley Junction&#x27;s historic past includes &quot;booze orgy,&quot; murders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valley-junction-mayhem-tour-tickets-2002584655613" target="_blank">mayhem tours</a> the next two Saturdays before Halloween.

Central Iowa's peak fall colors are on the way 

Expect that kaleidoscope of colors by mid-October.

Leaf-peepers, gird your loins: Fall colors are creeping into central Iowa. The intrigue: We&#x27;re expected to hit peak fall colors in central Iowa around the end of this week.<ul><li>And the trees that have already turned have good color, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. (Thanks, rain?)</li></ul>

Des Moines pizza: This pizza is cheese upon cheese

The burrata pizza at Hugo's puts all kinds of mozzarella on a slice.

We&#x27;re familiar with the stretchy, milky center of a burrata ball for our salads or charcuterie, but Hugo&#x27;s in the Drake neighborhood puts it to the ultimate test by putting it on its pizza.What it is: Prosciutto Burrata pizza ($20) with a red sauce, shredded mozzarella, prosciutto, basil leaf, sea salt and a warm burrata ball.

A coffee shop and drive-thru are open in Cumming

The new coffee shop is owned by a local family.

Roosters Coffee, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new coffee shop with a drive-thru" data-vars-click-url="https://roosters-coffee.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawVMjSlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMW5VYzdaQms5RVl4a01yODZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeAOV8jEgm1NbxuPSEVZtXE1_Ff3VEduM2e_8PzhKdA0EIIvZgJsptLoFDv6Q_aem_l4-7q3z-y3kGA8vHmueijw" data-vars-content-id="245d7ec1-4aa1-430b-9346-6193fbdf7dff" data-vars-headline="A coffee shop and drive-thru are open in Cumming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://roosters-coffee.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawVMjSlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMW5VYzdaQms5RVl4a01yODZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeAOV8jEgm1NbxuPSEVZtXE1_Ff3VEduM2e_8PzhKdA0EIIvZgJsptLoFDv6Q_aem_l4-7q3z-y3kGA8vHmueijw" target="_blank">a new coffee shop with a drive-thru</a>, has opened in Cumming.How it started: Owner Haley Gremler grew up in town and recently graduated from Iowa State after studying business management. Her father, Mark Gremler, owned land along G-14 and North 43rd Street, and her family decided to build the farmhouse-themed coffee shop.

Des Moines gets Kura Revolving Sushi, Mezze Mediterranean restaurant

From a revolving sushi bar to a new casual downtown option, there are plenty of places to eat.

If you&#x27;re looking to dine somewhere new, several restaurants and shops are opening soon or have already opened their doors.🍣 Kura Revolving Sushi: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revolving sushi restaurant chain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/04/conveyor-belt-sushi-opening-at-jordan-creek-town-center" data-vars-content-id="20ce98f6-0360-4203-8b08-1c73449f8161" data-vars-headline="Des Moines gets Kura Revolving Sushi, Mezze Mediterranean restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/04/conveyor-belt-sushi-opening-at-jordan-creek-town-center" target="_self">revolving sushi restaurant chain</a> is holding its soft opening Thursday.

New frozen cocktail and nacho bar opening in East Village

Narwhal's is opening its first Iowa franchise this year.

Des Moines&#x27; East Village is getting boozy slushies and unconventional nachos this winter.Driving the news: Narwhal&#x27;s Crafted, a St. Louis-based frozen cocktail bar, is opening its first Iowa franchise at 418 E. Grand Ave.

First bite: Bali Bulay brings Indonesian food to Des Moines

Bali Bulay turns years of pop-ups into a permanent lunch spot.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bali Bulay Indonesian Satay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/balibulay" data-vars-content-id="353aa5d8-6076-4117-b539-94aba6281f02" data-vars-headline="First bite: Bali Bulay brings Indonesian food to Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/balibulay" target="_blank">Bali Bulay Indonesian Satay</a> has opened a permanent downtown Des Moines home.Why it matters: The restaurant gives the metro something new: Father-son owners Franklin and Kaleb Creighton Crum say it&#x27;s Iowa&#x27;s first Indonesian restaurant.

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