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Nvidia investors rush to keep Jensen Huang despite private disappointment

Investors are campaigning to prevent Huang from getting ousted from the CEO spot.

Technology

Nvidia investors are rushing to CEO Jensen Huang&#x27;s defense publicly, while privately expressing disappointment following the executive&#x27;s admission of an affair with a purported Chinese spy. Why it matters: Investors appear to be campaigning to prevent Huang from getting ousted from the CEO spot. Nvidia shares are down more than 5% in pre-market trading, but other tech stocks appear to be holding up, meaning the episode doesn&#x27;t appear poised to trigger a large-scale selloff.

Elon Musk's empire braces for Democratic crackdown

The world's richest man faces challenges spanning from the halls of Congress to Wall Street and Texas.

Elon Musk&#x27;s sprawling empire — from rockets to robots, electric cars to AI — is facing a political onslaught with few parallels in modern corporate history.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="world&#x27;s richest man" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/real-time-billionaires/" data-vars-content-id="a5d39b65-4355-4fd7-aa4f-6efd933895c7" data-vars-headline="Elon Musk&#x27;s empire braces for Democratic crackdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/real-time-billionaires/" target="_blank">world&#x27;s richest man</a> confronts a constellation of risks spanning the halls of Congress, his Texas industrial empire, Wall Street and his vision for AI supremacy.

Inflation data could pile more pressure on stocks

Investor focus will be back on inflation reports and their implications for the Fed.

Business

After a wobbly post-election performance last week, investor focus will be back on inflation this week and its implications for the Federal Reserve. Why it matters: New price data could convince diehard believers in the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fed put" data-vars-click-url="https://www.interactivebrokers.com/campus/glossary-terms/fed-put/" data-vars-content-id="f9339883-d144-4cd1-bc6a-1277972919e4" data-vars-headline="Inflation data could pile more pressure on stocks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.interactivebrokers.com/campus/glossary-terms/fed-put/" target="_blank">Fed put</a>,&quot; that the central bank will not, in fact, swoop to steady a stock market battered by the Blue Tsunami&#x27;s implications for AI.

The crisis testing Nvidia's "too big to fail" CEO

Five questions loom over the AI boom after the Nvidia CEO's bombshell revelation.

There is no Nvidia — nor an AI boom as we know it — without Jensen Huang. He has reassured jittery markets with his words, bankrolled a trillion-dollar buildout and put economies on his shoulders.<ul><li>Now, the world is wondering if he <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="can save himself" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/08/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-admits-affair-board-to-launch-investigation" data-vars-content-id="ef882c2e-ead8-4698-81fa-204ecb8ca1c5" data-vars-headline="The crisis testing Nvidia&#x27;s &quot;too big to fail&quot; CEO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/08/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-admits-affair-board-to-launch-investigation" target="_self">can save himself</a>.</li></ul>Why it matters: Global markets must confront a terrifying reality: The AI ecosystem&#x27;s first &quot;too big to fail&quot; executive is suddenly vulnerable, and there is no backup plan if he is forced to step down.

Democrats face a tough sell with MAHA voters

Any common ground is already threatened by their disagreements over Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Health

The potential for partnership between newly ascendant Democrats and the &quot;Make America Healthy Again&quot; movement is already threatened by their deep disagreements over Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Why it matters: Democrats want to convince health-conscious voters that they&#x27;re the party that can deliver on food and pesticide use, but many view an alliance with Kennedy as a nonstarter.

Josh Turek flips control of Senate with Iowa upset

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

Politics & Policy

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.

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.

Politics

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>.

4 takeaways from Iowa's election results

From Rob Sand's big win to the Iowa caucuses, we have Republicans and Democrats giving their insights.

Iowa voters handed Democrats their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/11/04/iowa-senate-election-win-hinson-turek" data-vars-content-id="d0ee8c0a-5a29-422d-a3f2-6d1a16ef9790" data-vars-headline="4 takeaways from Iowa&#x27;s election results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/11/04/iowa-senate-election-win-hinson-turek" target="_self">biggest</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/iowa-governor-results-rob-sand-zach-lahn" data-vars-content-id="d0ee8c0a-5a29-422d-a3f2-6d1a16ef9790" data-vars-headline="4 takeaways from Iowa&#x27;s election results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/iowa-governor-results-rob-sand-zach-lahn" target="_self">election</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="victories" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/11/04/democrat-sarah-trone-garriott-flips-iowa-house" data-vars-content-id="d0ee8c0a-5a29-422d-a3f2-6d1a16ef9790" data-vars-headline="4 takeaways from Iowa&#x27;s election results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/11/04/democrat-sarah-trone-garriott-flips-iowa-house" target="_self">victories</a> in years Tuesday, but the results suggest their decisions were about more than political parties.Driving the news: We chatted with two longtime politicos, Republican evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats and Democratic strategist Matt Paul, to get their takes.

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.

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.

News

<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.

Iowa's fastest-growing county flips blue after GOP dominance

The reliably red county swung left in the 2026 midterm election.

Dallas County, the Midwest&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fastest-growing county" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/DallasCountyIA/posts/new-us-census-bureau-data-shows-dallas-county-is-now-the-fastestgrowing-county-i/1367614628742578/" data-vars-content-id="08fe2cd6-f53f-4a37-912e-3f5a124b5452" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s fastest-growing county flips blue after GOP dominance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/DallasCountyIA/posts/new-us-census-bureau-data-shows-dallas-county-is-now-the-fastestgrowing-county-i/1367614628742578/" target="_blank">fastest-growing county</a>, swung left in the midterms, breaking a decades-long Republican voting streak in gubernatorial and congressional elections since 2008.Why it matters: The booming Des Moines metro county is adding thousands of voters annually to its suburbs, making its changing political makeup increasingly important to candidates.

Trump won these Iowa counties. Rob Sand did, too.

President Trump tried to win over several eastern Iowa counties, but they didn't go all Republican.

Iowa isn&#x27;t red, blue or even purple but more historically a swing state, says University of Northern Iowa political science professor Donna Hoffman. Why it matters: The midterm election results underscore Iowa&#x27;s unpredictable voting patterns, with some counties backing Democrats in statewide races while supporting Republicans in federal elections.

Polk County restores 11 streams in $17M water quality push

Construction costs are down $4 million as crews wrap up major work.

A $17 million project to repair stream erosion is nearing completion in Polk County.Why it matters: The investment could serve as a blueprint for the rest of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the state&#x27;s waterways" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/01/10/iowa-water-quality-rivers-streams" data-vars-content-id="c30d0703-55ba-4d3f-8909-cec28e316123" data-vars-headline="Polk County restores 11 streams in $17M water quality push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/01/10/iowa-water-quality-rivers-streams" target="_self">the state&#x27;s waterways</a> if researchers can demonstrate measurable water quality improvements.

Des Moines weekend plans, Nov. 6-8

From Drake basketball to holiday shopping, there's plenty to do this weekend.

Things to Do

<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>🛍️ Des Moines Holiday Boutique | Kick off holiday shopping with seasonal gifts, plus an appearance by Hallmark star Tyler Hynes. | 10am–9pm, also open Saturday and Sunday | EMC Expo Center | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$15" data-vars-click-url="https://www.desmoinesholidayboutique.com/attendee-info/show-info?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="998b1567-78d6-495a-95c5-769d3118b5ea" data-vars-headline="Des Moines weekend plans, Nov. 6-8" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.desmoinesholidayboutique.com/attendee-info/show-info?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">$15</a>

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>.

The Iowa Clinic threatens to end UnityPoint partnership

Unresolved disputes could reshape where Central Iowa patients receive care.

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.

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.

<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.

Food and Drink

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.

These Des Moines sandwiches regularly sell out

The Good Butcher serves a different sandwich every Tuesday.

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.

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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