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Frontier Airlines facing the same pressures that destroyed budget rival Spirit Airlines

After decades, this meat-heavy Des Moines pizza is coming back

Scarpino's pizza will be sold at the Iowa State Fair this year.

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Scarpino&#x27;s pizza will return this summer at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, more than 50 years after going off the market.Why it matters: The revival brings a rare piece of the metro&#x27;s culinary history back to the public.

Massive Chevrolet collection in Ankeny opens for a rare peek

Dennis Albaugh's private garage holds one of the biggest vintage Chevrolet collections in the U.S.

Ankeny is unexpectedly home to one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest vintage Chevrolet collections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/EricHansonKCCI/posts/dennis-albaughs-huge-chevrolet-collection-in-ankeny-iowa-usually-closed-to-the-p/1188215104536200/" data-vars-content-id="e8c3d5cf-f396-44e7-b9df-3d7bdc5d610f" data-vars-headline="Massive Chevrolet collection in Ankeny opens for a rare peek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/EricHansonKCCI/posts/dennis-albaughs-huge-chevrolet-collection-in-ankeny-iowa-usually-closed-to-the-p/1188215104536200/" target="_blank">largest vintage Chevrolet collections</a> in the U.S., and it&#x27;s opening to the public for a rare peek.Why it matters: Dennis Albaugh, a prominent Ankeny developer and owner of the collection, is opening his car barn May 17 for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fundraiser" data-vars-click-url="https://brushfire.com/uphdmfoundation/albaughcarcollection/624409" data-vars-content-id="e8c3d5cf-f396-44e7-b9df-3d7bdc5d610f" data-vars-headline="Massive Chevrolet collection in Ankeny opens for a rare peek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brushfire.com/uphdmfoundation/albaughcarcollection/624409" target="_blank">fundraiser</a> benefiting Broadlawns and UnityPoint&#x27;s new psychiatric addiction fellowship. It&#x27;s the first of its kind in Iowa.

Six Iowa counties get an F for unhealthy ozone levels

Over 500,000 people in Iowa live in counties with failing air quality grades.

Six Iowa counties received failing grades for unhealthy ozone levels, while Polk County received a D, per the latest American Lung Association report.Why it matters: Ozone pollution can irritate lungs, trigger asthma attacks and make breathing harder, especially for children, seniors and people with lung disease.

How Iowa's United Methodist churches are evolving

While churches have consolidated, some have found new life with bilingual services.

For the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iaumc.org/" data-vars-content-id="b263b30d-0b7a-426b-92cf-98a73c941bb1" data-vars-headline="How Iowa&#x27;s United Methodist churches are evolving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iaumc.org/" target="_blank">Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church</a>, aging congregations, shifting demographics and costly building upkeep have led to the closure of some local churches, but also new and more diverse forms of worship.Why it matters: Consolidations within the denomination has also opened doors for communities that weren&#x27;t previously served.Flashback: Methodist identity has long been rooted in neighborhood churches, where people gathered seven days a week rather than just Sundays, says the Rev. Jaye Johnson of Iowa UMC.

Dallas County polling site mix-ups frustrate West Des Moines officials

For the special election, Dallas County had three voting centers, instead of the typical precincts.

Confusion over Dallas County polling locations did not help with the low voter turnout for a special West Des Moines City Council election last month, city officials say.Why it matters: Running the special election cost the city an estimated $30,000–$40,000, according to City Clerk Ryan Jacobson, and a runoff election on March 17 is expected to have a similar price tag.

Bills restricting abortion pills, ending vaccine requirements advance in Iowa

Lawmakers advanced bills that would restrict abortion pills and remove school vaccine mandates.

Iowa&#x27;s first legislative funnel deadline passed last week, narrowing the field of bills that can become law this session.Why it matters: Several measures have direct implications for Des Moines residents, including vaccine requirements and access to public libraries and abortion pills.

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>.

Oakridge is planning a $15M+ Cynergy project

Project organizers aim to break ground as early as next year.

Oakridge Neighborhood is advancing a $15 million-plus project to bring larger affordable housing units and a wellness-focused commercial hub to a long-vacant site in downtown Des Moines.Why it matters: The project targets<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" a persistent gap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/10/27/des-moines-affordable-housing-shortage" data-vars-content-id="16e004ea-71a3-45fa-a078-f78847567118" data-vars-headline="Oakridge is planning a $15M+ Cynergy project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/10/27/des-moines-affordable-housing-shortage" target="_self"> a persistent gap</a> in the supply of three- and four-bedroom affordable units, especially for working families who spend a large share of their income on rent, Oakridge CEO Deidre DeJear tells Axios.

Iowa farmers face some of their toughest times since 1980s crisis

The president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association predicts fewer farmers in the next year.

Falling crop prices and stubbornly high costs are squeezing Iowa farmers, with some warning that the strain rivals the 1980s farm crisis.Why it matters: The downturn is hitting a cornerstone of the U.S. food supply — with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ripple effects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-food-inflation-oil" data-vars-content-id="1a44a1c7-bf10-4815-be7c-f70c11b45241" data-vars-headline="Iowa farmers face some of their toughest times since 1980s crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-food-inflation-oil" target="_self">ripple effects</a> for rural communities and consumers.

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.

Methane-infused cow burps meet climate science

A synthetic compound added to cattle feed is shown to reduce methane emissions.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Methane-belching cows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/10/arkeabio-cow-emissions-bill-gates" data-vars-content-id="fa16bf81-24ca-4b69-8467-3b8da3b790d0" data-vars-headline="Methane-infused cow burps meet climate science" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/10/arkeabio-cow-emissions-bill-gates" target="_self">Methane-belching cows</a> may leave a significantly smaller environmental footprint in the future thanks to a synthetic compound added to their feed.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Methane is far more potent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/01/methane-emissions-climate-change-studies" data-vars-content-id="fa16bf81-24ca-4b69-8467-3b8da3b790d0" data-vars-headline="Methane-infused cow burps meet climate science" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/01/methane-emissions-climate-change-studies" target="_self">Methane is far more potent</a> than carbon dioxide at trapping heat and livestock is a major source.

Bonchon opens its first Iowa location near Jordan Creek

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

Things to Do

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>

Des Moines Botanical Garden sprouts its own plant brand

The Dome Grown Collection identifies plants selected for Central Iowa gardens.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is unveiling its first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dome Grown Collection" data-vars-click-url="https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/spring-garden-market/#:~:text=New%20This%20Year%3A%20Dome%20Grown%E2%84%A2%20Plants" data-vars-content-id="3a2a1ffa-6355-41c1-bd80-5d0fe3ecfc0d" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Botanical Garden sprouts its own plant brand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/spring-garden-market/#:~:text=New%20This%20Year%3A%20Dome%20Grown%E2%84%A2%20Plants" target="_blank">Dome Grown Collection</a> — a signature brand featured during this week&#x27;s annual plant sale, with varieties grown on-site.Why it matters: It extends the attraction&#x27;s mission by helping visitors identify plants selected for Central Iowa gardens — and take a piece of the garden home, CEO Kim Perez tells Axios.

How I got a discount on a radon mitigation system in Des Moines

Invest DSM offers partial reimbursements.

Linh here. I recently bought and got partially reimbursed for a new radon mitigation system — and you can too!Why it matters: Iowa remains the second-highest state in the nation for new cancer rates, and the prevalence of radon, an invisible, odorless gas, is one of the contributing factors for our state&#x27;s high lung cancer rates, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the Iowa Cancer Consortium" data-vars-click-url="https://canceriowa.org/radon/" data-vars-content-id="deb11038-f55d-465d-b7f6-4d0e0b684302" data-vars-headline="How I got a discount on a radon mitigation system in Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://canceriowa.org/radon/" target="_blank">per the Iowa Cancer Consortium</a>.

East Village charter school proposes new athletic field and park

The Des Moines City Council will consider its zoning request on Monday.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Des Moines Prep" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/06/des-moines-charter-high-school" data-vars-content-id="8bbdba68-27f8-4664-8820-e0628b511900" data-vars-headline="East Village charter school proposes new athletic field and park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/06/des-moines-charter-high-school" target="_self">Des Moines Prep</a> could construct a new athletic field and park in Des Moines&#x27; East Village.Why it matters: The project could give students and residents shared outdoor space and support a more vibrant, connected neighborhood, the charter school said in rezoning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="application documents" data-vars-click-url="https://councildocs.dsm.city/resolutions/20260420/16.pdf#page=11" data-vars-content-id="8bbdba68-27f8-4664-8820-e0628b511900" data-vars-headline="East Village charter school proposes new athletic field and park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://councildocs.dsm.city/resolutions/20260420/16.pdf#page=11" target="_blank">application documents</a> submitted to the city.

Waukee weighs stricter e-bike rules that could limit all cyclists

The proposed rules include prohibiting all bikes on roads with speed limits higher than 25 mph.

Waukee is considering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stricter e-bike and e-scooter rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28086647-waukee-ordinance/" data-vars-content-id="5e280bf0-2ea5-467f-b689-f8edb9784c26" data-vars-headline="Waukee weighs stricter e-bike rules that could limit all cyclists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28086647-waukee-ordinance/" target="_blank">stricter e-bike and e-scooter rules</a>, though some of the city&#x27;s proposed regulations would also restrict where regular cyclists can go.Why it matters: Local law enforcement says the rules are needed to stop kids from riding high-powered electric motorcycles, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="known as e-motos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/10/21/west-des-moines-warns-about-high-speeds-on-trails" data-vars-content-id="5e280bf0-2ea5-467f-b689-f8edb9784c26" data-vars-headline="Waukee weighs stricter e-bike rules that could limit all cyclists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/10/21/west-des-moines-warns-about-high-speeds-on-trails" target="_self">known as e-motos</a>, but cycling advocates worry that the proposed rules could overstep their own rides.

DART cuts hit Des Moines school routes

Hundreds of students could be affected by route changes.

DART&#x27;s route reductions will require Des Moines Public Schools to hire 10 additional drivers in the coming months.Why it matters: Hundreds of students will be affected by the changes, potentially facing longer commutes or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="walks to stops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/15/dart-des-moines-bus-stops-faster-distance" data-vars-content-id="a8bb179d-d41e-4953-9049-cee87ab5a49a" data-vars-headline="DART cuts hit Des Moines school routes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/15/dart-des-moines-bus-stops-faster-distance" target="_self">walks to stops</a> under the new transportation plan.

How a trampoline will help carry my giant pumpkin

If a trampoline tarp can endure the weight of children, then what about a pumpkin?

Linh here! I&#x27;m back with Hope the Pumpkin — my plant that I hope to grow big and strong for a chance at getting shown at the Iowa State Fair.Last week, I shared that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I&#x27;m planting Hope" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/24/iowa-state-fair-growing-giant-pumpkin" data-vars-content-id="c4479000-cb9b-433d-8b0a-1df70775880e" data-vars-headline="How a trampoline will help carry my giant pumpkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/24/iowa-state-fair-growing-giant-pumpkin" target="_self">I&#x27;m planting Hope</a> in my backyard on May 10.

I can't get my giant pumpkin over my deck

Who says growing a giant pumpkin is easy?

Linh here! I&#x27;m trying to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grow a giant pumpkin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/17/iowa-state-fair-giant-pumpkin-competition" data-vars-content-id="a6f8a9f9-d79d-43f1-9e5d-ab6c9e28ea1e" data-vars-headline="I can&#x27;t get my giant pumpkin over my deck" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/17/iowa-state-fair-giant-pumpkin-competition" target="_self">grow a giant pumpkin</a> in the hopes of showing it at the Iowa State Fair this summer.<ul><li>Aptly, my pumpkin is named Hope. (And I am growing Hope #2, just in case.)</li></ul>

Gen Z is turning run clubs into social spaces in DSM

Social run clubs are growing in popularity across Des Moines.

Step aside, nightclubs — the cool kids are lacing up and heading to run clubs instead.The big picture: Social running is having a moment, especially among people in their 20s and 30s — driven by young people craving healthier, more analog social experiences.

My attempt at growing a giant pumpkin for the Iowa State Fair

You need a little bit of hope a whole lot of Miracle-Gro.

Linh here. After I unexpectedly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won second place" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DNZIxDgOsvk/" data-vars-content-id="b0b3638f-335f-48ea-88e9-906d5cbfe4cf" data-vars-headline="My attempt at growing a giant pumpkin for the Iowa State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DNZIxDgOsvk/" target="_blank">won second place</a> in the Iowa State Fair&#x27;s husband-calling contest last year, the confidence boost gave me the totally sane idea: What if I enter a different fair competition every year?<ul><li>I considered the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ugly cake competition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iowapbs.org/shows/fair/clip/6669/ugliest-cake-competition" data-vars-content-id="b0b3638f-335f-48ea-88e9-906d5cbfe4cf" data-vars-headline="My attempt at growing a giant pumpkin for the Iowa State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iowapbs.org/shows/fair/clip/6669/ugliest-cake-competition" target="_blank">ugly cake competition</a>. Then I learned it&#x27;s only for children.</li></ul>

Celebrate Cambodian New Years Eve in Des Moines

The Iowa Cambodian community is bringing its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Year&#x27;s Eve celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-khmer-new-year-tickets?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ85xpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWVzhiU21QWGFHa1NiTXJ4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr-JB2tfHvgfYcmbzaRvArt2D0Odjn7GP5Kj2vNIWwK0v4x7qcKKaL7vuESE_aem_knOIi1TiEkhgamtilUrWtA" data-vars-content-id="2afdaf24-0e6e-4ace-b978-4ea0962ed5b7" data-vars-headline="Celebrate Cambodian New Years Eve in Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-khmer-new-year-tickets?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ85xpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWVzhiU21QWGFHa1NiTXJ4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr-JB2tfHvgfYcmbzaRvArt2D0Odjn7GP5Kj2vNIWwK0v4x7qcKKaL7vuESE_aem_knOIi1TiEkhgamtilUrWtA" target="_blank">New Year&#x27;s Eve celebration</a> to Scottish Rite this weekend.Why it matters: The party on Saturday is a way to celebrate and preserve Cambodian culture, and introduce traditions to newer generations, says Emily Frimml of the Angkor Wat Friendship Association, which is hosting the event.How it works: Cambodian New Year falls later than other Asian new year holidays and is closer to Buddha&#x27;s birthday and the end of the harvest season. <ul><li>The full observance typically spans three days and includes religious ceremonies.</li><li>Saturday&#x27;s event will be a celebration with live music, Khmer dancers, breakdancers, Cambodian food and a family zone, Frimml says.</li></ul>Zoom in: The holiday also carries weight behind it — in the 1970s, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Khmer Rouge genocide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-10684399" data-vars-content-id="2afdaf24-0e6e-4ace-b978-4ea0962ed5b7" data-vars-headline="Celebrate Cambodian New Years Eve in Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-10684399" target="_blank">the Khmer Rouge genocide</a> started close to New Year&#x27;s, and they deliberately targeted cultural artifacts like music, dance and art as part of its campaign of erasure.<ul><li>Frimml&#x27;s own parents fled Cambodia and found refuge in Iowa in 1979.</li><li>&quot;A lot of the music is significant to our culture now because we&#x27;re trying to still hold on to what our country celebrated so long ago,&quot; she says.</li></ul>If you go: 5-11pm, Scottish Rite Consistory, adults $25, kids $5.

Beaverdale Books is expanding

The long-established local bookstore is expanding into the space next door.

Beaverdale Books is turning 20 this year, and it&#x27;s celebrating in a big way by expanding the shop.Why it matters: While fewer people say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they read for fun" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/20/well/reading-pleasure-decline-study.html" data-vars-content-id="bff70eef-7e2b-4341-a46f-ae764770698e" data-vars-headline="Beaverdale Books is expanding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/20/well/reading-pleasure-decline-study.html" target="_blank">they read for fun</a>, those who are reading are turning more toward local shops for live events and camaraderie over their latest fandoms.

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.

Owner of Hello, Marjorie opening another bar in downtown's Equitable Building

Nothing Major is planned for this summer.

Food and Drink

Nick Tillinghast, the owner of cocktail bars like Hello, Marjorie and Secret Admirer, is expanding his footprint at downtown Des Moines&#x27; Equitable Building.Why it matters: Downtown&#x27;s business district has struggled with foot traffic since COVID, but Tillinghast, a decade-long resident of the Equitable Building himself, wants to help spur a neighborhood revival.

The Bake Shoppe plans second location in Waukee

The longtime bakery is opening a second location in the Waukee Triangle.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bake Shoppe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thebakeshoppe.org/" data-vars-content-id="713855c3-32e1-41d9-b828-fdd49538a707" data-vars-headline="The Bake Shoppe plans second location in Waukee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thebakeshoppe.org/" target="_blank">The Bake Shoppe</a>, home of Barbara&#x27;s iconic Champagne cake recipe, is expanding with a second location at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waukee Triangle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.waukeedowntown.com/" data-vars-content-id="713855c3-32e1-41d9-b828-fdd49538a707" data-vars-headline="The Bake Shoppe plans second location in Waukee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.waukeedowntown.com/" target="_blank">Waukee Triangle</a>.Why it matters: The dreamy blush-pink cake has been a Des Moines tradition since the 1940s, and demand has grown so much in recent years that co-owner Lisa Kannapel says they need another shop.

Dave's Hot Chicken and Bonchon opening in West Des Moines

Here are the latest restaurants opening and closing in the Des Moines area.

Here are some of the latest restaurants that are opening, closing, or making moves across the metro.

Des Moines' best chicken tenders: Christopher's

Christopher's is the place to stop for some unique tenders.

Listen, I&#x27;m not the type of person to order only chicken tenders when I go to a restaurant (unless it&#x27;s Raising Cane&#x27;s), but the Kim&#x27;s chicken tenders ($14) at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.christophersdsm.com/menu" data-vars-content-id="74d0ad2a-6e0f-4711-8107-b87b89f7b333" data-vars-headline="Des Moines&#x27; best chicken tenders: Christopher&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.christophersdsm.com/menu" target="_blank">Christopher&#x27;s</a> in Beaverdale have me feeling a certain type of way.What it is: Three chicken strips breaded in cornflakes, almonds, and the secret to what makes it unique — brown sugar.<ul><li>It&#x27;s served with a side of honey mustard sauce (arguably better than ranch.)</li></ul>What I liked: As a sweet and savory lover, the sweeter breading won me over, balancing out the saltiness of the chicken. If you&#x27;re a fan of chicken nuggets and honey, this is the dish for you.<ul><li>Texturally, the cornflakes and almonds gave the strips a nice crisp and crunchy exterior.</li></ul>If you go: 5-10pm Monday-Thursday; 5-11pm Friday-Saturday; 2816 Beaver Ave., Des Moines.

This Valentine's Day, call — don't click — to book dinner

Reservation apps can be costly and give an incomplete picture of available seating.

Some Des Moines restaurateurs are advising customers to call to make a reservation rather than book through an app.Why it matters: Razor-thin profit margins and an ongoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local restaurant crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" data-vars-content-id="98d4fd41-b8ca-4ca8-9f06-56a017046718" data-vars-headline="This Valentine&#x27;s Day, call — don&#x27;t click — to book dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" target="_self">local restaurant crisis</a> make every dollar count — and reservation fees add up fast in a tough local market.

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