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Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas arrested on federal drug, corruption charges

Americans want bigger changes to address wealth gap

Iowa indefinitely delays its new vape registry

The state needs more time to determine which products qualify.

News

Iowa&#x27;s planned crackdown on unauthorized vape products was put on hold Thursday, the day new restrictions were supposed to take effect, with state officials announcing no new implementation date.Why it matters: Iowa vape shops and distributors have won an unexpected reprieve from restrictions that could dramatically shrink the number of products they can sell after years of scrutiny over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health risks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/13/teens-vaping-nicotine-smoking-study" data-vars-content-id="dd9dc473-e42b-43c9-8061-c1e2b540eefe" data-vars-headline="Iowa indefinitely delays its new vape registry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/13/teens-vaping-nicotine-smoking-study" target="_self">health risks</a> and the proliferation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unauthorized products" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/13/illegal-vapes-thwart-fda-enforcement" data-vars-content-id="dd9dc473-e42b-43c9-8061-c1e2b540eefe" data-vars-headline="Iowa indefinitely delays its new vape registry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/13/illegal-vapes-thwart-fda-enforcement" target="_self">unauthorized products</a>.

Why Malala Yousafzai, Nick Offerman and Martin Sheen are in Des Moines

The World Food Prize is convening this week in downtown Des Moines.

Malala Yousafzai, Martin Sheen and Nick Offerman are among the high-profile guests in Des Moines this week for the World Food Prize&#x27;s 40th anniversary.Why it matters: For a few days, our unassuming Midwest city becomes a mini &quot;United Nations&quot; where diplomats and celebrities from around the world discuss how to end food insecurity.

New frozen cocktail and nacho bar opening in East Village

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

Food and Drink

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.

Des Moines considers e-scooter rules, banning bikes on some sidewalks

The City Council is workshopping a future ordinance.

Des Moines is considering a ban on high-speed electric scooters and similar motorized devices on public streets, sidewalks and trails.Why it matters: Newer electric scooters can exceed 50 mph, raising safety concerns because kids and teens may not realize how powerful the devices are, Des Moines city engineer Steven Naber says.

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.

Where Rob Sand and Zach Lahn differ on voter priorities

The gubernatorial candidates have different priorities.

During the first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gubernatorial debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/10/05/iowa-governor-debates-sand-lahn-2026" data-vars-content-id="09cd3789-e64c-4921-8f1b-992848c9ae5e" data-vars-headline="Where Rob Sand and Zach Lahn differ on voter priorities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/10/05/iowa-governor-debates-sand-lahn-2026" target="_self">gubernatorial debate</a> last week, Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shared differing priorities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.c-span.org/program/campaign-2026/iowa-gubernatorial-debate/686200" data-vars-content-id="09cd3789-e64c-4921-8f1b-992848c9ae5e" data-vars-headline="Where Rob Sand and Zach Lahn differ on voter priorities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.c-span.org/program/campaign-2026/iowa-gubernatorial-debate/686200" target="_blank">shared differing priorities</a> on several voter issues:💵 Cost of living: Lahn said he would help families lower costs through tax cuts. <ul><li>He supports ending tax breaks for data centers and eliminating property taxes on primary homes. He also wants to help make local businesses more competitive by increasing the state budget for antitrust lawsuits.</li></ul>

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.

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.

Nearly $61M pours into Iowa's biggest political races

Donors are spending big as Iowa becomes a 2026 political battleground.

Candidates in Iowa&#x27;s biggest races for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governor and Congress" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/48034285.92/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL2Rlcy1tb2luZXMvMjAyNi8wOC8yMC9pb3dhLXNlbmF0ZS1nb3Zlcm5vci1yYWNlcy0yMDI2LWNvb2stcmF0aW5ncz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/6000782188cdd8159c5b680eBb8badde4" data-vars-content-id="b33da62e-5625-4e5e-b15c-2d2bef872ef7" data-vars-headline="Nearly $61M pours into Iowa&#x27;s biggest political races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/48034285.92/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL2Rlcy1tb2luZXMvMjAyNi8wOC8yMC9pb3dhLXNlbmF0ZS1nb3Zlcm5vci1yYWNlcy0yMDI2LWNvb2stcmF0aW5ncz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/6000782188cdd8159c5b680eBb8badde4" target="_self">governor and Congress</a> raised nearly $61 million in the latest reporting period.Why it matters: Money is pouring into Iowa because the state could help decide control of the U.S. Senate and House while also electing a new governor.

Des Moines Art Center launches new Latinx exhibit

The traveling exhibit puts DSM on a national museum circuit.

A new exhibit featuring 58 U.S.-based artists with Latin American roots opens this weekend at the Des Moines Art Center.Why it matters: &quot;Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way&quot; is a rare opportunity to see works by dozens of contemporary artists who have historically been underrepresented in American art museums yet are challenging traditional ideas about art.

Polk County to study deadly intersection near Bondurant

NE 56th Street and NE 94th Avenue was the site of several fatal accidents this year.

After her mother was killed in a crash at a rural Polk County intersection, Hollie Ohrt is pushing for safety changes.Why it matters: Linda Fristoe was the second person killed this year at NE 56th Street and NE 94th Avenue near Bondurant, where four crashes have occurred in five months.

Des Moines explores new "forever chemical" lawsuits

City officials are investigating possible PFAS-related damages and costs.

Des Moines has hired a law firm to explore legal action regarding &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="forever chemicals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/10/forever-chemicals-drinking-water-epa" data-vars-content-id="775dfe97-e918-4ba9-a87c-0487c48151f7" data-vars-headline="Des Moines explores new &quot;forever chemical&quot; lawsuits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/10/forever-chemicals-drinking-water-epa" target="_self">forever chemicals</a>&quot; contamination.Why it matters: The synthetic compounds collectively known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread in soil and water and are linked to cancer and other health problems.

"Forever chemicals" found in Iowa fish

A statewide study raises new questions about PFAS monitoring in fish.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A 2025 study" data-vars-click-url="https://pubs.rsc.org/em/article/27/5/1401/849512/Assessing-microplastics-per-and-polyfluoroalkyl" data-vars-content-id="7ac509a0-4f4b-4e59-8dc9-1faa3e7ceacf" data-vars-headline="&quot;Forever chemicals&quot; found in Iowa fish" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pubs.rsc.org/em/article/27/5/1401/849512/Assessing-microplastics-per-and-polyfluoroalkyl" target="_blank">A 2025 study</a> found PFAS in all 13 fish samples collected from Iowa streams.Why it matters: Iowa doesn&#x27;t routinely test fish for PFAS, while states including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pennsylvania" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/10/09/forever-chemicals-pfas-wissahickon-creek-philadelphia-montgomery-county" data-vars-content-id="7ac509a0-4f4b-4e59-8dc9-1faa3e7ceacf" data-vars-headline="&quot;Forever chemicals&quot; found in Iowa fish" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/10/09/forever-chemicals-pfas-wissahickon-creek-philadelphia-montgomery-county" target="_self">Pennsylvania</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/about/news/2025/09/10/do-not-eat" data-vars-content-id="7ac509a0-4f4b-4e59-8dc9-1faa3e7ceacf" data-vars-headline="&quot;Forever chemicals&quot; found in Iowa fish" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/about/news/2025/09/10/do-not-eat" target="_blank">Michigan</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wisconsin" data-vars-click-url="https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/113566" data-vars-content-id="7ac509a0-4f4b-4e59-8dc9-1faa3e7ceacf" data-vars-headline="&quot;Forever chemicals&quot; found in Iowa fish" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/113566" target="_blank">Wisconsin</a> have issued &quot;do not eat&quot; advisories after finding high levels in fish.

DSM celebrity baker Andrew Fuller is reaching new heights

This is Andrew Fuller's era — and not just because he's Halloween-maxxing 24/7.

Culture

This is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andrew Fuller&#x27;s era" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/09/12/andrew-fuller-is-it-cake-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="3930a385-9704-41af-aaad-7c2e7262a28a" data-vars-headline="DSM celebrity baker Andrew Fuller is reaching new heights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/09/12/andrew-fuller-is-it-cake-des-moines" target="_self">Andrew Fuller&#x27;s era</a> — and not just because he&#x27;s Halloween-maxxing 24/7.Why it matters: The Des Moines celebrity baker is blowing up with appearances on two Food Network shows this fall and serving as living proof that if you&#x27;re authentically yourself, good things happen.

Deputy administrator lawsuit dismissed after costing Polk county $1.54M

The case brought political fallout and years of conflict.

A judge this week dismissed the remaining lawsuit by Polk County <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deputy administrator Sarah Boese" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/28/polk-county-lawsuits-boese-administrator-mccoy" data-vars-content-id="a338a6fa-82ac-401b-8aa8-59d1da332e6d" data-vars-headline="Deputy administrator lawsuit dismissed after costing Polk county $1.54M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/28/polk-county-lawsuits-boese-administrator-mccoy" target="_self">deputy administrator Sarah Boese</a> against the county and three supervisors.Why it matters: Boese&#x27;s cases were part of a string of litigation involving county officials — including former HR director Jim Nahas&#x27; wrongful termination case — that generated millions in settlements and legal costs.

Des Moines weekend plans Oct. 16-18

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

Things to Do

<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 weekend plans: Oct. 9-11

From a vintage festival to a doggy costume party, there's plenty to do this weekend.

<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>🪦 Jordan Cemetery Tour | Explore local history with costumed reenactments, a headstone restoration demonstration and a presentation on cemetery symbolism. | 9am–12pm | 2001 Fuller Rd., West Des Moines | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Admission: $25" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wdmhs.org/historic-cemetery-tour/" data-vars-content-id="70b5a46c-8c49-4e1d-9972-07737a3545c9" data-vars-headline="Des Moines weekend plans: Oct. 9-11" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wdmhs.org/historic-cemetery-tour/" target="_blank">Admission: $25</a>

Bread and Puppet show coming to Des Moines

The touring political puppet show will be at Riverview Park.

Bread and Puppet — a political, non-profit theater company — is bringing its touring show of colorful puppets, brass music and pointed current events to Des Moines.Driving the news: The Vermont-based puppeteering group is performing at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Riverview Park" data-vars-click-url="https://breadandpuppet.org/tour#DesMoines" data-vars-content-id="13576b96-5f46-42bc-9832-f4df6602cb7e" data-vars-headline="Bread and Puppet show coming to Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://breadandpuppet.org/tour#DesMoines" target="_blank">Riverview Park</a> on Wednesday at 7pm.

For 5 Borough Bagels owner, music is expression of trauma

Toney Chem, co-owner of 5 Borough Bagels, expresses his hardships through music.

Toney Chem has been rehearsing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for his biggest music set" data-vars-click-url="https://toneychem.com/" data-vars-content-id="074853dc-8f15-4c63-a2be-7bfd5b91a70e" data-vars-headline="For 5 Borough Bagels owner, music is expression of trauma" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://toneychem.com/" target="_blank">for his biggest music set</a> yet in an unlikely place: his car.<ul><li>He&#x27;s been practicing while driving back and forth to visit his wife, Sarah, who&#x27;s spent the past month hospitalized with a severe lung infection and plans to watch his Panda Fest performance over FaceTime.</li></ul>

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.

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.

We tried AE's new Scotcheroo milk

The new chocolate milk flavor is good on its own or with some baileys.

👋 Jason here: I tried AE Dairy&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Scotcheroo milk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/AEDairy/posts/-new-scotcheroo-milk-quite-possibly-the-most-midwest-milk-ever-no-cooking-no-wai/1547045627454772/" data-vars-content-id="8c6ddf1b-b76c-4609-9f93-f48100928e5c" data-vars-headline="We tried AE&#x27;s new Scotcheroo milk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AEDairy/posts/-new-scotcheroo-milk-quite-possibly-the-most-midwest-milk-ever-no-cooking-no-wai/1547045627454772/" target="_blank">Scotcheroo milk</a> this week.State of play: It tastes so much like the real treat that I&#x27;m convinced someone liquefied an entire pan of bars I remember as a kid.

First bite: After flood, LUX Waukee reopens

The restaurant flooded last week and has now reopened.

The recently opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LUX Asian Restaurant and Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/p/LUX-Waukee-61589835900324/" data-vars-content-id="96ceeddf-2250-4b45-bdaf-aba0c9e05061" data-vars-headline="First bite: After flood, LUX Waukee reopens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/p/LUX-Waukee-61589835900324/" target="_blank">LUX Asian Restaurant and Bar</a> is bringing Asian fare and a swanky cocktail-bar vibe to Waukee.Why it matters: It gives the Grand Prairie Parkway corridor another destination as restaurants and retail follow Waukee&#x27;s rapid growth.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Des Moines

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="65ad868d-e4c0-4503-86ec-ebf96b0e6d9e" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in Des Moines&#x27; East Village neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

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