Des Moines

Picture of the Des Moines skyline with DSM written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta.

Axios Des Moines Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Des Moines Alerts

Alert

Axios Des Moines Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Axios Des Moines Partners

Axios Des Moines

Standard

Des Moines Members

Membership

National

Jensen Huang's looming ouster triggers an AI earthquake

"This is no ordinary CEO. This is no ordinary company."

Business

Jensen Huang&#x27;s potential ouster from Nvidia has plunged the AI industry into uncharted territory — a corporate earthquake that dwarfs even the chaos unleashed by Sam Altman&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="temporary firing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/sam-altman-return-open-ai" data-vars-content-id="4285ad85-7dd9-4093-a426-9673c7674a0d" data-vars-headline="Jensen Huang&#x27;s looming ouster triggers an AI earthquake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/sam-altman-return-open-ai" target="_self">temporary firing</a> from OpenAI in 2023.Why it matters: Nvidia is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="backbone of the global AI economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/09/nvidia-key-man-risk-huang" data-vars-content-id="4285ad85-7dd9-4093-a426-9673c7674a0d" data-vars-headline="Jensen Huang&#x27;s looming ouster triggers an AI earthquake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/09/nvidia-key-man-risk-huang" target="_self">backbone of the global AI economy</a>, with its chips, investments and financial guarantees sustaining an entire ecosystem of companies worth trillions of dollars.

The Mississippi Delta helped carry Scott Colom to Senate history

The votes for Colom from communities where Black residents spent generations fighting for the ballot.

Politics & Policy

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Scott Colom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/05/mississippi-senate-election-scott-colom-democrat" data-vars-content-id="6ff02cea-c3d7-4e5f-a818-8abc76e8a9c8" data-vars-headline="The Mississippi Delta helped carry Scott Colom to Senate history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/05/mississippi-senate-election-scott-colom-democrat" target="_self">Scott Colom</a>&#x27;s path to a historic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Senate upset" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/11/mississippi-ms-senate-scott-colom-cindy-hyde-smith" data-vars-content-id="6ff02cea-c3d7-4e5f-a818-8abc76e8a9c8" data-vars-headline="The Mississippi Delta helped carry Scott Colom to Senate history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/11/mississippi-ms-senate-scott-colom-cindy-hyde-smith" target="_self">U.S. Senate upset</a> ran through the Mississippi Delta — where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Emmett Till" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/emmett-till-barn-civil-rights-mississippi-lynching" data-vars-content-id="6ff02cea-c3d7-4e5f-a818-8abc76e8a9c8" data-vars-headline="The Mississippi Delta helped carry Scott Colom to Senate history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/emmett-till-barn-civil-rights-mississippi-lynching" target="_self">Emmett Till</a> was abducted, Fannie Lou Hamer fought for the ballot and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the blues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/10/sinners-blue-trail-mississippi-history-louisiana" data-vars-content-id="6ff02cea-c3d7-4e5f-a818-8abc76e8a9c8" data-vars-headline="The Mississippi Delta helped carry Scott Colom to Senate history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/10/sinners-blue-trail-mississippi-history-louisiana" target="_self">the blues</a> became an American art form.Why it matters: Nearly 150 years after Reconstruction, Mississippi sent a Black American to the U.S. Senate for the first time since 1881. The votes pushing Colom toward that milestone came from communities where Black residents spent generations fighting for the ballot.

Midterms trigger huge economic mood swing

New consumer sentiment survey shows just how tightly Americans' views on the economy are now intertwined with politics.

Economy

There was an unusually sharp partisan mood shift in the wake of the midterms, according to sentiment data from Morning Consult that was shared exclusively with Axios.Why it matters: While big partisan swings in consumer sentiment are typical after a presidential election, they have been much smaller in midterm races.<ul><li>The latest numbers show just how tightly Americans&#x27; views on the economy are now intertwined with politics.</li></ul>

Scoop: AOC shakes up team again as 2028 decision looms

The overhaul comes as she's weighing whether to run for president or the Senate in 2028.

New York Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/27/aoc-tests-senate-bid-new-york" data-vars-content-id="d16208e7-355e-4c03-b795-e9ee69ff267b" data-vars-headline="Scoop: AOC shakes up team again as 2028 decision looms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/27/aoc-tests-senate-bid-new-york" target="_self">Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez</a> is shaking up her team for the second time in the past few months as she prepares to make the biggest decision of her political life.Why it matters: The overhaul comes as the democratic socialist leader is debating whether to run for president in 2028 — or Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer&#x27;s seat, which is up the same year.

Bracing for Nvidia's impact

CEO scandals happen at companies. Their stocks fall. But there is no other company quite like Nvidia.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang&#x27;s apparent from grace is a shock to a company at the core of the U.S. markets and the AI ecosystem that he did much to create. Why it matters: CEO scandals happen at companies. Their stocks fall. But there is no other company quite like Nvidia.<ul><li>Its size, financial resources and strategic position in the AI boom have made both the chipmaker and Huang, personally, pillars of the industry that has come to drive both the stock market and the economy.</li></ul>Catch up quick: Following revelations this week that Huang had admitted to an extramarital affair with a woman believed by the U.S. government to be a Chinese intelligence asset, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York Times reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/11/11/technology/jensen-huang-nvidia-affair.html" data-vars-content-id="ec45901b-88d4-4cde-a20b-c241e52b75c7" data-vars-headline="Bracing for Nvidia&#x27;s impact" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/11/11/technology/jensen-huang-nvidia-affair.html" target="_blank">New York Times reported</a> Wednesday evening that Huang also had a romantic relationship with an Nvidia executive who reports to him.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wall Street Journal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/business/nvidia-is-preparing-to-oust-nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-30f421ad?mod=hp_onevizplusonevertical_pos_1" data-vars-content-id="ec45901b-88d4-4cde-a20b-c241e52b75c7" data-vars-headline="Bracing for Nvidia&#x27;s impact" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/business/nvidia-is-preparing-to-oust-nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-30f421ad?mod=hp_onevizplusonevertical_pos_1" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a> and other outlets are reporting that the company&#x27;s board of directors was preparing to oust Huang. </li><li>Nvidia shares plunged in the after-hours trading session. </li></ul>Context: The uncertainty surrounding Huang&#x27;s position comes as the AI trade is going through one of the crises of investor confidence that have periodically hammered AI shares in recent years.<ul><li>The concern this time centers on the ability of the AI build-out to continue, as rising interest rates and a saturated market curtail the sale of bonds to pay for data centers. </li><li>Chip makers like Nvidia have been particularly hard hit by this recent AI slump. Its shares were down roughly 30% from their recent high through Wednesday&#x27;s close, vaporizing nearly $1.59 trillion in shareholder wealth.</li><li>There have been market drawdowns around AI before, says Eric Sheridan, a research analyst at Goldman Sachs, in a big new report on the investment cycle. </li><li>&quot;The stakes are undoubtedly higher now as we&#x27;re further along in the cycle and the dollars being spent have grown considerably, which may be adding to investor skittishness.&quot;</li></ul>Stunning stat: Since the end of last week, the company lost over $600 billion in market value through Wednesday&#x27;s after market session.Zoom out: Those losses will touch a lot of portfolios. <ul><li>With a market capitalization of roughly $4.18 trillion — through Wednesday&#x27;s close — Nvidia is the world&#x27;s second-largest publicly traded company, behind Apple, giving it significant sway in market capitalization-weighted indexes, such as the S&amp;P 500 and the Nasdaq 100.</li></ul>Yes, but: If anything, a focus on Nvidia&#x27;s massive size obscures how important the company is. <ul><li>It dominates the market for the graphics processing units, or GPUs, that are the costliest input into AI data centers — about 75% of a data center&#x27;s total cost, per Goldman. </li><li>It also finances and backstops significant chunks of AI computing power. </li><li>That means Nvidia is bankrolling a small army of AI firms: AI coding companies, data center operators, neoclouds.</li><li>For example: Nvidia has put more than $2 billion into CoreWeave, the troubled neocloud that&#x27;s seen its borrowing costs soar in recent weeks. It has equity stakes in Anthropic and OpenAI.</li></ul>Follow the money: Such was Nvidia&#x27;s — and Huang&#x27;s — stature in the tech world that in recent years, the mere mention of a company by the Nvidia CEO could create <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big market winners and losers" data-vars-click-url="https://sherwood.news/markets/nvidias-key-partners-are-rallying-after-shout-outs-from-ceo-jensen-huang/" data-vars-content-id="ec45901b-88d4-4cde-a20b-c241e52b75c7" data-vars-headline="Bracing for Nvidia&#x27;s impact" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sherwood.news/markets/nvidias-key-partners-are-rallying-after-shout-outs-from-ceo-jensen-huang/" target="_blank">big market winners and losers</a>. <ul><li>In June, for example, positive comments from Huang about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marvell Technology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/03/marvell-jensen-huang-nvidia-ai?" data-vars-content-id="ec45901b-88d4-4cde-a20b-c241e52b75c7" data-vars-headline="Bracing for Nvidia&#x27;s impact" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/03/marvell-jensen-huang-nvidia-ai?" target="_self">Marvell Technology</a> sent the company&#x27;s stock soaring nearly 33% in a single day.</li></ul>State of play: Now, it&#x27;s Nvidia shares that might need words of encouragement. <ul><li>On Wednesday the stock received a downgrade to &quot;market perform&quot; from &quot;outperform&quot; from Bernstein Research.</li><li>&quot;We admit to struggling mightily with this call, and can sympathize with the case to buy the dip,&quot; Bernstein&#x27;s analysts wrote. &quot;But our gut tells us that we probably haven&#x27;t yet fully probed the depths of what might be found here; we&#x27;ve had enough, and prefer to watch from the sidelines.&quot;</li><li>Morgan Stanley also removed the company from its list of &quot;top picks&quot; earlier in the day, after the stock had declined more than 25% since it was named top pick last month.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Whatever comes next for Nvidia, the company is likely to be in an extended period of strategic paralysis.<ul><li>&quot;Decisions about acquisitions or investments or product roadmaps, those are the kinds of things that will now have to be paused, if — again — if this happens, all these things are going to have to pause,&quot; Gil Luria, an analyst covering Nvidia for the brokerage firm D.A. Davidson, tells Axios. &quot;So it just slows the company down when it can&#x27;t make the most important, biggest decisions.&quot; </li></ul>The big picture: Huang has presided over one of the most remarkable explosions of wealth creation in market history.<ul><li>From the closing price on its first day of trading, Nvidia&#x27;s total compound return with dividend reinvestment is 462,906%, according to FactSet.</li><li>He has been at the helm of the company since he co-founded it in 1993.</li></ul>The bottom line: But depending on how the situation plays out, shareholders may be about to find out what an Nvidia without its charismatic leader looks like.

Rob Sand says he'll work to end privatized Medicaid on Day 1

The state's Medicaid program has been run by private agencies for the last 10 years.

Health

Iowa Gov.-elect Rob Sand says he&#x27;ll begin the process of ending Iowa&#x27;s decade-old Medicaid privatization system on his first day in office, but the transition won&#x27;t happen overnight.Why it matters: The end of privatized Medicaid would be one of the most dramatic changes to Iowa&#x27;s health care systems in 10 years, but Sand has criticized the program, saying it prioritizes profits over patients.

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

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

News

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.

West Des Moines housing development could bring 2,200 homes

The joint project will offer a range of housing.

Development

A new housing development could bring 2,200 homes to the western side of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="West Des Moines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/11/09/dallas-county-democrat-republican-dominance" data-vars-content-id="d46e2a1c-c695-4a6e-ad7a-d8eefaaf46cd" data-vars-headline="West Des Moines housing development could bring 2,200 homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/11/09/dallas-county-democrat-republican-dominance" target="_self">West Des Moines</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Trail West project" data-vars-click-url="https://jerryshomes.com/communities/des-moines-area/west-des-moines/trail-west" data-vars-content-id="d46e2a1c-c695-4a6e-ad7a-d8eefaaf46cd" data-vars-headline="West Des Moines housing development could bring 2,200 homes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jerryshomes.com/communities/des-moines-area/west-des-moines/trail-west" target="_blank">The Trail West project</a> will bring more housing and pricing options to the growing western suburbs.

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

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

Politics

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.

Des Moines to buy first home under new housing strategy

It marks the start of a massive, long-term effort to demolish or improve entire city blocks.

Des Moines City Council unanimously approved the first property acquisition tied to its new citywide housing strategy this week.Why it matters: The home at 1656 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway marks the start of a massive, long-term effort to demolish or improve entire city blocks, home to thousands of neglected houses that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have been called &quot;an albatross.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/13/redeveloping-blocks-house-eminent-domain-czb" data-vars-content-id="0740e30c-f721-4ec7-9d2a-613d791bd07e" data-vars-headline="Des Moines to buy first home under new housing strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/13/redeveloping-blocks-house-eminent-domain-czb" target="_self">have been called &quot;an albatross.&quot;</a>

Des Moines' historic Butler House is for sale

Much of the furniture is included in the sale.

Real Estate

The Butler House on Grand Avenue went on the market this week.Why it matters: It isn&#x27;t just a stately Tudor; it&#x27;s woven into Des Moines&#x27; architectural legacy — including its connection to the Butler Mansion on Fleur Drive, which recently became home to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/01/16/desmoines-butler-mansion-museum-italian-cultural" data-vars-content-id="9076b9b4-3e0b-41e7-9553-d67bc343aa69" data-vars-headline="Des Moines&#x27; historic Butler House is for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/01/16/desmoines-butler-mansion-museum-italian-cultural" target="_self">Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa</a>.

Lefty's music venue reopens Saturday as Strychnine

A familiar Drake-area stage gets a new name and new life.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Strychnine Live Music and Drinks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/strychninelivemusic" data-vars-content-id="abaf9d2b-6295-43e9-ab6c-aae71970673f" data-vars-headline="Lefty&#x27;s music venue reopens Saturday as Strychnine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/strychninelivemusic" target="_blank">Strychnine Live Music and Drinks</a> opens Saturday in the former Lefty&#x27;s space near Drake University.Why it matters: Strychnine preserves a small stage for local and emerging acts after Des Moines lost longtime venues including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gas Lamp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/07/26/soccer-gas-lamp-building-stadium-krause-desmoines" data-vars-content-id="abaf9d2b-6295-43e9-ab6c-aae71970673f" data-vars-headline="Lefty&#x27;s music venue reopens Saturday as Strychnine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/07/26/soccer-gas-lamp-building-stadium-krause-desmoines" target="_self">Gas Lamp</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vaudeville Mews" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/11/18/des-moines-4th-street-business-closed-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="abaf9d2b-6295-43e9-ab6c-aae71970673f" data-vars-headline="Lefty&#x27;s music venue reopens Saturday as Strychnine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/11/18/des-moines-4th-street-business-closed-pandemic" target="_self">Vaudeville Mews</a> in recent years.

Valley West Mall is finally sold

A lease with JC Penney is holding up redevelopment plans.

After years of delays, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Valley West Mall has finally sold" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/08/15/valley-west-mall-housing-west-desmoines-redevelopment" data-vars-content-id="9e20b598-e699-42eb-8e15-21cb57b61294" data-vars-headline="Valley West Mall is finally sold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/08/15/valley-west-mall-housing-west-desmoines-redevelopment" target="_self">Valley West Mall has finally sold</a>, though JCPenney&#x27;s longstanding lease could hold up redevelopment.Why it matters: The 58-acre site is in a popular traffic area ripe for commercial and residential development, but the empty, aging mall structure is a major impediment.

Iowa's early voting starts Wednesday

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

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

The Polk County Election Office may relocate

County officials want to increase the office's functionality and security.

The Polk County Election Office might relocate, county administrator John Norris tells Axios.Why it matters: The office has become busier in recent election cycles due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/03/22/iowas-urban-areas-are-increasingly-democratic-driving-efforts-to-limit-early-voting" data-vars-content-id="0f109df2-79f4-4d4d-a05b-0166ff8ba329" data-vars-headline="The Polk County Election Office may relocate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/03/22/iowas-urban-areas-are-increasingly-democratic-driving-efforts-to-limit-early-voting" target="_self">state laws</a> that limit absentee dropbox locations to one per county.

West Des Moines office park could become a neighborhood

A sprawling West Des Moines office park that once housed some of the metro&#x27;s prominent companies could be transformed into apartments, shops and a hotel.Why it matters: Regency West is a mostly vacant, dated office park in a prominent spot next to Interstate 235.

First bite: East Meets West

A married couple brings flavors inspired by China to Beaverdale.

Food and Drink

👋 Jason here: I was excited when I found out the former Motley School Tavern (MST) space in Beaverdale is now a new Asian-American restaurant.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Meets West Kitchen &amp; Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eastmeetswestdsm.com/" data-vars-content-id="b37535b7-6c65-4678-bfdb-ea6403b7c3e1" data-vars-headline="First bite: East Meets West" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eastmeetswestdsm.com/" target="_blank">East Meets West Kitchen &amp; Bar</a> opened last week.

Josh Turek flips control of Senate with Iowa upset

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

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

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>.

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>

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.

Des Moines pizza: This pizza is cheese upon cheese

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

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

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.

Subscribe to Axios Des Moines

West Des Moines office park could become a neighborhood

West Des Moines housing development could bring 2,200 homes

First bite: East Meets West

Rob Sand says he'll work to end privatized Medicaid on Day 1

Des Moines reporter picks

News 🗞

Things to Do 🗓

Food and Drink 🍽

Politics 🇺🇸

Real Estate 🏠

Business 🏦

Election 🗳️

Axios' 5 big things