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

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National

Anthropic tops $100 billion revenue pace, report says

Business

Trump announces cheaper drugs for state Medicaid programs

Politics & Policy

Scoop: NRSC spends $46.5 million on coordinated campaigns

Exclusive: House GOP hits record cash advantage over Democrats

"The Axios Show": Piker thinks El-Sayed is making a "mistake"

Hy-Vee narrows its focus as it competes with Costco and other grocers

The West Des Moines-based grocer is narrowing its focus to improve its quality.

News

After years of expanding into different ventures, Hy-Vee is refocusing on two priorities: food and health care, CEO Jeremy Gosch told <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Business Record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessrecord.com/how-jeremy-gosch-is-refocusing-hy-vee/" data-vars-content-id="08fabf7d-fdd4-42a6-84ec-8f694fb517dc" data-vars-headline="Hy-Vee narrows its focus as it competes with Costco and other grocers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessrecord.com/how-jeremy-gosch-is-refocusing-hy-vee/" target="_blank">the Business Record</a>.Why it matters: The refocus comes as Hy-Vee competes for grocery dollars from stores growing in popularity, like Costco and Sam&#x27;s Club.

Iowa's new tax cap faces pressure as cities cut police and fire

Rising emergency service costs are colliding with Iowa's new property tax cap.

Iowa&#x27;s new tax law is forcing cities to weigh cuts to police and fire — and whether to ask lawmakers to carve out public safety from the 2% property tax growth cap.Why it matters: Staffing shortages can mean slower police and fire response times, leaving residents waiting longer for emergency help.

Iowa senator pushes to ban paraquat

More states are considering banning the chemical.

Iowa Sen. Art Staed (D-Cedar Rapids) has watched Parkinson&#x27;s disease change nearly everything about his life, and now he&#x27;s trying to keep other Iowans from potentially developing it, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to Midwest Newsroom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iowapublicradio.org/agriculture/2026-08-12/this-iowa-senator-living-with-parkinsons-wants-to-ban-paraquat-weed-killer-linked-to-the-disease" data-vars-content-id="3ffa0e20-928e-416e-b245-7297ab1930f7" data-vars-headline="Iowa senator pushes to ban paraquat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iowapublicradio.org/agriculture/2026-08-12/this-iowa-senator-living-with-parkinsons-wants-to-ban-paraquat-weed-killer-linked-to-the-disease" target="_blank">according to Midwest Newsroom</a>.Why it matters: He introduced a bill this year that would place Iowa in a growing national debate over paraquat, a widely used U.S. herbicide that some studies have linked to an elevated risk of Parkinson&#x27;s.<ul><li>The bill never got a hearing, but is part of a wave of similar efforts in statehouses nationwide. </li></ul>

Pesticide exposure tied to more severe Parkinson's symptoms

New research adds to questions about pesticides and Parkinson's in Iowa.

People with Parkinson&#x27;s disease who were exposed to pesticides at work may experience more severe symptoms than those who weren&#x27;t, according to new research.Why it matters: The findings could sharpen scrutiny of pesticides in Iowa, which has both heavy agricultural pesticide use and thousands of Parkinson&#x27;s cases.

Iowa cancer burden emerges as key issue in governor race

Zach Lahn's Tuesday cancer discussion could sharpen contrasts with opponent Rob Sand.

Cancer is emerging as a defining issue in Iowa&#x27;s race for governor, as Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand offer different approaches to addressing the state&#x27;s unusually high rates of the disease.Why it matters: Iowa&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high cancer rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/02/22/iowa-cancer-problem" data-vars-content-id="48d41791-e7cf-40df-bd59-fe0998ba4058" data-vars-headline="Iowa cancer burden emerges as key issue in governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/02/22/iowa-cancer-problem" target="_self">high cancer rate</a> is forcing the governor&#x27;s race into concrete debates over health coverage, prevention and what&#x27;s driving rates.

Ankeny ends $50 cabana shade rental

The city experienced some social media backlash from the program.

Politics

Ankeny is ending its cabana rental program at Cascade Falls Aquatic Center, effective immediately, city manager Mike Schrock shared during the council meeting Monday.Driving the news: This summer, families visiting Ankeny&#x27;s city-owned Cascade Falls found a new $50 price attached to the sought-after amenity.

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>.

This Ankeny mom is opening a giant play cafe for kids, and coffee for adults

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe will cater to all kids and parents alike.

An Ankeny mom is opening an inclusive, kid-friendly cafe where their parents can connect (or disconnect) without helicoptering their kids.Why it matters: Megan Holtz was inspired to create a fun space for her 8-year-old son, Vinny, who has sensory processing disorder. Now she&#x27;s opening <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Whimsy &amp; Wonder Play Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/whimsyandwonderplaycafe/" data-vars-content-id="5511c029-c47f-40ce-b2ae-945f05f978c3" data-vars-headline="This Ankeny mom is opening a giant play cafe for kids, and coffee for adults" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/whimsyandwonderplaycafe/" target="_blank">Whimsy &amp; Wonder Play Cafe</a> this fall, along with her husband, Mitch.

Plug-in solar gets Iowa push

Without regulatory changes, utilities could require customers to unplug them.

A Des Moines lawmaker is pushing to allow Iowans to use plug-in solar kits — devices that connect to standard home outlets and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="offset electricity use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/07/urbandale-solar-panel-saves-money" data-vars-content-id="28bc1f13-4624-4102-acd4-8b5ea4c76f44" data-vars-headline="Plug-in solar gets Iowa 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/2026/01/07/urbandale-solar-panel-saves-money" target="_self">offset electricity use</a>.Why it matters: The systems could offer a cheaper, more practical solar option, Rep. Sean Bagniewski (D-Des Moines) tells Axios.

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.

Iowa State Fair may turn its new slogan into a snack

The fair's 2027 "It's all that" theme could come with a side of chips.

The Iowa State Fair is considering handing out bags of chips next year — a literal riff on its newly announced 2027 theme, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;It&#x27;s All That.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iowastatefair.org/" data-vars-content-id="a065021a-c7a1-4ad0-a308-9019ef7f9009" data-vars-headline="Iowa State Fair may turn its new slogan into a snack" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iowastatefair.org/" target="_blank">&quot;It&#x27;s All That.&quot;</a>Catch up fast: The theme tees up one of the most recognizable lines of the 1990s: &quot;all that and a bag of chips.&quot;

Des Moines weekend plans: Oktoberfest, Beaverdale Fall Festival

From German beer to dancing in the club, here are your weekend plans.

Things to Do

<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>🍺 Oktoberfest at Des Moines Biergarten | Enjoy German bier, live music, games, food and family activities at Water Works Park. | 3pm Friday, 11:30am Saturday and Sunday | <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Free!" data-vars-click-url="https://www.biergarten-oktoberfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="06e9788e-cbac-4a9b-9bfb-3777e93ca408" data-vars-headline="Des Moines weekend plans: Oktoberfest, Beaverdale Fall Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.biergarten-oktoberfest.com/" target="_blank">Free!</a>

See 3 planets stretch across Iowa's September sky

September's sky show pairs perfectly with Drake Observatory's fall events.

Early risers can spot three bright planets stretching across the morning sky for the rest of the month, and they won&#x27;t need a telescope to see them.Why it matters: Saturn, Mars and Jupiter can all be seen, weather permitting, in September&#x27;s early morning hours, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per EarthSky" data-vars-click-url="https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/visible-planets-tonight-mars-jupiter-venus-saturn-mercury/" data-vars-content-id="2c69e5de-7cd7-47af-a094-1ac530f4bb89" data-vars-headline="See 3 planets stretch across Iowa&#x27;s September sky" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/visible-planets-tonight-mars-jupiter-venus-saturn-mercury/" target="_blank">per EarthSky</a>.

Iowa voters rank water quality among top issues, poll shows

The majority of Iowans say water quality is among their top five concerns.

A majority of Iowa voters rank water quality and environment among their top five issues heading into the 2026 midterm election, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="poll" data-vars-click-url="https://clf.jhsph.edu/sites/default/files/2026-09/clf_water_quality_public_deck.pdf" data-vars-content-id="670ee762-d6b3-47a3-85f3-af32dc653943" data-vars-headline="Iowa voters rank water quality among top issues, poll shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clf.jhsph.edu/sites/default/files/2026-09/clf_water_quality_public_deck.pdf" target="_blank">poll</a> commissioned by the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future.Why it matters: Concerns about nitrates and Iowa&#x27;s high cancer rates are turning water quality into a ballot box issue.

Model shows Iowa vaccine declines could add 9,400 disease cases

Iowa made childhood vaccine opt-outs easier as exemptions continue to rise.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa&#x27;s declining vaccination rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/30/vaccinations-decline-in-polk-county" data-vars-content-id="e9bb0afa-181a-414b-bd8e-d30cb06316dc" data-vars-headline="Model shows Iowa vaccine declines could add 9,400 disease cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/30/vaccinations-decline-in-polk-county" target="_self">Iowa&#x27;s declining vaccination rates</a> could lead to thousands more cases of preventable diseases, a new Emory University model shows.Why it matters: The model puts numbers on how falling rates could translate into more childhood illness, hospitalizations and health care costs in Iowa.

Ask Axios: Do sirens distinguish emergencies?

Polk County sirens do not distinguish between high winds, tornadoes or floods.

&quot;I live in the North of Grand neighborhood and heard sirens go off three separate times this evening (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sept. 8" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcci.com/article/tuesdays-storms-break-rainfall-record-in-des-moines/73654695" data-vars-content-id="938ba357-eda9-461a-b983-55f6e3995ef0" data-vars-headline="Ask Axios: Do sirens distinguish emergencies?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcci.com/article/tuesdays-storms-break-rainfall-record-in-des-moines/73654695" target="_blank">Sept. 8</a>) during storms. They were all, presumably, for &quot;severe thunderstorms with 70+ mph winds,&quot; but I had to search on my phone to confirm.<ul><li>Out of habit, I hear a siren and I go downstairs. But last night, there were sirens with no funnel clouds. So I wanted to know: Does the city use a different siren for a tornado warning? Otherwise, that seems awfully dangerous!&quot; — Claire Richmond, DSM</li></ul>

Des Moines nears September rain record

Flooding has wreaked havoc across basements in the metro.

<figure><img alt="A Des Moines street cleaner on a street during heavy rain." height="450" id="c179275a-a8ee-4902-99c9-8edc07e79ac4" src="https://images.axios.com/3pKfGQlchkADWuFOt_nna_Cty9E=/2026/09/15/1789504505433.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>GIF: Linh Ta/Axios</figcaption></figure>More rain on the way in Des Moines could continue to create problems for our already saturated ground.By the numbers: This week, the metro experienced 2–3 inches of rain, with the west side hit hardest, says Alexis Jimenez, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Des Moines.

Iowa nears 900 plate readers as Flock backlash grows

Growing privacy concerns have prompted some communities to reconsider or abandon the technology.

At least 861 automated license plate readers have been documented in Iowa, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing privacy concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/flock-camera-local-opposition-surveillance" data-vars-content-id="a0d3e0e6-8fb1-46cb-9161-ef6f96c0731b" data-vars-headline="Iowa nears 900 plate readers as Flock backlash grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/flock-camera-local-opposition-surveillance" target="_self">growing privacy concerns</a> prompt some communities to reconsider or abandon the technology.Why it matters: Iowa communities are weighing a crime fighting tool against growing concerns about how closely police can track people&#x27;s movements.

Des Moines drag king gets national spotlight

Trade is competing on season two of "King of Drag."

Des Moines drag king &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/your_weekends_trade/" data-vars-content-id="6bd92362-a880-456f-ba40-8f3642542672" data-vars-headline="Des Moines drag king gets national spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/your_weekends_trade/" target="_blank">Trade</a>&quot; is catching some limelight on the second season of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="King of Drag" data-vars-click-url="https://ew.com/king-of-drag-season-2-cast-revealed-12037654" data-vars-content-id="6bd92362-a880-456f-ba40-8f3642542672" data-vars-headline="Des Moines drag king gets national spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ew.com/king-of-drag-season-2-cast-revealed-12037654" target="_blank">King of Drag</a>&quot; on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Revry" data-vars-click-url="https://revry.com/details/series/LZEKepcBER2xfPiIl_36" data-vars-content-id="6bd92362-a880-456f-ba40-8f3642542672" data-vars-headline="Des Moines drag king gets national spotlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://revry.com/details/series/LZEKepcBER2xfPiIl_36" target="_blank">Revry</a>. Why it matters: Dakota Chambers, a transgender man, is helping bring limelight to drag kings, who are often overlooked in queer media in comparison to drag queens.

The best thing Linh ate: Pho 515

Slurp up some wonton soup ($8) from Pho 515.

<figure><img alt="A gif showing a steaming bowl of wonton soup" height="450" id="6268b4bd-981f-4938-8ffa-138b786cde3d" src="https://images.axios.com/flPs0ab8O693PA4pZmj005Bgn4A=/2026/08/28/1787950587450.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Wonton soup ($8) from Pho 515. Gif: Linh Ta/Axios</figcaption></figure>Pho is Pho 515&#x27;s namesake, but don&#x27;t sleep on the restaurant&#x27;s simple, slurpable wonton soup.What it is: A soup with pork and shrimp-filled wontons and baby bok choy ($8).

Des Moines' most unique dinner spot is a secret

FlashDine DSM is an al fresco dinig event, where the location is secret until the day of.

One of Des Moines&#x27; most unique dining events is happening Labor Day weekend, but the kicker is — no one knows where until the day of.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FlashDine DSM" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/27698702549790825" data-vars-content-id="b98f745b-d625-4aae-af86-23a8fd234985" data-vars-headline="Des Moines&#x27; most unique dinner spot is a secret" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/27698702549790825" target="_blank">FlashDine DSM</a> encourages people to be creative and share in a communal (and a little absurd) dining experience with one another.

Axios Des Moines readers give college advice

This week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="we asked readers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-des-moines-d1da4656-5f91-4d92-b3f3-ce04799c6248.html?chunk=6&amp;utm_term=emshare#story6" data-vars-content-id="07d81424-f990-4425-9f94-d4be6a95552d" data-vars-headline="Axios Des Moines readers give college advice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-des-moines-d1da4656-5f91-4d92-b3f3-ce04799c6248.html?chunk=6&amp;utm_term=emshare#story6" target="_self">we asked readers</a> to share their wisdom for today&#x27;s college students. Here are three lessons worth bringing to class, trimmed for Smart Brevity.

Things to do this extended weekend: Sept. 4-7

The Des Moines Symphony plays for free for two nights at Water Works Park.

Here&#x27;s what to do during the long weekend.

Iowan brings "Wicked" home to Des Moines

Steve Quinn is a native Iowan who helps handle logistics for "Wicked" on tour.

&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wicked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2025-26/broadway/wicked" data-vars-content-id="b1cc3a70-ab70-44e6-ba21-85cc4c34a891" data-vars-headline="Iowan brings &quot;Wicked&quot; home to Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2025-26/broadway/wicked" target="_blank">Wicked</a>&quot; company manager Steve Quinn already has plans for the cast as they launch shows in Des Moines, including a visit to the Downtown Farmers&#x27; Market and a High Trestle Trail bike ride.Driving the news: The show will be at the Civic Center for three weeks starting Wednesday, and Quinn, a native Iowan, is returning home with them.

3 tons of hash browns: Waveland tops Des Moines brunch list

A Des Moines breakfast staple earns more local bragging rights.

Food and Drink

<blockquote>&quot;I should have bought into potato futures a long time ago.&quot; — David &quot;Stoney&quot; Stone, owner of Waveland Café.</blockquote>Context: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Waveland Café" data-vars-click-url="https://wavelandcafedsm.com/" data-vars-content-id="5ea1e351-5005-4563-bcdd-566c9441d31f" data-vars-headline="3 tons of hash browns: Waveland tops Des Moines brunch list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wavelandcafedsm.com/" target="_blank">The Waveland Café</a> cooks as much as 3 tons of hash browns a month, owner David &quot;Stoney&quot; Stone told Catch Des Moines in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new video" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQjp5QMNm_o" data-vars-content-id="5ea1e351-5005-4563-bcdd-566c9441d31f" data-vars-headline="3 tons of hash browns: Waveland tops Des Moines brunch list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQjp5QMNm_o" target="_blank">a new video</a> promoting its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Brunch list" data-vars-click-url="https://www.catchdesmoines.com/blog/stories/post/best-brunch-spots-in-greater-des-moines/" data-vars-content-id="5ea1e351-5005-4563-bcdd-566c9441d31f" data-vars-headline="3 tons of hash browns: Waveland tops Des Moines brunch list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.catchdesmoines.com/blog/stories/post/best-brunch-spots-in-greater-des-moines/" target="_blank">Best Brunch list</a>.

The best thing Linh ate: Savor the Rise's new dinner

The bakery added dinner service with locally-sourced ingredients.

Savor the Rise, one of my favorite bakeries in the Des Moines area, recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="added dinner service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcgkKo6Gm8r/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="942c8ce3-6436-4abd-96c6-fc71b2068d5e" data-vars-headline="The best thing Linh ate: Savor the Rise&#x27;s new dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcgkKo6Gm8r/?img_index=1" target="_blank">added dinner service</a> featuring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.What it is: A cute Indianola bakery by day, and at night, the tables are cleared off and the space is transformed with checkered napkins and candlelight.

Wilson's Orchard has its earliest Honeycrisp crop

Heavy rains and high heat resulted in rapid fruit growth.

Wilson&#x27;s Orchard &amp; Farm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/13/a-new-floating-art-piece-also-captures-nitrates-in-iowa-water" data-vars-content-id="3a4994cd-ec1a-4b0b-bfee-14e2491e3969" data-vars-headline="Wilson&#x27;s Orchard has its earliest Honeycrisp crop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/13/a-new-floating-art-piece-also-captures-nitrates-in-iowa-water" target="_self">in the Des Moines metro</a> will open Honeycrisp picking today, the earliest in the farm&#x27;s history <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="since it was founded in 1980" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/wilsons.ciderhouse.dsm/posts/pfbid02BoNyRU5VjXqGFTiBtGt6KxEvm1jfrAM3bbJVhi82WqncpVYBxKK3rZiDKXw57S3fl" data-vars-content-id="3a4994cd-ec1a-4b0b-bfee-14e2491e3969" data-vars-headline="Wilson&#x27;s Orchard has its earliest Honeycrisp crop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/wilsons.ciderhouse.dsm/posts/pfbid02BoNyRU5VjXqGFTiBtGt6KxEvm1jfrAM3bbJVhi82WqncpVYBxKK3rZiDKXw57S3fl" target="_blank">since it was founded in 1980</a>.Why it matters: For Iowa growers, &quot;normal&quot; timing is becoming harder to count on as unpredictable weather patterns become more frequent, says Wilson&#x27;s Orchard general manager Jacob Goering, whose parents own the farm.

Pancheros opening second Waukee location next month

The burrito franchise has lots of love in Iowa.

Shelly and Tyson Robinson, the longtime franchise owners of the Pancheros locations in West Des Moines and Johnston, are opening a third store in Waukee next month at the corner of Grand Prairie Parkway and Ashworth Road.Why it matters: Call it Pancheros or call it &quot;Panch,&quot; the soft-pressed tortillas are a quintessential part of an Iowan diet, next to Midwest icons like breakfast pizza and pork tenderloins.

We tried the new deep-fried cookie dough pie at the Iowa State Fair

Minneapple Pie made a big splash with its debut at the Iowa State Fair.

Linh here. I hate myself for saying this, but my favorite new fair food happens to be from Minnesota.What it is: Deep-fried cookie dough pie served with a choice of homemade vanilla or cinnamon ice cream ($12).

We tried the Iowa State Fair's bacon-brisket mac-and-cheese donut

The donut has been getting rave reviews on social media.

Linh here. The Rib Shack, a popular fair food vendor, is serving up the wildest doughnut you can imagine: The Ultimate Bacon-Brisket Mac &amp; Cheese Donut ($7).<ul><li>With Patton Oswalt&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="famous 2007 comedy bit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eater.com/2020/1/27/21078673/patton-oswalt-kfc-famous-bowl-bit-eater-bowl-bowl" data-vars-content-id="15798463-05a4-4b21-ad96-9f227773704d" data-vars-headline="We tried the Iowa State Fair&#x27;s bacon-brisket mac-and-cheese donut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eater.com/2020/1/27/21078673/patton-oswalt-kfc-famous-bowl-bit-eater-bowl-bowl" target="_blank">famous 2007 comedy bit</a> about KFC Famous Bowls in mind, I set out to try it.</li></ul>

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