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Bali Bulay Indonesian Satay 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's Iowa's first Indonesian restaurant.

Driving the news: The restaurant opened last month inside Local Bites International Food Hall at 700 Locust St.

Catch up quick: The family spent about a decade living in Bali, Indonesia, before moving back to Iowa.

They debuted their food at CelebrAsian last year, later used the Mickle Center shared-use kitchen, and served at events including the Valley Junction Farmers Market

On the menu: The star is satay — grilled meat skewers served with sauce — alongside Indonesian dishes including rendang, a slow-cooked beef dish with coconut milk and spices.

A rotating selection of sambal, the spicy condiment central to Indonesian cooking, rounds out the menu.

On my plate: I tried the $15 lunch combo: three skewers — two chicken and one beef — plus noodle salad and sweet-and-spicy sambal.

It was flavorful, filling and worth a return trip.

First bite: Bali Bulay brings Indonesian food to Des Moines

Bali Bulay turns years of pop-ups into a permanent lunch spot.

Plate with spaghetti and vegetables on the left, a greenish cone of mashed potatoes in the center, pink ham slices behind, and a large browned steak on the right; stainless diner table in the background.

The lunch combo also includes yellow rice and garlic chips (those pink-looking wavy items at the back). Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios

<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.

Food and Drink

Des Moines has hired a law firm to explore legal action regarding "forever chemicals" 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.

Driving the news: Council members last week agreed to retain New York law firm Grossman & Kelly to investigate potential damages related to PFAS and firefighting foam and gear, as well as separate claims involving microplastics and tobacco waste.

Context: PFAS are a large family of human-made chemicals used for decades to resist heat, water, and grease.

They have been detected in metro water sources.

How it works: City manager Scott Sanders tells Axios that the law firm will hire geologists and other experts to investigate at no up-front cost to the city.

If Des Moines recovers money, the firm would receive 33% plus certain costs.

State of play: The city hasn't yet said what will be tested or whether lawsuits could involve other metro utilities.

"These cases are in the early stages, and the city will make these decisions with the advice of outside counsel and their experts," Sanders tells Axios.

Meanwhile, Grossman & Kelly is pursuing similar potential claims in Columbus and Avon, Ohio.

By the numbers: A 2023 U.S. Geological Survey study estimated that at least 45% of U.S. tap water contains PFAS.

The big picture: PFAS litigation has resulted in multibillion-dollar settlements from companies such as 3M and DuPont.

Zoom in: DSM Water Works was awarded about $9.7 million from 3M in 2025, while West Des Moines Water Works expects roughly $2.3 million from several PFAS settlements, though some remain pending.

Central Iowa Water Works is pursuing replacement wells for the A.C. Ward treatment plant after PFAS was detected in several shallow wells, but officials say finding PFAS-free groundwater has proven difficult.

What we're watching: What contamination the city finds, how much it could cost taxpayers, and which companies Des Moines might ultimately target.

Des Moines explores new "forever chemical" lawsuits

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

Two people in hazmat suits, one lime green and the other red, stand in a metal-walled workshop handling a gas cylinder with a hose, surrounded by pallets, plywood panels, and tools.

Des Moines Fire Department crews conduct hazmat training simulating a toxic chemical release from a damaged container. Screenshot: DSM video

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.

News

A 2025 study found PFAS in all 13 fish samples collected from Iowa streams.

Why it matters: Iowa doesn't routinely test fish for PFAS, while states including Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin have issued "do not eat" advisories after finding high levels in fish.

Caveat: Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey, University of Iowa and other institutions tested mostly small whole fish. 

The study was not designed to determine whether the fish were safe to eat.

Yes, but: Iowa researchers say the findings warrant more monitoring.

Zoom in: Central Iowa sites included Camp Creek near Runnells, a Story County drainage site near Ames, Cardinal Creek near Newton and Mud Lake near Jewell.

State of play: No federal or Iowa law requires routine PFAS testing of fish, although monitoring has been recommended, and the EPA says that states should consider testing locally caught fish.

The big picture: Lawmakers have proposed mandatory PFAS testing for sewage sludge, but an Axios review found no similar proposal requiring fish testing.

⬆️ What we're watching: Whether that changes.

"Forever chemicals" found in Iowa fish

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

Illustration of a coho salmon in the shape of a question mark.

<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.

Iowa'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 health risks and the proliferation of unauthorized products.

Driving the news: Iowa Department of Revenue needs more time to determine which products qualify to be listed in the vapor products directory, spokesperson John Fuller told Thursday on Thursday.

State of play: Retailers won't face the new sales restrictions until the directory is published. The previously announced Nov. 16 enforcement date has also been postponed.

Violations can result in fines of $300 per product per day and, once enforcement begins, the loss of a retailer's permit.

How it works: Manufacturers must pay $100 annually per product to register. Products generally must have FDA marketing authorization or qualify under older, pending federal applications.

The restrictions come months after the FDA eased its approach to certain vaping products.

Catch up quick: A coalition of Iowa vape businesses sued to block the law, winning a temporary injunction.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that injunction in July, clearing the way for implementation.

The other side: Vape shop owners warned lawmakers in 2024 that the registries threaten small businesses and restrict access to alternatives to cigarettes.

Context: As of June, at least 16 states had enacted similar directory laws.

A study published last month found that a similar Louisiana law reduced the number of available vape products by nearly 54% compared with states without registries, but a decline in sales eventually reversed.

By the numbers: Federal regulators took 95 enforcement actions involving e-cigarettes in Iowa from 2023 through September 2026, according to FDA records analyzed by Axios.

Nearly all cases concerned sales to underage purchasers.

Separately, the FDA has cited Iowa businesses for selling vaping products without required federal authorization.

What's next: The state will announce new publication and enforcement dates on its website, Fuller said.

Once enforcement begins, officials will conduct routine store inspections and investigate complaints submitted through GovConnectIowa.

Iowa indefinitely delays its new vape registry

The state needs more time to determine which products qualify.

Photo: Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

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>.

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.

💰 Cost of living: It tops Iowa voters' concerns, with Midwest grocery prices 2.2% higher in July than a year earlier, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

🚜 Tariffs and agriculture: Iowa importers paid an estimated $1.7 billion in tariffs through June as farmers contend with high input costs and trade uncertainty.

🏥 Health care: Iowa faces Medicaid budget pressures and coming eligibility changes, including work requirements.

💧 Water and cancer: 60% of likely Iowa voters rank water quality and the environment among their top five issues, including 64% of independents, according to a poll commissioned by the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future.

🏫 Schools: Iowa's expanding private-school tuition program remains a dividing line over how taxpayer education dollars should be spent.

Governor: Democrat Rob Sand vs. Republican Zach Lahn. Cook Political Report rates the open-seat race Lean Democratic, a notable shift in a state with a Republican lean.

U.S. Senate: Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson vs. Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek. Cook rates the race a toss-up, putting Iowa squarely in the fight for control of the Senate.

3rd Congressional District: Republican Rep. Zach Nunn vs. Democratic state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott. Cook's Oct. 9 House ratings moved this race to Lean Democratic, making the Des Moines-area seat one of the country's closely watched Republican-held districts.

Your early voting location depends on your county.

Polk: Election Office, 2309 Euclid Ave., Des Moines. Satellite sites open later this month.

Dallas: Election Office, 210 N. 10th St., Adel.

Warren: Check the county auditor's election page for early voting and Election Day information.

Madison: Find election information and precinct locations through the county auditor.

Zoom in: Mail ballot requests must be received by your county auditor by 5pm Monday, Oct. 19.

On Election Day: Use the state's address-based lookup to find your assigned polling place.

Polls are open 7am-8pm on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Iowa's early voting starts Wednesday

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

Illustration of a first shaking itself at the state of Iowa with a vote being vast in the middle

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.

Jason Clayworth

Featured stories

Iowa indefinitely delays its new vape registry

Des Moines explores new "forever chemical" lawsuits

"Forever chemicals" found in Iowa fish

Iowa's early voting starts Wednesday

First bite: Bali Bulay brings Indonesian food to Des Moines