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The Iowa Clinic threatens to end UnityPoint partnership

Unresolved disputes could reshape where Central Iowa patients receive care.

News

The Iowa Clinic has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="notified UnityPoint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/09/12/union-unitypoint-nurses-vote-methodist-blank" data-vars-content-id="cf903c7d-4713-4971-b5f6-829615ed3db1" data-vars-headline="The Iowa Clinic threatens to end UnityPoint partnership" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/09/12/union-unitypoint-nurses-vote-methodist-blank" target="_self">notified UnityPoint</a> of plans to terminate its 30-year partnership, citing concerns about hospital operations.Why it matters: The dispute could upend a partnership that helps determine where Central Iowa patients receive care and which doctors treat them.

Des Moines council members cross party lines to endorse Zach Nunn

Des Moines council members Joe Gatto and Mike Simonson voice their support for Nunn in a TV ad.

Politics

Des Moines City Council members Mike Simonson and Joe Gatto, both Democrats, are featured in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a TV advertisement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VorSukMsWR0" data-vars-content-id="3809e5db-8b49-4bea-8319-005a9e6a204f" data-vars-headline="Des Moines council members cross party lines to endorse Zach Nunn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VorSukMsWR0" target="_blank">a TV advertisement</a> this week for U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, the Republican incumbent running to keep his seat in Iowa&#x27;s 3rd District.Why it matters: The cross-party endorsements are efforts to appeal to voters beyond party lines, but they have also sparked backlash from Des Moines Democrats, including a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pledge to withdraw future financial support" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/jack.hatch.39/posts/i-just-emailed-the-following-statement-to-des-moines-councilman-mike-simonson-te/2627048864388262/" data-vars-content-id="3809e5db-8b49-4bea-8319-005a9e6a204f" data-vars-headline="Des Moines council members cross party lines to endorse Zach Nunn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/jack.hatch.39/posts/i-just-emailed-the-following-statement-to-des-moines-councilman-mike-simonson-te/2627048864388262/" target="_blank">pledge to withdraw future financial support</a>.

This 69-year-old woman started powerlifting in retirement

Elizabeth Hendrix is entering powerlifting competitions.

Culture

Most women don&#x27;t start powerlifting in their 60s, but at 69, Elizabeth Hendrix feels stronger than ever.Why it matters: Hendrix went from avoiding athletics her entire life to competing in powerlifting, discovering a new sense of purpose along the way.

Iowa early voting surges

Democrats lead the early vote, but their share is down from 2022.

Iowans are casting early ballots at a considerably faster rate than in the 2022 midterms, with more than 307,000 ballots received as of Tuesday morning.Why it matters: The surge — nearly 30% higher than four years ago — signals heightened interest in Iowa&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closely watched midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/10/14/iowa-early-voting-elections-2026-midterms" data-vars-content-id="e5bc4425-4dd2-4531-bddd-bb86d3779158" data-vars-headline="Iowa early voting surges" 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" target="_self">closely watched midterms</a>, but doesn&#x27;t necessarily mean overall turnout will increase.

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.

Business

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.

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.

Casey's plans to add 400 new stores over next 3 years

The Ankeny-based company is becoming one of the nation's largest convenience stores.

Casey&#x27;s says it plans to add 400 stores over the next three years, doubling down on the rural and suburban markets that helped turn the Ankeny-based chain into one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s largest convenience retailers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/12/caseys-grew-a-lot-including-its-gas-profit-margins" data-vars-content-id="2f9a173b-0cbc-49e3-a88d-60f8013f9aca" data-vars-headline="Casey&#x27;s plans to add 400 new stores over next 3 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/12/caseys-grew-a-lot-including-its-gas-profit-margins" target="_self">nation&#x27;s largest convenience retailers</a>.Driving the news: The company&#x27;s &quot;sweet spot&quot; is communities of under 20,000 people, where competition is thinner and its combination of gas, groceries and food gives it an edge, CEO Darren Rebelez shared during an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investor presentation" data-vars-click-url="https://investor.caseys.com/static-files/282c53ca-5901-433f-bda2-730dc4bd84b9" data-vars-content-id="2f9a173b-0cbc-49e3-a88d-60f8013f9aca" data-vars-headline="Casey&#x27;s plans to add 400 new stores over next 3 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://investor.caseys.com/static-files/282c53ca-5901-433f-bda2-730dc4bd84b9" target="_blank">investor presentation</a> on Wednesday.

New West Des Moines dentistry focuses on spa-like experience

The new dental office opened near Coachlight Spa.

A new Des Moines practice is betting that a spa-like dentistry practice is in demand here.Why it matters: Americans are more obsessed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with their teeth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vogue.com/article/what-will-our-teeth-look-like-in-2045" data-vars-content-id="601a2ed6-3d98-451d-90f5-89305f112a14" data-vars-headline="New West Des Moines dentistry focuses on spa-like experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vogue.com/article/what-will-our-teeth-look-like-in-2045" target="_blank">with their teeth</a> than ever.

Casey's grew a lot, including its gas profit margins

The company posted record profits as it continues to build and acquire new stores.

Casey&#x27;s posted record profits in its last fiscal year, fueled by surging gas margins and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strong in-store sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/06/10/gas-station-pizza-iowa-pandemic-recovery" data-vars-content-id="274ae4d8-e54f-4fa7-939c-deb6b1597c89" data-vars-headline="Casey&#x27;s grew a lot, including its gas profit margins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/06/10/gas-station-pizza-iowa-pandemic-recovery" target="_self">strong in-store sales</a>, leaders shared during an earnings call this week.Why it matters: Gas stations are the great equalizers in our society, and purchasing habits at Casey&#x27;s can reflect how Iowans are doing in general.

Flood fixes lead to a George Flagg Parkway comeback

A $2 million office and warehouse-style building is the latest proposal.

New developments are in the works along George Flagg Parkway — where projects had been blocked by persistent flooding — including an expansion of Jasper Winery and a proposed $2 million &quot;flex office&quot; building.Why it matters:<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Des Moines has spent tens of millions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/03/22/flood-resiliency-desmoines-insurance-federal-iowa" data-vars-content-id="869b41e0-be42-476f-8878-f74ec091e087" data-vars-headline="Flood fixes lead to a George Flagg Parkway comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/03/22/flood-resiliency-desmoines-insurance-federal-iowa" target="_self"> Des Moines has spent tens of millions</a> of dollars in recent years to improve its levees, prompting federal flood officials to lift restrictions on property buyouts.

Oakridge is planning a $15M+ Cynergy project

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

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

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

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

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

Business 🏦

Lefty's music venue reopens Saturday as Strychnine

Valley West Mall is finally sold

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

Plug-in solar gets Iowa push

Casey's plans to add 400 new stores over next 3 years