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How to fake it: 2026 IHSAA boys state wrestling

Downtown Des Moines is bustling this weekend with wrestlers. Impress your friends with knowledge.

Sports

If you&#x27;ve noticed an unusual number of intense teenagers roaming the skywalks, you&#x27;ve found your answer: It&#x27;s state wrestling tournament weekend in Des Moines.Why it matters: Iowa consistently produces some of the country&#x27;s most elite wrestlers, so when you see a kid dominate in Des Moines this weekend, there&#x27;s a real chance you&#x27;re watching a future Olympian.

Des Moines might buy adjacent buildings after Odd Fellows deal crumbles

A larger redevelopment package would be more likely to save the buildings, the city says.

News

The city of Des Moines is seeking to purchase three historic buildings adjacent to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Highland Park&#x27;s Odd Fellows Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/08/05/historic-highland-park-building-could-be-saved" data-vars-content-id="05a6aa3d-1ae2-4f99-9496-ec7e4220c11f" data-vars-headline="Des Moines might buy adjacent buildings after Odd Fellows deal crumbles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/08/05/historic-highland-park-building-could-be-saved" target="_self">Highland Park&#x27;s Odd Fellows Hall</a>.Why it matters: An effort to redevelop the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="landmark building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/economic_development/200_euclid_avenue.php" data-vars-content-id="05a6aa3d-1ae2-4f99-9496-ec7e4220c11f" data-vars-headline="Des Moines might buy adjacent buildings after Odd Fellows deal crumbles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/economic_development/200_euclid_avenue.php" target="_blank">landmark building</a> fell through last year.

Drake's Greek Street could become "Agha Street"

The name is for the past president of Drake's now-closed Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

Drake University&#x27;s Greek Street would be honorarily named &quot;Agha Street&quot; under a request being considered by city leaders.Catch up quick: Agha Noor Ahmed Khan was one of the last presidents of Drake&#x27;s Phi Gamma Delta fraternity before it closed late last year.

Iowa lawmakers push data center transparency

A new bill would require public reports on data center water and energy use.

Business

Iowa lawmakers want to know exactly how much water and energy the state&#x27;s booming data center industry is consuming.Why it matters: Iowa has become a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="magnet for data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/04/28/the-midwest-s-data-center-boom" data-vars-content-id="9d900c93-9b79-4fd0-acab-a9e75eef0878" data-vars-headline="Iowa lawmakers push data center transparency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/04/28/the-midwest-s-data-center-boom" target="_self">magnet for data centers</a>, but the infrastructure needed to power and cool these facilities puts pressure on the state&#x27;s electric grid and water supply, which can get passed on to homeowners.

Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students

The district is continuing to lose students.

Education

Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declined by 677 students in comparison to last year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to 2025-26 certified enrollment numbers" data-vars-click-url="https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/data/data-collections/certified-enrollment" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/data/data-collections/certified-enrollment" target="_blank">according to 2025-26 certified enrollment numbers</a>.Why it matters: The loss hurts the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="district&#x27;s budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/02/09/des-moines-public-schools-budget-cuts-teacher-raises" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/02/09/des-moines-public-schools-budget-cuts-teacher-raises" target="_self">district&#x27;s budget</a>, and the drop underscores a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longer-term enrollment decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/03/12/des-moines-schools-open-enrollment-student-loss" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/03/12/des-moines-schools-open-enrollment-student-loss" target="_self">longer-term enrollment decline</a> the district is trying to reverse.State of play: At its peak in 2017-18, DMPS had about 33,057 students. This school year, there are about 30,160.<ul><li>The city&#x27;s population also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="peaked around 2017" data-vars-click-url="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/MOW/966739.pdf" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/MOW/966739.pdf" target="_blank">peaked around 2017</a>, with an estimated 217,500 people living in Des Moines proper. As of 2024, the U.S. Census estimates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="around 213,100 residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/desmoinescityiowa/LND110210" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/desmoinescityiowa/LND110210" target="_blank">around 213,100 residents</a>.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: DMPS lost students during periods of online and hybrid learning in 2020 and 2021, school board chairperson Kim Martorano tells Axios.<ul><li>But she also attributes the decline to state law changes, including using tax dollars <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to pay for private school tuition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/20/iowa-private-school-enrollment-grows" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/20/iowa-private-school-enrollment-grows" target="_self">to pay for private school tuition</a>,<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" expanding charter schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/08/08/iowa-allocates-1-million-choice-charter-school-launch" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/08/08/iowa-allocates-1-million-choice-charter-school-launch" target="_self"> expanding charter schools</a> and changes in the open enrollment law.</li><li>In 2024-25, 2,242 students who live within DMPS&#x27; district boundaries utilized the state&#x27;s private school tuition program. That grew to 3,121 this year, per the Iowa Department of Education.</li><li>&quot;Public school districts are operating in a more competitive education environment across the Des Moines metro,&quot; Martorano said in an email.</li></ul>The other side: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Kim Reynolds has said the recent laws" data-vars-click-url="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/07/31/gov-reynolds-offers-support-for-states-iowa-esa-program/" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/07/31/gov-reynolds-offers-support-for-states-iowa-esa-program/" target="_blank">Gov. Kim Reynolds has said the recent laws</a> expand education options for families who previously couldn&#x27;t afford them.What&#x27;s next: DMPS is leaning into its Reimagining Education initiative, after voters approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a $265 million bond referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/05/des-moines-schools-bond-approved-ian-roberts" data-vars-content-id="2f2921d6-ac07-4729-9049-3fa9ac6c7236" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/05/des-moines-schools-bond-approved-ian-roberts" target="_self">a $265 million bond referendum</a> in November.<ul><li>The plan will restructure its schools, build new facilities, and allow students to specialize in fields, including medical sciences and fine arts.</li><li>While changes won&#x27;t happen overnight, Martorano says these initiatives will hopefully slow the district&#x27;s changes and help make DMPS a &quot;destination district.&quot;</li></ul>

Des Moines Public Schools works on Reimagining Education capital projects

The Reimagining Education plan is already underway.

Work is already underway for Des Moines Public Schools&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Reimagining Education Plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/04/des-moines-school-bond-vote-ian-roberts-taxes" data-vars-content-id="544f1498-9f8a-4018-94cc-baf436ceb527" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools works on Reimagining Education capital projects" 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/des-moines-school-bond-vote-ian-roberts-taxes" target="_self">Reimagining Education Plan</a>, including new classroom designs and demolition plans.Flashback: In November, Des Moines voters <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approved a $265 million bond referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/05/des-moines-schools-bond-approved-ian-roberts" data-vars-content-id="544f1498-9f8a-4018-94cc-baf436ceb527" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools works on Reimagining Education capital projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/05/des-moines-schools-bond-approved-ian-roberts" target="_self">approved a $265 million bond referendum</a> to pay for renovations in more than 120 classrooms, preschool expansions and new pathways for students to earn college credit.

Des Moines schools pays out administrator $16K monthly

Des Moines Chief Academic Officer Robert Lundin is on paid leave for unknown reasons.

Des Moines Public Schools will keep paying a top administrator $16,000 a month, even though he hasn&#x27;t worked since October.Why it matters: Taxpayers are footing the bill for a $195,000 annual salaried employee who&#x27;s on paid administrative leave, and district leaders have not explained the reasoning behind the arrangement.

Charter group buys Des Moines' former Franklin Jr. High

Horizon Science Academy will become a K-12 school.

A charter school development group purchased the former Franklin Junior High with plans to expand its Horizon Science Academy (HSA), superintendent Christopher Murphy tells Axios.Why it matters: The move resolves the long-uncertain future of the landmark building and secures a college-prep public charter on the city&#x27;s west side.

Des Moines metro school board races go blue

Voters picked Democratic school board candidates this election.

In the Des Moines school board race, incumbent Maria Alonzo and newcomer Sara Hopkins won the contested race for two at-large seats on Tuesday, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unofficial election results" data-vars-click-url="https://polkelectionia.gov/ElectionNight" data-vars-content-id="a8a9b05e-a339-4f3c-96d8-742fd89d8d56" data-vars-headline="Des Moines metro school board races go blue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://polkelectionia.gov/ElectionNight" target="_blank">unofficial election results</a>.<ul><li>Incumbent DMPS school board chair Jackie Norris and member Jenna Knox did not run for reelection.</li></ul>

A deeper look inside Des Moines schools' $265M bond referendum

The bond would fund preschool access, school redesigns and arts-focused facilities.

Des Moines voters will decide tomorrow whether to approve a $265 million bond referendum to modernize the school district&#x27;s facilities.Why it matters: Des Moines Public Schools officials say they need additional funds to cover gaps left by state appropriations — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to reinvent the district amid declining enrollment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/12/dmps-school-closures-restructuring" data-vars-content-id="3c876051-4215-4495-a67c-074bf46fdf70" data-vars-headline="A deeper look inside Des Moines schools&#x27; $265M bond referendum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/12/dmps-school-closures-restructuring" target="_self">to reinvent the district amid declining enrollment</a>.

DMPS board chair Jackie Norris ends U.S. Senate campaign

The DMPS school board chair says controversy over the district's superintendent took energy out of her campaign.

Des Moines Public Schools board chair Jackie Norris is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ending her U.S. Senate race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/10/15/jackie-norris-us-senate-schools-superintendent" data-vars-content-id="fa18577f-d1bb-47be-9076-faabaa8a1583" data-vars-headline="DMPS board chair Jackie Norris ends U.S. Senate campaign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/10/15/jackie-norris-us-senate-schools-superintendent" target="_self">ending her U.S. Senate race</a> after evaluating her campaign&#x27;s &quot;landscape&quot; over the last 48 hours.The big picture: The controversy with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="now-former superintendent Ian Roberts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/10/02/ian-roberts-des-moines-superintendent-federal-firearm" data-vars-content-id="fa18577f-d1bb-47be-9076-faabaa8a1583" data-vars-headline="DMPS board chair Jackie Norris ends U.S. Senate campaign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/10/02/ian-roberts-des-moines-superintendent-federal-firearm" target="_self">now-former superintendent Ian Roberts</a>, plus a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="request this week for the state to reaudit" data-vars-click-url="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/14/auditor-rob-sand-cites-concerns-on-dmps-spending-welcomes-valid-audit-request/" data-vars-content-id="fa18577f-d1bb-47be-9076-faabaa8a1583" data-vars-headline="DMPS board chair Jackie Norris ends U.S. Senate campaign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/14/auditor-rob-sand-cites-concerns-on-dmps-spending-welcomes-valid-audit-request/" target="_blank">request this week for the state to reaudit</a> the school district, &quot;pushed us over the edge,&quot; she tells Axios.

Hoover High School celebrates Sudanese refugee and hijabi homecoming queen

Arafa Adam is known for helping other refugees in Des Moines.

Culture

When sophomore Arafa Adam heard her name announced at Hoover High School&#x27;s homecoming pep rally, she froze.<ul><li>&quot;I just thought I wasn&#x27;t really known like that,&quot; Adam tells Axios.</li></ul>

Iowa Head Start programs brace for cuts amid rising expectations

Funds for the federal program have remained flat over the years, while costs have gone up.

Federal funding for Iowa&#x27;s Head Start <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="programs has remained flat for two years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/16/head-start-worry-cuts" data-vars-content-id="57a9ae9f-9bd3-4c0b-82cc-59e2cf43a9f3" data-vars-headline="Iowa Head Start programs brace for cuts amid rising expectations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/16/head-start-worry-cuts" target="_self">programs has remained flat for two years</a>, even as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biden-era federal mandates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/21/nx-s1-5120898/biden-wants-head-start-teachers-to-get-a-raise-but-its-unclear-who-will-pay-for-it" data-vars-content-id="57a9ae9f-9bd3-4c0b-82cc-59e2cf43a9f3" data-vars-headline="Iowa Head Start programs brace for cuts amid rising expectations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2024/10/21/nx-s1-5120898/biden-wants-head-start-teachers-to-get-a-raise-but-its-unclear-who-will-pay-for-it" target="_blank">Biden-era federal mandates</a> require agencies to do more.Why it matters: The early childhood program is a major help for low-income families, but without additional investment, Iowa educators say it faces potential class and programming cuts.State of play: Head Start is a federally funded program that provides free preschool and services to children from birth to 5 years old, with a focus on low-income families, kids in foster care and kids experiencing homelessness.<ul><li>Head Start also helps provide services for pregnant women, health care screenings and staff visits to homes to teach families developmental skills for raising their kids.</li><li>In 2024, 7,125 Iowa kids were placed in classrooms at 215 centers statewide.</li></ul>The big picture: In 2024, the Biden administration implemented a rule requiring educators in Head Start programs earn the same wages as their counterparts in local school districts by 2031, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per AP" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-teacher-pay-e0575b433b7b0e1abdb92b997248589e" data-vars-content-id="57a9ae9f-9bd3-4c0b-82cc-59e2cf43a9f3" data-vars-headline="Iowa Head Start programs brace for cuts amid rising expectations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-teacher-pay-e0575b433b7b0e1abdb92b997248589e" target="_blank">per AP</a>.<ul><li>The change was spurred by nationwide staffing struggles for Head Start programs.</li></ul>Zoom in: Drake University&#x27;s Head Start program is over 50 years old and one of the largest in the state, helping more than 900 students in Polk, Jasper, Marion, Boone, Warren and Story counties, says Lisa Proctor, director of Drake&#x27;s program.<ul><li>For fiscal year 2025, Drake received $12.2 million in funding, the same as in the previous year.</li><li>Iowa&#x27;s funding from the federal government is expected to be flat again for FY 26, says Lori Ferris, executive director of the Iowa Head Start Association, which helps support Head Start programs statewide.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: Drake&#x27;s program is currently undergoing budget evaluations to figure out how to reallocate funds to keep its wages competitive.<ul><li>But operating costs, including rent for their centers, are also continuing to go up, Proctor says. They last received a funding increase in 2023-24, aside from cost-of-living adjustments.</li><li>If they received a funding increase, a top priority would be increasing wages and expanding home visit services, which have an &quot;extensive wait list,&quot; in Polk County, she says.</li></ul>Zoom out: In eastern Iowa, three Head Start programs shut down this year due to funding struggles, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per The Gazette" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thegazette.com/k/without-grant-funding-fewer-kids-served-by-iowa-head-start-programs/" data-vars-content-id="57a9ae9f-9bd3-4c0b-82cc-59e2cf43a9f3" data-vars-headline="Iowa Head Start programs brace for cuts amid rising expectations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thegazette.com/k/without-grant-funding-fewer-kids-served-by-iowa-head-start-programs/" target="_blank">per The Gazette</a>.<ul><li>Iowa is already enduring a child care shortage, so losing Head Start spots puts working families in even more difficult situations, particularly in rural areas.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Head Start programs are still able to operate for the &quot;foreseeable future&quot; during the government shutdown, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Head Start Association" data-vars-click-url="https://nhsa.org/press_release/nhsa-statement-on-federal-government-shutdown/" data-vars-content-id="57a9ae9f-9bd3-4c0b-82cc-59e2cf43a9f3" data-vars-headline="Iowa Head Start programs brace for cuts amid rising expectations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nhsa.org/press_release/nhsa-statement-on-federal-government-shutdown/" target="_blank">National Head Start Association</a>.<ul><li>Funding for FY 2026 still needs to be passed through Congress</li></ul>

Des Moines Public Schools files lawsuit against superintendent search firm

The school district is suing JG Consulting, claiming negligence and breach of contract.

Des Moines Public Schools is suing JG Consulting, the firm hired <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="by the district" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/10/02/ian-roberts-des-moines-superintendent-federal-firearm" data-vars-content-id="adb79e31-4332-4648-a6fb-6d20745f1fae" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Public Schools files lawsuit against superintendent search firm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/10/02/ian-roberts-des-moines-superintendent-federal-firearm" target="_self">by the district</a> to conduct the superintendent search.Driving the news: District leaders say the search firm failed to catch red flags in finalist Ian Roberts&#x27; background — the former DMPS superintendent who&#x27;s been under scrutiny this past week over his legal status and disputed academic credentials.

Education 📚

Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students

Des Moines Public Schools works on Reimagining Education capital projects

Des Moines schools pays out administrator $16K monthly

Charter group buys Des Moines' former Franklin Jr. High

Des Moines metro school board races go blue