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Massive landfill fire erupts in Des Moines hours after city warning

Metro Waste Authority fires nearly tripled in 2025.

News

<figure><img alt="A video of a landfill fire." height="450" id="f3fc9e56-ff7f-4647-ac80-bc2b95907d9f" src="https://images.axios.com/HxfGd9MD4TbUyByiTFDZ1NDQQKI=/2026/05/19/1779190402770.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The fire at Metro Park East Landfill earlier this month is suspected to have been caused by lithium batteries or rechargeable electronics that ignited when compacted. Video: Courtesy of Metro Waste Authority</figcaption></figure>One of the largest landfill fires in metro history erupted hours after waste officials warned Des Moines leaders this month about their growing battle against improper battery disposal.Why it matters: Unbeknownst to many residents, rechargeable devices such as vapes, smartphones and electric toothbrushes are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turning household trash into fire hazards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/03/25/discarded-batteries-causing-fires-in-des-moines-metro-landfills" data-vars-content-id="0c001f30-bc03-4a29-969c-6c3a037202be" data-vars-headline="Massive landfill fire erupts in Des Moines hours after city warning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/03/25/discarded-batteries-causing-fires-in-des-moines-metro-landfills" target="_self">turning household trash into fire hazards</a>.

Mushroom festival will cover foraging, mental health and more

Things to Do

If you love all things fungi, toadstool, or just that little dude from Mario Bros., there&#x27;s a free event May 31 just for you.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The DSM Mushroom Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://dsmmushroomfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="7f531869-8ab6-4106-a3d0-68f323716d0e" data-vars-headline="Mushroom festival will cover foraging, mental health and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dsmmushroomfest.com/" target="_blank">The DSM Mushroom Festival</a> covers everything mycology, from foraging to mental health research.

Polk County pays $6.5K for using an unauthorized whale photo

AI-powered copyright tools are making it easier to spot unauthorized uses.

Polk County Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously agreed to pay $6,500 to a photographer and his legal counsel for using a photo of a whale without permission.Why it matters: AI-powered copyright tools are making it easier for rights holders to find online infringements, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasing the risk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/24/24252410/nintendo-dmca-notices-mario-fan-art-ai-image-detection" data-vars-content-id="52dd56e8-f9b2-4f18-9d65-10a66a548274" data-vars-headline="Polk County pays $6.5K for using an unauthorized whale photo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/24/24252410/nintendo-dmca-notices-mario-fan-art-ai-image-detection" target="_blank">increasing the risk</a> for governments and other agencies that use photos on websites and social media.

Mass timber townhomes planned near Drake University

The project will rely on engineered wood rather than steel and concrete.

Construction of a nearly $7.1 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mass timber" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/26/wooden-skyscrapers-mass-timber" data-vars-content-id="a821144d-ec68-4f9a-9ae2-b7315b4eab36" data-vars-headline="Mass timber townhomes planned near Drake University" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/26/wooden-skyscrapers-mass-timber" target="_self">mass timber</a> townhome project near Drake University could begin next year.Why it matters: It would be among the city&#x27;s first townhome developments to use the building method that relies on engineered wood rather than steel and concrete, Molly Cutler of Cutler Development tells Axios.

East Village charter school proposes new athletic field and park

The Des Moines City Council will consider its zoning request on Monday.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Des Moines Prep" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/06/des-moines-charter-high-school" data-vars-content-id="8bbdba68-27f8-4664-8820-e0628b511900" data-vars-headline="East Village charter school proposes new athletic field and park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/06/des-moines-charter-high-school" target="_self">Des Moines Prep</a> could construct a new athletic field and park in Des Moines&#x27; East Village.Why it matters: The project could give students and residents shared outdoor space and support a more vibrant, connected neighborhood, the charter school said in rezoning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="application documents" data-vars-click-url="https://councildocs.dsm.city/resolutions/20260420/16.pdf#page=11" data-vars-content-id="8bbdba68-27f8-4664-8820-e0628b511900" data-vars-headline="East Village charter school proposes new athletic field and park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://councildocs.dsm.city/resolutions/20260420/16.pdf#page=11" target="_blank">application documents</a> submitted to the city.

DMPS board chairperson Kim Martorano shares priorities

Martorano wants to improve communication and build trust with the community.

Education

Axios sat down with Des Moines school board chair Kim Martorano, who was elected to her position late last year, to get her priorities for her tenure.Why it matters: Martorano inherited major challenges when she became chairperson, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget shortfalls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dmschools.org/departments/business-finance/fy-2027-budget-process/" data-vars-content-id="2f8581dc-c730-4b9f-9c1e-39a19cf058ce" data-vars-headline="DMPS board chairperson Kim Martorano shares priorities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dmschools.org/departments/business-finance/fy-2027-budget-process/" target="_blank">budget shortfalls</a>,<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" enrollment declines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/07/des-moines-public-schools-loses-hundreds-more-students-enrollment" data-vars-content-id="2f8581dc-c730-4b9f-9c1e-39a19cf058ce" data-vars-headline="DMPS board chairperson Kim Martorano shares priorities" 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/des-moines-public-schools-loses-hundreds-more-students-enrollment" target="_self"> enrollment declines</a> and the shockwaves from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former Superintendent Ian Roberts&#x27; arrest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/15/ian-roberts-considers-plea-des-moines-schools" data-vars-content-id="2f8581dc-c730-4b9f-9c1e-39a19cf058ce" data-vars-headline="DMPS board chairperson Kim Martorano shares priorities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/15/ian-roberts-considers-plea-des-moines-schools" target="_self">former Superintendent Ian Roberts&#x27; arrest</a>.

Des Moines Public Schools enrollment declines by 600+ students

The district is continuing to lose students.

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>

Education 📚

East Village charter school proposes new athletic field and park

DMPS board chairperson Kim Martorano shares priorities

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