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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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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.

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.

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>.

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.

These Des Moines sandwiches regularly sell out

The Good Butcher serves a different sandwich every Tuesday.

Food and Drink

From melty cheesesteaks to fat-stacked Reubens, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Good Butcher" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/30/good-butcher-specialty-shop-desmoines-sherman-hill" data-vars-content-id="32334ca2-26c6-43fe-b67c-bfed56a18f0c" data-vars-headline="These Des Moines sandwiches regularly sell out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/30/good-butcher-specialty-shop-desmoines-sherman-hill" target="_self">The Good Butcher</a>, off Ingersoll, is regularly selling out of its weekly Sandwich Tuesday specials.Why it matters: Food is fun, and these creative sandwiches get the shop&#x27;s chefs to think outside of the box while also using locally sourced meats.

A coffee shop and drive-thru are open in Cumming

The new coffee shop is owned by a local family.

Roosters Coffee, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new coffee shop with a drive-thru" data-vars-click-url="https://roosters-coffee.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawVMjSlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMW5VYzdaQms5RVl4a01yODZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeAOV8jEgm1NbxuPSEVZtXE1_Ff3VEduM2e_8PzhKdA0EIIvZgJsptLoFDv6Q_aem_l4-7q3z-y3kGA8vHmueijw" data-vars-content-id="245d7ec1-4aa1-430b-9346-6193fbdf7dff" data-vars-headline="A coffee shop and drive-thru are open in Cumming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://roosters-coffee.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawVMjSlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMW5VYzdaQms5RVl4a01yODZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeAOV8jEgm1NbxuPSEVZtXE1_Ff3VEduM2e_8PzhKdA0EIIvZgJsptLoFDv6Q_aem_l4-7q3z-y3kGA8vHmueijw" target="_blank">a new coffee shop with a drive-thru</a>, has opened in Cumming.How it started: Owner Haley Gremler grew up in town and recently graduated from Iowa State after studying business management. Her father, Mark Gremler, owned land along G-14 and North 43rd Street, and her family decided to build the farmhouse-themed coffee shop.

Des Moines gets Kura Revolving Sushi, Mezze Mediterranean restaurant

From a revolving sushi bar to a new casual downtown option, there are plenty of places to eat.

If you&#x27;re looking to dine somewhere new, several restaurants and shops are opening soon or have already opened their doors.🍣 Kura Revolving Sushi: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revolving sushi restaurant chain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/04/conveyor-belt-sushi-opening-at-jordan-creek-town-center" data-vars-content-id="20ce98f6-0360-4203-8b08-1c73449f8161" data-vars-headline="Des Moines gets Kura Revolving Sushi, Mezze Mediterranean restaurant" 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/conveyor-belt-sushi-opening-at-jordan-creek-town-center" target="_self">revolving sushi restaurant chain</a> is holding its soft opening Thursday.

New frozen cocktail and nacho bar opening in East Village

Narwhal's is opening its first Iowa franchise this year.

Des Moines&#x27; East Village is getting boozy slushies and unconventional nachos this winter.Driving the news: Narwhal&#x27;s Crafted, a St. Louis-based frozen cocktail bar, is opening its first Iowa franchise at 418 E. Grand Ave.

First bite: Bali Bulay brings Indonesian food to Des Moines

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

<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.

We tried AE's new Scotcheroo milk

The new chocolate milk flavor is good on its own or with some baileys.

👋 Jason here: I tried AE Dairy&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Scotcheroo milk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/AEDairy/posts/-new-scotcheroo-milk-quite-possibly-the-most-midwest-milk-ever-no-cooking-no-wai/1547045627454772/" data-vars-content-id="8c6ddf1b-b76c-4609-9f93-f48100928e5c" data-vars-headline="We tried AE&#x27;s new Scotcheroo milk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AEDairy/posts/-new-scotcheroo-milk-quite-possibly-the-most-midwest-milk-ever-no-cooking-no-wai/1547045627454772/" target="_blank">Scotcheroo milk</a> this week.State of play: It tastes so much like the real treat that I&#x27;m convinced someone liquefied an entire pan of bars I remember as a kid.

First bite: After flood, LUX Waukee reopens

The restaurant flooded last week and has now reopened.

The recently opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LUX Asian Restaurant and Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/p/LUX-Waukee-61589835900324/" data-vars-content-id="96ceeddf-2250-4b45-bdaf-aba0c9e05061" data-vars-headline="First bite: After flood, LUX Waukee reopens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/p/LUX-Waukee-61589835900324/" target="_blank">LUX Asian Restaurant and Bar</a> is bringing Asian fare and a swanky cocktail-bar vibe to Waukee.Why it matters: It gives the Grand Prairie Parkway corridor another destination as restaurants and retail follow Waukee&#x27;s rapid growth.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Des Moines

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="65ad868d-e4c0-4503-86ec-ebf96b0e6d9e" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in Des Moines&#x27; East Village neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Jay Wang plans Wasabi's next chapter

The restaurant owner is celebrating 15 years of business in Des Moines.

When Jay Wang decided to open his first Wasabi restaurant in Des Moines, the Chinese immigrant and former New Yorker had no clue what the reception would be.Why it matters: Now, he is celebrating 15 years in the business, and after years of expanding, he wants to consolidate and train the next generation of restaurant owners who want to take up the mantle.

1 sweet thing to go: 9 to 5 cake

Proceeds will benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bubba" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bubbadsm.com/" data-vars-content-id="ff031497-e486-488e-944f-3c4c07d49ae4" data-vars-headline="1 sweet thing to go: 9 to 5 cake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bubbadsm.com/" target="_blank">Bubba</a> is celebrating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="9 to 5 Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/17/nashville-dolly-day-9-25" data-vars-content-id="ff031497-e486-488e-944f-3c4c07d49ae4" data-vars-headline="1 sweet thing to go: 9 to 5 cake" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/09/17/nashville-dolly-day-9-25" target="_self">9 to 5 Day</a> (aka 9/25) with a dessert that was served by Dolly Parton&#x27;s character in &quot;Steel Magnolias.&quot;

Food and Drink 🍽

These Des Moines sandwiches regularly sell out

A coffee shop and drive-thru are open in Cumming

Des Moines gets Kura Revolving Sushi, Mezze Mediterranean restaurant

New frozen cocktail and nacho bar opening in East Village

First bite: Bali Bulay brings Indonesian food to Des Moines