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First bite: The Green Olive expands to downtown Des Moines

Shawarma, kabobs, gyros and falafel anchor the lineup.

News

Jason here: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Green Olive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/04/18/green-olive-mediterranean-restaurant-desmoines" data-vars-content-id="b79a2b9b-520e-4b48-ac24-9c20c202a409" data-vars-headline="First bite: The Green Olive expands to downtown Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/04/18/green-olive-mediterranean-restaurant-desmoines" target="_self">The Green Olive</a> has added a downtown Des Moines location, bringing its Mediterranean platters and wraps to the Gray&#x27;s Station area.The vibe: Bright, casual and quick-service — the kind of place that works for a lunch break, an easy dinner or a takeout order when you want something fresher than the usual fast-food loop.On the menu: Shawarma, kabobs, gyros and falafel anchor the lineup, with platters served alongside staples like hummus, yellow rice, salad and pita.<ul><li>Breakfast is also served before 11am, with a mix of omelets, skillets and sandwiches.</li></ul><figure><img alt="A photo of food." height="720" id="fe5050df-0545-4c7a-b254-24e483cdf3cd" src="https://images.axios.com/ca3DkV2mhEFEvQJlHE6P-0KE-dE=/2026/06/29/1782762188785.jpg" width="1280"/><figcaption>The falafel (left), tabbouleh salad and hummus. Photos: Jason Clayworth/Axios</figcaption></figure>On my plate: I tried the Falafel Platter ($17), which was big enough to share.<ul><li>For an additional $3, we were able to add extra sides and another piece of pita bread — a worthwhile move if you&#x27;re splitting.</li><li>The falafel was hearty without being heavy, while the hummus and garlic-lemon-dressed salad helped keep the plate balanced.</li><li>I also tried a small tabbouleh salad ($8.99) — a parsley-heavy mix of chopped herbs, tomatoes, bulgur and lemon that was bright and refreshing.</li></ul>My thought bubble: This is a solid fast-casual option, especially for people looking for vegetarian-friendly meals.Dig in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Green Olive" data-vars-click-url="https://thegreenoliveiowa.com/" data-vars-content-id="b79a2b9b-520e-4b48-ac24-9c20c202a409" data-vars-headline="First bite: The Green Olive expands to downtown Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thegreenoliveiowa.com/" target="_blank">The Green Olive</a>, 424 SW 9th St., Suite 116, DSM.<ul><li>Open Monday-Saturday, 8am-9pm; Sunday, 8:30am-8pm.</li></ul>

Vietnamese coffee culture comes to Des Moines

The new coffee shop offers a full menu of Vietnamese coffees.

Food and Drink

A new cafe in Clive is bringing Vietnamese coffee culture and a taste of Saigon&#x27;s street life to the Des Moines metro.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Saigon Day Cafe &amp; Bakery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/saigondaydsm" data-vars-content-id="c581af4e-94a8-4c84-b4f8-3a62a964488d" data-vars-headline="Vietnamese coffee culture comes to Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/saigondaydsm" target="_blank">Saigon Day Cafe &amp; Bakery</a>, opened by a niece-aunt duo, is offering a full menu of Vietnamese coffees, including cà phê muối (a salted coffee) and cà phê trứng (a creamy egg coffee), off University Boulevard near Taste of Italy.

Iowa has the nation's fourth-highest melanoma rate

Iowa reported 6,456 melanoma cases between 2019 and 2023.

Iowa&#x27;s melanoma rate remains among the nation&#x27;s highest in newly available federal cancer data.Why it matters: Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and Iowa&#x27;s burden is unusually high for a state far from coastal beach culture.

Iowa senator patents smoke-free cigar rooms and opens Des Moines shop

Mike Pike believes his system could revolutionize indoor smoking.

Iowa state Sen. Mike Pike recently patented a ventilation system for specially designed cigar rooms that he says keep smoke and odor from escaping.Why it matters: He believes his system could revolutionize in-home smoking.

Des Moines halts climate tracking program

Shifts in priorities and ongoing budget constraints are cited for its demise.

A Des Moines climate program meant to track energy and water use in large buildings was halted in recent years without a council vote or public announcement.Why it matters: The program was designed to provide data the city could use to shape incentives, cut emissions and track progress toward climate goals.

Iowa's booze tax ranks among nation's highest

Lawmakers considered "repealing the state monopoly" this year.

Iowa&#x27;s booze drinkers pay <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of the nation&#x27;s steepest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/01/most-least-expensive-states-alcohol-taxes" data-vars-content-id="806c37c4-1681-49f1-97c9-a9b357e6f0e7" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s booze tax ranks among nation&#x27;s highest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/01/most-least-expensive-states-alcohol-taxes" target="_self">one of the nation&#x27;s steepest</a> distilled spirits taxes: $15.14 per gallon — the seventh-highest among states, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tax Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/distilled-spirits-taxes/" data-vars-content-id="806c37c4-1681-49f1-97c9-a9b357e6f0e7" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s booze tax ranks among nation&#x27;s highest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/distilled-spirits-taxes/" target="_blank">Tax Foundation</a>.Why it matters: That state-line price gap can add up for travelers, bar owners and retailers — and Iowa&#x27;s rate dwarfs that of every surrounding state.

West Des Moines considers denser, more walkable neighborhoods

West Des Moines is reexamining its zoning code for the first time in 30 years.

West Des Moines is considering a new zoning district that would let developers build denser, more affordable neighborhoods.Why it matters: Suburbs are known for their wide sprawl and huge backyards, but the new &quot;blended neighborhood&quot; district could create more entry-level homes in walkable neighborhoods.

Should e-scooters be forced to use sidewalks? Waukee considers it.

An ordinance would require e-scooters to mostly use sidewalks when available.

Waukee&#x27;s latest proposed e-bike ordinance would require e-scooters to avoid most streets — a change a local advocacy group warns could create new safety issues, even as the city addressed other concerns about an earlier draft.Why it matters: Local cities and law enforcement say they want to curb public safety risks after several severe e-scooter and e-moto crashes, but local advocates warn that the language in ordinances can cause unintended problems.

Quote du jour: Polk's $200K fix for "something that is not broken"

Management of the Iowa Events Center is up for bid for the first time in 20 years.

<blockquote> &quot;We&#x27;re going to spend $200,000 of taxpayer money to hire a consultant to fix something that is not broken.&quot; </blockquote>— Polk County Supervisor Tom Hockensmith Context: Polk County is initiating a process to put the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa Events Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/16/events-center-management-oak-view-group-polk-bids" data-vars-content-id="0f80dd20-f1c1-4920-811f-1597610995df" data-vars-headline="Quote du jour: Polk&#x27;s $200K fix for &quot;something that is not broken&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/16/events-center-management-oak-view-group-polk-bids" target="_self">Iowa Events Center</a> management contract up for bid for the first time since the downtown complex opened more than 20 years ago.

Des Moines opens public feedback on $12M budget gap

Library hour reductions, pool closures, and reduced park maintenance are among the city's ideas.

Des Moines residents have until the end of July to tell city leaders how to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eliminate projected budget gaps" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/05/07/iowa-lawmakers-city-merger-consolidation-budget" data-vars-content-id="513c3b0a-3063-4546-b084-be1eb52ef33b" data-vars-headline="Des Moines opens public feedback on $12M budget gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/05/07/iowa-lawmakers-city-merger-consolidation-budget" target="_self">eliminate projected budget gaps</a>.Why it matters: The decisions could affect everything from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="library hours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/05/19/des-moines-library-city-cuts-property-tax" data-vars-content-id="513c3b0a-3063-4546-b084-be1eb52ef33b" data-vars-headline="Des Moines opens public feedback on $12M budget gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/05/19/des-moines-library-city-cuts-property-tax" target="_self">library hours</a> and swimming pool closures to reduced neighborhood policing and park maintenance.

Scoop: Republicans enter Polk County races for supervisor and attorney

The nominations could help determine control of the Polk County Board of Supervisors.

Polk County Republicans have nominated Pleasant Hill Councilperson Alyson DeMoss for supervisor and Des Moines criminal defense lawyer Jonah Dyer for county attorney in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="November&#x27;s election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/15/gop-polk-county-supervisor-knox-general-election" data-vars-content-id="efd5f4f5-e357-4f28-8b40-792f5cc7f3dc" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Republicans enter Polk County races for supervisor and attorney" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/15/gop-polk-county-supervisor-knox-general-election" target="_self">November&#x27;s election</a>.

Choropleth map showing state alcohol tax rates (distilled spirits tax per gallon) across the U.S. States are shaded in varying purple tones, indicating tax rates ranging from $7 to more than $36 per gallon. Darker shades represent higher tax rates, with states like Washington, Oregon and Virginia reflecting the highest rates.

State taxes on distilled spirits

Note: Rates are those on the sale of 40% alcohol by volume distilled spirits sold in 750mL containers. Federal taxes not included. As control states, Wyoming and New Hampshire effectively do not tax. Data: taxfoundation.org; Chart: Brad Jennings/Axios

News 🗞

Des Moines halts climate tracking program

Iowa's booze tax ranks among nation's highest

West Des Moines considers denser, more walkable neighborhoods

Iowa senator patents smoke-free cigar rooms and opens Des Moines shop

An update on Hope