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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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Iowa cuts historic tax credit access for homeowners

Iowa preservationists warn the change could lead to more historic home demolitions.

News

Iowa has largely excluded single-family homes from a historic preservation tax credit program that helped homeowners shoulder the cost of restoring some of the state&#x27;s oldest houses. Why it matters: Preservationists warn that the change removes a financial incentive to save historic homes, which can be far more expensive to restore <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="than to tear down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/01/24/desmoines-demolish-historic-home-approved-city-council" data-vars-content-id="23f592d7-a502-49b3-90eb-a60530a21af4" data-vars-headline="Iowa cuts historic tax credit access for homeowners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/01/24/desmoines-demolish-historic-home-approved-city-council" target="_self">than to tear down</a>.

Des Moines ER stays can run hours longer than Iowa average

Complex cases and growing demand are testing Des Moines emergency rooms.

ER stays at Des Moines-area hospital systems were roughly one to two hours longer than Iowa&#x27;s statewide median, according to new federal data <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analyzed by Axios" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/americans-er-wait-times-data" data-vars-content-id="dc45490a-691a-450d-8dac-1756cefc9b4c" data-vars-headline="Des Moines ER stays can run hours longer than Iowa average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/americans-er-wait-times-data" target="_self">analyzed by Axios</a>.Why it matters: The data highlights local hospital bottlenecks despite Iowa having some of the nation&#x27;s shortest emergency stays.

Iowa grocery prices face new pressure

War, weather and farm costs could make your next grocery run pricier.

Iowan grocery shoppers could soon feel a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broader price squeeze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/30/grocery-inflation-prices-war-diesel" data-vars-content-id="df387a4e-aa3f-459c-b6b2-4612588dc4bc" data-vars-headline="Iowa grocery prices face new pressure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/30/grocery-inflation-prices-war-diesel" target="_self">broader price squeeze</a> as war, weather and rising farm costs push up food production and transportation costs.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Midwest grocery prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bls.gov/regions/mountain-plains/news-release/consumerpriceindex_midwest.htm" data-vars-content-id="df387a4e-aa3f-459c-b6b2-4612588dc4bc" data-vars-headline="Iowa grocery prices face new pressure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bls.gov/regions/mountain-plains/news-release/consumerpriceindex_midwest.htm" target="_blank">Midwest grocery prices</a> were already 2.2% higher in July than a year earlier, and analysts warn global food inflation could accelerate further.

The best thing Linh ate: Pho 515

Slurp up some wonton soup ($8) from Pho 515.

Things to Do

<figure><img alt="A gif showing a steaming bowl of wonton soup" height="450" id="6268b4bd-981f-4938-8ffa-138b786cde3d" src="https://images.axios.com/flPs0ab8O693PA4pZmj005Bgn4A=/2026/08/28/1787950587450.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Wonton soup ($8) from Pho 515. Gif: Linh Ta/Axios</figcaption></figure>Pho is Pho 515&#x27;s namesake, but don&#x27;t sleep on the restaurant&#x27;s simple, slurpable wonton soup.What it is: A soup with pork and shrimp-filled wontons and baby bok choy ($8).

Iowa cancer burden emerges as key issue in governor race

Zach Lahn's Tuesday cancer discussion could sharpen contrasts with opponent Rob Sand.

Cancer is emerging as a defining issue in Iowa&#x27;s race for governor, as Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand offer different approaches to addressing the state&#x27;s unusually high rates of the disease.Why it matters: Iowa&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high cancer rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/02/22/iowa-cancer-problem" data-vars-content-id="48d41791-e7cf-40df-bd59-fe0998ba4058" data-vars-headline="Iowa cancer burden emerges as key issue in governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/02/22/iowa-cancer-problem" target="_self">high cancer rate</a> is forcing the governor&#x27;s race into concrete debates over health coverage, prevention and what&#x27;s driving rates.

Ankeny ends $50 cabana shade rental

The city experienced some social media backlash from the program.

Politics

Ankeny is ending its cabana rental program at Cascade Falls Aquatic Center, effective immediately, city manager Mike Schrock shared during the council meeting Monday.Driving the news: This summer, families visiting Ankeny&#x27;s city-owned Cascade Falls found a new $50 price attached to the sought-after amenity.

Urbandale considers new $60 million police department

City staff say the existing building is outdated for the growing community.

Urbandale is considering opening a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$60 million police department" data-vars-click-url="https://events.urbandale.org/new-police-building/" data-vars-content-id="85f62dd4-b772-4f94-ac96-d3df498a5993" data-vars-headline="Urbandale considers new $60 million police department" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://events.urbandale.org/new-police-building/" target="_blank">$60 million police department</a> at the corner of 100th Street and Douglas Avenue, a former blighted industrial site.Why it matters: City officials say the police department has outgrown its current facility off 86th Street, which was constructed in 1982 when the city had 18,000 residents. <ul><li>Now, the suburb&#x27;s home to 50,000.</li></ul>

Plug-in solar gets Iowa push

Without regulatory changes, utilities could require customers to unplug them.

Business

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.

Rob Sand's bid boosts focus on Democrats running for Statehouse seats

With Rob Sand at the top of the ticket, national Democratic groups are hoping to also boost down-ballot races.

<blockquote>&quot;There&#x27;s a little bit of this sense of, &#x27;Rob Sand is this once-in-a-generation candidate, he&#x27;s going to win and suddenly he&#x27;s going to be able to wave a magic wand and transform the politics of Iowa.&#x27; ... But you have no real teeth to your ability to actually improve the politics and improve lives in your state without that legislative power, too.&quot; </blockquote>

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>.

After camping ban, Harvard fellow to aid Des Moines' homelessness work

The city accepted up to $300,000 in grant-funded support.

Des Moines&#x27; push to address homeless camps is getting a boost through a Harvard College program, with up to $300,000 in grant-funded support for a policy aide to work with the city for the next two years.Why it matters: City leaders hope the support will help the metro <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="move beyond planning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/12/11/homeless-des-moines-iowa-businesses-blueprint" data-vars-content-id="d88e0a49-69f9-4977-9528-5736d67a9abd" data-vars-headline="After camping ban, Harvard fellow to aid Des Moines&#x27; homelessness work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/12/11/homeless-des-moines-iowa-businesses-blueprint" target="_self">move beyond planning</a> and expand shelter options for unsheltered people.

Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing "big ag"

Zach Lahn, a MAHA-backed candidate, criticized big ag in Iowa.

Zach Lahn won the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa GOP gubernatorial nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-governor-zach-lahn-feenstra-primary" data-vars-content-id="8ba57b9c-26c9-413f-9ad8-ea0a710f5f5e" data-vars-headline="Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing &quot;big ag&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/2026/06/03/iowa-governor-zach-lahn-feenstra-primary" target="_self">Iowa GOP gubernatorial nomination</a> after doing something almost no Republican in this state does: criticize &quot;big agriculture,&quot; per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Washington Post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/06/08/zach-lahn-wins-iowa-republican-governor-primary-after-blasting-pesticides/" data-vars-content-id="8ba57b9c-26c9-413f-9ad8-ea0a710f5f5e" data-vars-headline="Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing &quot;big ag&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/06/08/zach-lahn-wins-iowa-republican-governor-primary-after-blasting-pesticides/" target="_blank">The Washington Post</a>.Why it matters: Once shied away from, the public health impact of Iowa&#x27;s industrial farming is on the ballot for both sides of the aisle.

Rob Sand adds rural voice to Iowa governor ticket

Sand picked western Iowa farmer Dave Muhlbauer as his running mate.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand named Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer as his running mate for lieutenant governor Monday.Why it matters: Muhlbauer is a fifth-generation family farmer and cattleman from a rural, western county — a notable choice as Sand tries to build a bipartisan, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rural-friendly campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-democrats-stage-rural-comeback-turek-sand" data-vars-content-id="4767904b-a017-4a8d-91b5-039f3610d0a3" data-vars-headline="Rob Sand adds rural voice to Iowa governor ticket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-democrats-stage-rural-comeback-turek-sand" target="_self">rural-friendly campaign</a> in a state that has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moved sharply right" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/11/14/iowa-2024-election-results-republican-democrat-red-wave" data-vars-content-id="4767904b-a017-4a8d-91b5-039f3610d0a3" data-vars-headline="Rob Sand adds rural voice to Iowa governor ticket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/11/14/iowa-2024-election-results-republican-democrat-red-wave" target="_self">moved sharply right</a>.

Iowa Democrats stage a rural comeback with Sand and Turek

Iowa's voter-registration math is still tough with the GOP ahead in voter registrations.

Iowa Democrats are staging <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a blue comeback" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/11/07/iowa-results-takeaways-red-wave" data-vars-content-id="399f79ae-222d-4bbb-9926-2dc625f77001" data-vars-headline="Iowa Democrats stage a rural comeback with Sand and Turek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/11/07/iowa-results-takeaways-red-wave" target="_self">a blue comeback</a> with Josh Turek and Rob Sand atop the ticket.Why it matters: Turek&#x27;s U.S. Senate primary win and Sand&#x27;s uncontested path to the governor&#x27;s race give Democrats two statewide candidates with outside-the-metro appeal — the kind of profile <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CNN framed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/30/politics/josh-turek-zach-wahls-iowa-senate" data-vars-content-id="399f79ae-222d-4bbb-9926-2dc625f77001" data-vars-headline="Iowa Democrats stage a rural comeback with Sand and Turek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/30/politics/josh-turek-zach-wahls-iowa-senate" target="_blank">CNN framed</a> as central to Democrats&#x27; hopes for a rural revival.

Politics 🇺🇸

Iowa cancer burden emerges as key issue in governor race

Ankeny ends $50 cabana shade rental

Urbandale considers new $60 million police department

Plug-in solar gets Iowa push

Rob Sand's bid boosts focus on Democrats running for Statehouse seats