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National

After El Mencho killing, U.S. still seeks these Mexican cartel leaders

Business

Trump awards Medal of Freedom to Team USA goalie

Sports

Why Tuesdays deserve a glow-up

Podcasts

Republicans brace for Trump's tax-cut demands

Politics & Policy

Trump considers citizenship checks for bank accounts

How to fake it: 2026 IHSAA boys state wrestling

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

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.

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.

Iowa lawmakers propose banning undocumented women, kids from WIC

Republican lawmakers say they want to make public programs accountable to taxpayers.

Health

An Iowa House bill would prohibit undocumented women, infants and children from a federally funded food assistance program for low-income families.Why it matters: Local food bank organizers warn that taking away aid would result in more hungry infants and children at a time when food banks are experiencing record demand.

Bills by state lawmakers may curb local control, leaders warn

Legislation advancing through the House would prohibit local jurisdictions from enacting certain policies.

Iowa lawmakers advanced two bills this week that would further restrict local authority.Why it matters: City and county leaders and advocates say state legislation restricting local authority can undermine their ability to respond to community needs.

Des Moines to buy first home under new housing strategy

It marks the start of a massive, long-term effort to demolish or improve entire city blocks.

Des Moines City Council unanimously approved the first property acquisition tied to its new citywide housing strategy this week.Why it matters: The home at 1656 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway marks the start of a massive, long-term effort to demolish or improve entire city blocks, home to thousands of neglected houses that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have been called &quot;an albatross.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/13/redeveloping-blocks-house-eminent-domain-czb" data-vars-content-id="0740e30c-f721-4ec7-9d2a-613d791bd07e" data-vars-headline="Des Moines to buy first home under new housing strategy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/02/13/redeveloping-blocks-house-eminent-domain-czb" target="_self">have been called &quot;an albatross.&quot;</a>

Des Moines' historic Butler House is for sale

Much of the furniture is included in the sale.

Real Estate

The Butler House on Grand Avenue went on the market this week.Why it matters: It isn&#x27;t just a stately Tudor; it&#x27;s woven into Des Moines&#x27; architectural legacy — including its connection to the Butler Mansion on Fleur Drive, which recently became home to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/01/16/desmoines-butler-mansion-museum-italian-cultural" data-vars-content-id="9076b9b4-3e0b-41e7-9553-d67bc343aa69" data-vars-headline="Des Moines&#x27; historic Butler House is for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/01/16/desmoines-butler-mansion-museum-italian-cultural" target="_self">Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa</a>.

Kwik Star plans new West Des Moines location

The new 9,000-square-foot store would open off Valley West Drive.

Kwik Star plans to build a new convenience store at Westown Parkway and Valley West Drive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at the former Iowa Realty site" data-vars-click-url="https://www.loopnet.com/property/3501-westown-pky-west-des-moines-ia-50266/19153-32004882602000/" data-vars-content-id="dbfa634e-1367-4b50-aefe-b50520b4d136" data-vars-headline="Kwik Star plans new West Des Moines location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.loopnet.com/property/3501-westown-pky-west-des-moines-ia-50266/19153-32004882602000/" target="_blank">at the former Iowa Realty site</a>, according to West Des Moines city officials.State of play: The company has proposed demolishing the existing building and constructing a 9,100-square-foot convenience store with eight gas pumps at the northwest corner of the intersection.

The Polk County Election Office may relocate

County officials want to increase the office's functionality and security.

The Polk County Election Office might relocate, county administrator John Norris tells Axios.Why it matters: The office has become busier in recent election cycles due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/03/22/iowas-urban-areas-are-increasingly-democratic-driving-efforts-to-limit-early-voting" data-vars-content-id="0f109df2-79f4-4d4d-a05b-0166ff8ba329" data-vars-headline="The Polk County Election Office may relocate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/03/22/iowas-urban-areas-are-increasingly-democratic-driving-efforts-to-limit-early-voting" target="_self">state laws</a> that limit absentee dropbox locations to one per county.

Iowa's 1st District race could take weeks to finalize

Candidates have until Nov. 18 to request a recount.

Politics

The results of Iowa&#x27;s 1st District race remain up in the air, one week later.Why it matters: Thanks to outstanding races like this one, there&#x27;s still <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a slim chance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/07/house-election-results-control-count" data-vars-content-id="3063e71d-511a-406d-bd09-f7b723d0b95e" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s 1st District race could take weeks to finalize" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/07/house-election-results-control-count" target="_self">a slim chance</a> that Democrats will claim the U.S. House majority, although sources like Decision Desk HQ have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already projected" data-vars-click-url="https://decisiondeskhq.com/results/2024/General/US-House/" data-vars-content-id="3063e71d-511a-406d-bd09-f7b723d0b95e" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s 1st District race could take weeks to finalize" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://decisiondeskhq.com/results/2024/General/US-House/" target="_blank">already projected</a> the Republican Party will retain control.

Polk County's youth detention costs quadruple

Youth can no longer be held in adult jails.

Polk County&#x27;s juvenile detention center is holding kids longer, partly because of changes to state and federal law that now generally prohibit placing youth in adult jails — even when they&#x27;re prosecuted as adults.Why it matters: The facility is<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" routinely over capacity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/07/17/juvenile-detention-center-iowa-shortage-polkcounty" data-vars-content-id="4ca63796-b95b-49a1-8663-70b843117682" data-vars-headline="Polk County&#x27;s youth detention costs quadruple" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/07/17/juvenile-detention-center-iowa-shortage-polkcounty" target="_self"> routinely over capacity</a>, pushing children into other juvenile detention facilities across the state.

Fake names sink Drake street petition

Most of the names calling for renaming Greek Street were fake, a university investigation found.

A petition to honorarily name <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Drake University&#x27;s Greek Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/23/drake-university-greek-street-name-agha" data-vars-content-id="cb32ec7d-2268-4485-b2b4-b007851815f7" data-vars-headline="Fake names sink Drake street petition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/23/drake-university-greek-street-name-agha" target="_self">Drake University&#x27;s Greek Street</a> after a former president of a recently closed fraternity was pulled from the Des Moines City Council agenda Monday after the school determined that most of the names were fraudulent.Why it matters: The episode underscores how easily support can be fabricated and why verification matters before policy moves forward.

Bills restricting abortion pills, ending vaccine requirements advance in Iowa

Lawmakers advanced bills that would restrict abortion pills and remove school vaccine mandates.

Iowa&#x27;s first legislative funnel deadline passed last week, narrowing the field of bills that can become law this session.Why it matters: Several measures have direct implications for Des Moines residents, including vaccine requirements and access to public libraries and abortion pills.

Weather whiplash could wipe out Iowa apple crops

Iowa is experiencing a 60° temperature swing in less than a week.

Iowa&#x27;s apple growers are watching February&#x27;s temperature roller coaster, worried that a return to winter could leave vulnerable buds exposed.Why it matters: The forecast cold snap could devastate the state&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" reemerging apple industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thepacker.com/news/produce-crops/iowas-apple-comeback-how-modern-science-reviving-pre-war-legacy" data-vars-content-id="21f1368b-daa2-4247-a1c7-c10a053ef4d7" data-vars-headline="Weather whiplash could wipe out Iowa apple crops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thepacker.com/news/produce-crops/iowas-apple-comeback-how-modern-science-reviving-pre-war-legacy" target="_blank"> reemerging apple industry</a>.

Scoops by Beth marks Highland Park's sweet comeback

The ice cream shop is among the new eateries and housing projects in the area.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Scoops by Beth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/11/18/pints-by-beth-ice-cream-shop-highland-park-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="a524d9a5-e816-46e2-869b-8e16aa785f48" data-vars-headline="Scoops by Beth marks Highland Park&#x27;s sweet comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/11/18/pints-by-beth-ice-cream-shop-highland-park-des-moines" target="_self">Scoops by Beth</a> opens in Des Moines&#x27; Highland Park Business District on Saturday.Why it matters: The ice cream shop is another sign of the district&#x27;s comeback, powered by small, locally owned businesses and eateries.

Iowa's only native hare is steadily disappearing

The white-tailed jackrabbit is disappearing as its habitat goes away.

Iowa&#x27;s only native hare is steadily losing population in the state due to farmland shifting from small grain crops to majority corn and soybeans over the decades.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="white-tailed jackrabbit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iowadnr.gov/media/6997/download?inline" data-vars-content-id="1d31afef-077b-4ded-b046-375f1bb7ca0e" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s only native hare is steadily disappearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iowadnr.gov/media/6997/download?inline" target="_blank">white-tailed jackrabbit</a>, once common across northwest and north-central Iowa, now barely registers on the state Department of Natural Resources&#x27; annual statewide surveys.

Federal ruling fuels Iowa push to curb credit card "swipe fees"

Credit card companies could face a $1,000 fine per violation under an Iowa proposal.

Iowa business advocates who have long pushed to rein in credit card &quot;swipe fees&quot; say momentum is building after a federal judge last week upheld an Illinois law banning them on sales taxes and tips.Why it matters: The Illinois ruling fuels the Iowa effort and would be significant for the state&#x27;s hospitality sector, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shed 3,800 jobs last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" data-vars-content-id="a765b2bf-f98a-4b3a-b6cc-ca031b3b8516" data-vars-headline="Federal ruling fuels Iowa push to curb credit card &quot;swipe fees&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/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" target="_self">shed 3,800 jobs last year</a>, Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, tells Axios.

Iowa's new cancer map zooms into ZIP codes

University of Iowa researchers have a new tool to help examine cancer incidences at a hyper-local level.

As Iowa grapples with its growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cancer rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcrg.com/2026/02/06/87-99-iowa-counties-report-higher-cancer-rates-than-national-trend-new-research-shows/" data-vars-content-id="3f0c4da2-dab5-485c-99ce-5ec0730b45ae" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s new cancer map zooms into ZIP codes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcrg.com/2026/02/06/87-99-iowa-counties-report-higher-cancer-rates-than-national-trend-new-research-shows/" target="_blank">cancer rates</a>, a mapping tool by University of Iowa researchers is helping health officials and residents examine cancer at a hyper-local level.Why it matters: Prior to the launch of the tool, rural counties and smaller towns struggled to obtain reliable data showing their area&#x27;s unique disease trends, says Jacob Oleson, a University of Iowa biostatistician who has helped with the project over the last decade.

Unromantic Valentine's Day plans in Des Moines

Take a ride in my Subaru and let me show you places only the locals know.

Things to Do

Hey, baby. Anyone can take you to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ruth&#x27;s Chris" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/08/15/ruths-chris-steak-house-opens-iowa-largest-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="8d9b8838-b66e-4ca7-a4b5-8ec3f2ffb03b" data-vars-headline="Unromantic Valentine&#x27;s Day plans in 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/2023/08/15/ruths-chris-steak-house-opens-iowa-largest-restaurant" target="_self">Ruth&#x27;s Chris</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cooper&#x27;s Hawk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/12/02/coopers-hawk-winery-opening-iowa" data-vars-content-id="8d9b8838-b66e-4ca7-a4b5-8ec3f2ffb03b" data-vars-headline="Unromantic Valentine&#x27;s Day plans in 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/2022/12/02/coopers-hawk-winery-opening-iowa" target="_self">Cooper&#x27;s Hawk</a> for Valentine&#x27;s Day. <ul><li>But I know you. You&#x27;re looking for something unique, something a little less pedestrian.</li></ul>Take a ride in my Subaru and let me show you places only the locals know.

Salisbury House relaunches murder mystery dinners

A local mystery writer penned the latest murder.

Salisbury House&#x27;s popular Murder Mystery Dinners return next month, with tickets going on sale tonight.Why it matters: The two-show event typically sells out within hours.

Matcha business owner combines passion for plants and tea

Green Finds Cafe is a new matcha pop-up business in town.

Food and Drink

Green Finds Cafe, a mobile <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="matcha pop-up business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/greenfindscafe/" data-vars-content-id="12928d1c-97c6-4583-9a66-7f525f104ea7" data-vars-headline="Matcha business owner combines passion for plants and tea" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/greenfindscafe/" target="_blank">matcha pop-up business</a>, is bringing the popular green tea beverage to events around Des Moines.The big picture: The drink is finding its way to menus across the Des Moines metro, especially as some people seek a subtler caffeine buzz than coffee.

The best thing Linh ate: Tous les Jours honey cheese pancakes

The $5 little pancakes have an irresistible chew to them.

If you&#x27;ve been to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tous les Jours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/08/tous-les-jours-west-des-moines-food-review" data-vars-content-id="afd11826-f2b7-413d-9d89-ebd1b665db36" data-vars-headline="The best thing Linh ate: Tous les Jours honey cheese pancakes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/08/tous-les-jours-west-des-moines-food-review" target="_self">Tous les Jours</a>, the Korean-French bakery outside Jordan Creek mall, you&#x27;ll know there are a lot of pastry choices, including some hits and misses.<ul><li>However, I&#x27;ve found myself regularly craving the honey cheese pancakes ($5) — three little mochi pancakes with a cheesy filling.</li></ul>

Toyo Ramen brings authentic Japanese cuisine to Ankeny

The Tibetan owner says he also wants to give back to the community.

A new ramen shop is bringing Japanese flavors mixed with the owner&#x27;s Tibetan roots to Ankeny.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Toyo Ramen &amp; Japanese Street Foods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585587731972#" data-vars-content-id="9cf07876-c5ba-4015-bd63-bb6f8d950731" data-vars-headline="Toyo Ramen brings authentic Japanese cuisine to Ankeny" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585587731972#" target="_blank">Toyo Ramen &amp; Japanese Street Foods</a> opened Jan. 1 in The District at Prairie Trail, marking the first restaurant for owner Tashi Chompel, a Tibetan immigrant who trained in Japan.

What makes Des Moines, DSM? You tell us

Axios readers are revealing their favorites for our "best of" roundup.

Welcome to our ongoing feature inviting Axios readers to create the ultimate guide to authentic Des Moines.The big picture: The answers will be used to create a year-end roundup of our &quot;best of DSM.&quot;

This Valentine's Day, call — don't click — to book dinner

Reservation apps can be costly and give an incomplete picture of available seating.

Some Des Moines restaurateurs are advising customers to call to make a reservation rather than book through an app.Why it matters: Razor-thin profit margins and an ongoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local restaurant crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" data-vars-content-id="98d4fd41-b8ca-4ca8-9f06-56a017046718" data-vars-headline="This Valentine&#x27;s Day, call — don&#x27;t click — to book dinner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" target="_self">local restaurant crisis</a> make every dollar count — and reservation fees add up fast in a tough local market.

First bite: Ocha opens new dessert cafe in downtown Des Moines

The bubble tea shop expanded its dessert menu for the downtown location.

Ocha Bubble Tea and Dessert Cafe <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened its doors this month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/25/ocha-bubble-tea-opening-in-downtown-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="e8af6efd-5004-4815-8b6f-3839f7f13f7f" data-vars-headline="First bite: Ocha opens new dessert cafe in 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/2025/11/25/ocha-bubble-tea-opening-in-downtown-des-moines" target="_self">opened its doors this month</a> in the Court Avenue district, and I stopped by on a Sunday afternoon to satisfy my sweet tooth.State of play: The cute boba tea shop is in the former Despensary location.

Why Des Moines' restaurants are closing fast

Iowa lost nearly 4,000 leisure and hospitality jobs last year.

A growing list of popular metro restaurants that have announced closures in recent months is likely to extend due to long-term workforce and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic pressures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/04/20/restaurant-bills-tabs-higher-groceries-iowa" data-vars-content-id="4ebfcf55-a0d0-474d-9b03-6f1c1f3c20c9" data-vars-headline="Why Des Moines&#x27; restaurants are closing fast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/04/20/restaurant-bills-tabs-higher-groceries-iowa" target="_self">economic pressures</a>, Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, tells Axios.Why it matters: Restaurants are a major economic and cultural engine for the Des Moines metro — anchoring foot traffic, drawing tourism, creating first jobs, and shaping how people experience the region.

Iowa's first women's sports bar opens in Des Moines

A growing interest in women's sports led to the new Ingersoll Avenue bar.

​​Iowa&#x27;s first bar dedicated to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s sports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/15/usa-today-womens-sports-stories" data-vars-content-id="68c00472-1730-4526-a5fd-da010cecb205" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s first women&#x27;s sports bar opens in Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/15/usa-today-womens-sports-stories" target="_self">women&#x27;s sports</a> has opened in Des Moines.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heroics Sports Lounge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.heroicssportslounge.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPMslNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2anR0bUpzRWxCMFBVVnNPc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHodeJA2dNqQKlYL6tANy13AtWR2dzNjZ8NqlusEBGkBZEDTVQJqq-DjuZfOC_aem_dP_8Fh747NviWoAGKI5IFQ" data-vars-content-id="68c00472-1730-4526-a5fd-da010cecb205" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s first women&#x27;s sports bar opens in Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.heroicssportslounge.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPMslNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2anR0bUpzRWxCMFBVVnNPc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHodeJA2dNqQKlYL6tANy13AtWR2dzNjZ8NqlusEBGkBZEDTVQJqq-DjuZfOC_aem_dP_8Fh747NviWoAGKI5IFQ" target="_blank">Heroics Sports Lounge</a> is a sign of the growing nationwide appetite for women-centered sports spaces, co-owner Jami Behun tells Axios.

A kawaii matcha business opens up

Matcha Luv is a locally owned matcha pop-up.

A Des Moines woman is renovating a retro RV to take her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="matcha pop-up business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/matchaluv.dsm/" data-vars-content-id="4095c2b5-4f0b-4f09-9af9-58aa6091425d" data-vars-headline="A kawaii matcha business opens up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/matchaluv.dsm/" target="_blank">matcha pop-up business</a> on the road this spring.Driving the news: Aylin Silva is transforming the camper into a mobile shop for Matcha Luv, her pastel-pink, kawaii-inspired brand.

Latin King owner wants to "shine up the crown jewel" again

A new managing partner plans on being at the restaurant every day.

Latin King — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a Des Moines east side institution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.latinkingdsm.com/" data-vars-content-id="5594028e-6cd7-445b-a915-82ccbe59c967" data-vars-headline="Latin King owner wants to &quot;shine up the crown jewel&quot; again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.latinkingdsm.com/" target="_blank">a Des Moines east side institution</a> — is getting the return of a local owner who vows to bring the restaurant back to its roots.The big picture: &quot;I can&#x27;t replace Bob Tursi, but I&#x27;m probably the only one in this town that can get close,&quot; says Matthew McCartney, a new operating partner and owner at Latin King.

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