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Trump administration violated court order on mail-voting rules, judge says

The U.S. Postal Service remains barred from making the dramatic changes to mail-in ballots ahead of midterm elections.

Politics & Policy

A Massachusetts judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration violated a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide injunction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/25/trump-mail-in-voting-order-blocked" data-vars-content-id="c6af2e85-e2bd-4bee-a832-6a8e794b3f94" data-vars-headline="Trump administration violated court order on mail-voting rules, judge says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/25/trump-mail-in-voting-order-blocked" target="_self">nationwide injunction</a> by finalizing a rule that would significantly overhaul <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mail voting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/trump-usps-federal-power-state-elections-mail-voting" data-vars-content-id="c6af2e85-e2bd-4bee-a832-6a8e794b3f94" data-vars-headline="Trump administration violated court order on mail-voting rules, judge says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/trump-usps-federal-power-state-elections-mail-voting" target="_self">mail voting</a> if allowed to take effect.Why it matters: The order allows the Trump administration to publish the rule Wednesday, but the U.S. Postal Service remains barred from making the dramatic changes to mail-in ballots.

Rubio tells allies U.S. shifting from strikes to sanctions on Iran

Out is military action, in is economic punishment.

World

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told several of his foreign counterparts in recent days that &quot;for the time being&quot; the U.S. is not expected to initiate new strikes against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/hormuz-mines-remove-oil-iran-trump" data-vars-content-id="b4eb2567-da58-4fd8-9faa-e89b83a72d6e" data-vars-headline="Rubio tells allies U.S. shifting from strikes to sanctions on Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/hormuz-mines-remove-oil-iran-trump" target="_self">Iran</a>, according to a U.S. official and a second source with knowledge of the matter.<ul><li>Instead, he&#x27;s said the focus is on other means of pressure, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the sanctions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/trump-iran-dday-secondary-sanctions-china" data-vars-content-id="b4eb2567-da58-4fd8-9faa-e89b83a72d6e" data-vars-headline="Rubio tells allies U.S. shifting from strikes to sanctions on Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/25/trump-iran-dday-secondary-sanctions-china" target="_self">the sanctions</a> initiative announced this week.</li></ul>Why it matters: Rubio&#x27;s message to foreign ministers from several allied countries comes as the U.S. believes it&#x27;s suffocating Iran with the naval blockade — while moving ever-increasing amounts of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="oil" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/oil-companies" data-vars-content-id="b4eb2567-da58-4fd8-9faa-e89b83a72d6e" data-vars-headline="Rubio tells allies U.S. shifting from strikes to sanctions on Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/oil-companies" target="_self">oil</a> out of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Strait of Hormu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/hormuz-iran-oil-gulf-trump" data-vars-content-id="b4eb2567-da58-4fd8-9faa-e89b83a72d6e" data-vars-headline="Rubio tells allies U.S. shifting from strikes to sanctions on Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/hormuz-iran-oil-gulf-trump" target="_self">Strait of Hormu</a>z.<ul><li>It&#x27;s also another sign that President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="b4eb2567-da58-4fd8-9faa-e89b83a72d6e" data-vars-headline="Rubio tells allies U.S. shifting from strikes to sanctions on Iran" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> is exasperated with the war and wants it to be over, at least for now.</li></ul>

Treasury bonds are becoming less special

The recent rise in longer-term bond yields implies a world where the U.S. government can't count on favorable borrowing conditions.

Economy

A baseline assumption in asset allocation, regulatory policy and international finance has long been that U.S. Treasury securities are risk-free assets that offer protection against the vagaries of economic fortune. It may no longer be valid.The big picture: That&#x27;s the cold reality that lurks beneath the rise in longer-term bond yields in recent weeks that triggered a Treasury Department <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="intervention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/rates-treasury-borrowing-bessent" data-vars-content-id="d3d1078c-cd9b-43f3-b712-563cc6d8eef7" data-vars-headline="Treasury bonds are becoming less special" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/rates-treasury-borrowing-bessent" target="_self">intervention</a>.<ul><li>It implies a world where the U.S. government can&#x27;t count on favorable borrowing conditions as a matter of course.</li></ul>

CIA director Ratcliffe visits Moscow

It's his first trip there since he took office.

CIA director John <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ratcliffe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/us-iran-deal-cia-director-ratcliffe" data-vars-content-id="b6411a16-3e67-49b5-93b8-f1155db123ae" data-vars-headline="CIA director Ratcliffe visits Moscow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/us-iran-deal-cia-director-ratcliffe" target="_self">Ratcliffe</a> is visiting Moscow on Tuesday for talks with Russian officials, two U.S. officials said. Why it matters: This is Ratcliffe&#x27;s first trip to Moscow since he took office and the highest-level visit by a Trump administration official to Russia since January.

Trump's Cabinet goes full creator

The Trump administration has taken an unorthodox approach to media.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have both launched YouTube shows in recent weeks, the latest examples of how the Trump administration is redefining <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="how government communicates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/04/trump-white-house-social-media" data-vars-content-id="58294274-70eb-497b-a803-adbd169ab2a4" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s Cabinet goes full creator" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/04/trump-white-house-social-media" target="_self">how government communicates</a> with the American public.Why it matters: The White House has bypassed traditional press relations while assuming an unorthodox approach to media that puts itself in the role of content creator.

Iowa Senate and governor races shift left

New Cook Report ratings put Iowa's top 2026 contests back in play.

News

Iowa’s 2026 U.S. Senate race is now a toss-up, and the governor’s race is also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highly competitive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/20/texas-iowa-senate-election-races-midterms-close" data-vars-content-id="ac226b9a-ca23-4a5e-9de6-a1d88b0a68ac" data-vars-headline="Iowa Senate and governor races shift left" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/20/texas-iowa-senate-election-races-midterms-close" target="_self">highly competitive</a>, according to the latest projections from The Cook Political Report.Why it matters: Iowa’s return to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="battleground status" 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="ac226b9a-ca23-4a5e-9de6-a1d88b0a68ac" data-vars-headline="Iowa Senate and governor races shift left" 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">battleground status</a> gives Democrats a rare chance to break the GOP’s statewide grip and reshape the fight for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="control of the U.S. Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/20/texas-iowa-senate-election-races-midterms-close" data-vars-content-id="ac226b9a-ca23-4a5e-9de6-a1d88b0a68ac" data-vars-headline="Iowa Senate and governor races shift left" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/08/20/texas-iowa-senate-election-races-midterms-close" target="_self">control of the U.S. Senate</a>.

Water Cooler Talk: Who is producing the most nitrates?

Synthetic fertilizer is a major driver behind our rivers' nitrate pollution.

Hello! Welcome to our Water Cooler Talk series, where we answer your questions about our area&#x27;s water quality concerns.Driving the news: A question we got from multiple people:

No recess required but Iowa boosts school activity time

Iowa students will get more daily movement under a new state law.

Iowa&#x27;s youngest students will get more state-required movement this school year — but they&#x27;re still not guaranteed a daily recess.Why it matters: Unstructured <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="play offers benefits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/04/school-recess-laws-states" data-vars-content-id="e9500bae-9c3b-4e7d-be56-b79361a02902" data-vars-headline="No recess required but Iowa boosts school activity time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/04/school-recess-laws-states" target="_self">play offers benefits</a> that organized exercise doesn&#x27;t necessarily provide, including opportunities for children to build social skills, independence and problem-solving.

WHO 13 meteorologist Jason Parkin reveals Parkinson's diagnosis

A Des Moines meteorologist is sharing his diagnosis to raise awareness.

WHO 13 meteorologist Jason Parkin has revealed that he has Parkinson’s disease.Why it matters: Parkin’s disclosure puts a familiar local face on Parkinson’s and could draw more attention and resources to the estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="20,000 Iowans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/journey-through-parkinsons-disease" data-vars-content-id="19262f01-894e-4516-9316-9639a43f6ec1" data-vars-headline="WHO 13 meteorologist Jason Parkin reveals Parkinson&#x27;s diagnosis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/journey-through-parkinsons-disease" target="_blank">20,000 Iowans</a> living with the progressive neurodegenerative disease.

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.

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.

Business

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>.

This Ankeny mom is opening a giant play cafe for kids, and coffee for adults

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe will cater to all kids and parents alike.

An Ankeny mom is opening an inclusive, kid-friendly cafe where their parents can connect (or disconnect) without helicoptering their kids.Why it matters: Megan Holtz was inspired to create a fun space for her 8-year-old son, Vinny, who has sensory processing disorder. Now she&#x27;s opening <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Whimsy &amp; Wonder Play Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/whimsyandwonderplaycafe/" data-vars-content-id="5511c029-c47f-40ce-b2ae-945f05f978c3" data-vars-headline="This Ankeny mom is opening a giant play cafe for kids, and coffee for adults" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/whimsyandwonderplaycafe/" target="_blank">Whimsy &amp; Wonder Play Cafe</a> this fall, along with her husband, Mitch.

Plug-in solar gets Iowa push

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

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.

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.

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 proposes 5-person cold case unit

The sheriff wants dedicated staff focused on old homicide cases.

Polk County could get a five-person cold case unit under a proposal that will go before supervisors Tuesday.Why it matters: It could bring dedicated attention to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than 100 cold cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/20/police-chief-crime-cold-case-west-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="5158e93a-9217-444c-8386-1a41f7492354" data-vars-headline="Polk County proposes 5-person cold case unit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/20/police-chief-crime-cold-case-west-des-moines" target="_self">more than 100 cold cases</a> identified in Polk County in 2024.

Polk County weighs $371K boost for Des Moines food pantry

Can county funding meet growing demand without creating lasting dependence?

Polk County may spend nearly $371,000 over three years to help a volunteer-run Des Moines food pantry build a paid staff and provide more reliable evening service.Why it matters: The investment would test whether county funding can help Knock and Drop Iowa (KADI) meet growing demand without creating permanent dependence on public support.

AI schools expand, but Iowa takes a slower path

Des Moines-area districts are testing AI tools to help teachers.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A private-school network" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/27/alpha-schools-ai-artifical-intelligence-education" data-vars-content-id="4314d1a1-d004-49cd-965b-e50062a53af5" data-vars-headline="AI schools expand, but Iowa takes a slower path" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/27/alpha-schools-ai-artifical-intelligence-education" target="_self">A private-school network</a> built around artificial intelligence plans to expand to about 50 campuses this school year, while some Iowa districts pursue a separate AI experiment.Why it matters: Iowa schools are taking an incremental path on AI, putting new tools in teachers&#x27; hands even as other models rethink the classroom itself.

Back-to-school costs hit $954 in the Midwest

The Caitlin Clark Foundation helps Des Moines students offset back-to-school costs.

Midwest families expect to spend $954 on back-to-school purchases this year — about $32 more than the national average, according to a PwC <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/consumer-markets/library/backtoschool-spending.html?" data-vars-content-id="a7ddc4a4-8eb7-4ad7-9e29-dde9ea2ce6f5" data-vars-headline="Back-to-school costs hit $954 in the Midwest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/consumer-markets/library/backtoschool-spending.html?" target="_blank">survey</a>.Why it matters: Back-to-school costs are rising faster for metro families, putting added pressure on household budgets before the school year even begins.

Iowa's school phone crackdown enters year two

Early Iowa results are promising, but academic gains remain unclear.

Iowa students are beginning their second school year under a state law that requires public schools to restrict cellphone use during classroom instruction — but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new research suggests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/02/school-cellphone-ban-study-scores-attendance" data-vars-content-id="f2598cb4-d37a-409c-9942-77115d2754ba" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s school phone crackdown enters year two" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/02/school-cellphone-ban-study-scores-attendance" target="_self">new research suggests</a> such rules have mixed results.Why it matters: Iowa&#x27;s law affects daily classroom routines for hundreds of thousands of students, making the real-world payoff of cellphone restrictions increasingly important.

One of Iowa's largest catalpa trees could become a sculpture

Des Moines city crews also plan to save its seeds and preserve its genetics.

Des Moines says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of Iowa’s largest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/08/11/woodland-cemetery-catalpa-lightning-strike" data-vars-content-id="3097b3a5-9eba-41ee-bb9c-72be70f065ff" data-vars-headline="One of Iowa&#x27;s largest catalpa trees could become a sculpture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/08/11/woodland-cemetery-catalpa-lightning-strike" target="_self">one of Iowa’s largest</a> catalpa trees at Woodland Cemetery must be removed, but efforts are underway to save its seeds — and possibly turn its trunk into a sculpture.Why it matters: The 79-foot giant is a defining feature of the historic cemetery, so its loss is more than a routine tree removal.

Ankeny voters to decide on sales tax increase

The city is the only one in the metro that doesn't have a local option sales tax.

Attention, Ankeny shoppers: Those items at Costco may become a little more expensive following a special election.Why it matters: The city of Ankeny is holding a special election to approve a local option sales tax (LOST) on Sept. 8 to help the city reduce property taxes and pay for road projects.

Lettuce stay: Des Moines garden fight gets a reprieve

Nearly 700 people have signed an online petition in favor of the gardener.

A Des Moines woman <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fighting a city citation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/08/13/des-moines-edible-plants-right-of-way-garden-citation" data-vars-content-id="a1ff5a12-a01d-4d26-a849-8ec1aa3af80d" data-vars-headline="Lettuce stay: Des Moines garden fight gets a reprieve" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/08/13/des-moines-edible-plants-right-of-way-garden-citation" target="_self">fighting a city citation</a> over her right-of-way vegetable garden can continue growing food there until Nov. 2 under an agreement reached Wednesday.Why it matters: The settlement could ultimately save Allison Stuart’s garden as the city’s Food Sustainability Advisory Committee reviews rules that prohibit edible plants in the space between sidewalks and streets.

We tried the new deep-fried cookie dough pie at the Iowa State Fair

Minneapple Pie made a big splash with its debut at the Iowa State Fair.

Food and Drink

Linh here. I hate myself for saying this, but my favorite new fair food happens to be from Minnesota.What it is: Deep-fried cookie dough pie served with a choice of homemade vanilla or cinnamon ice cream ($12).

We tried the Iowa State Fair's bacon-brisket mac-and-cheese donut

The donut has been getting rave reviews on social media.

Linh here. The Rib Shack, a popular fair food vendor, is serving up the wildest doughnut you can imagine: The Ultimate Bacon-Brisket Mac &amp; Cheese Donut ($7).<ul><li>With Patton Oswalt&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="famous 2007 comedy bit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eater.com/2020/1/27/21078673/patton-oswalt-kfc-famous-bowl-bit-eater-bowl-bowl" data-vars-content-id="15798463-05a4-4b21-ad96-9f227773704d" data-vars-headline="We tried the Iowa State Fair&#x27;s bacon-brisket mac-and-cheese donut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eater.com/2020/1/27/21078673/patton-oswalt-kfc-famous-bowl-bit-eater-bowl-bowl" target="_blank">famous 2007 comedy bit</a> about KFC Famous Bowls in mind, I set out to try it.</li></ul>

Iowa State Fair 2026: We tried the Cinnamozza Kdog

The new Korean corn dog is smothered in cinnamon, sugar and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Linh here. And I believe the most quintessential &quot;fair food&quot; comes from Korea — specifically, Korean corn dogs.What it is: Cinnamozza Kdog ($18). It&#x27;s on a stick. It&#x27;s fried. And it&#x27;s full of stretchy mozzarella cheese.

Iowa State Fair 2026: We tried Parmesan ice cream

The cheesy ice cream is a nod to the 18th century.

Linh here. I don&#x27;t want to brag, but I eat a lot of Parmesan cheese. (I&#x27;ve got shredded and shaved right now.)<ul><li>So when I saw that Bubbly was serving up a Parmesan cheese ice cream, I knew I had to try it.</li></ul>What it is: An homage to the 18th century, when cheese ice cream was a popular delicacy.

Peanut butter and jelly on an Iowa State Fair corndog? It works

Sweet, salty and rich, this fair mashup is better than it sounds.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The PB &amp; J Corndog" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iowastatefair.org/food/whats-new#:~:text=PB%20%26%20J%20Corndog,Corndog%20Stand)%20(%2410)" data-vars-content-id="c01b1aad-7722-4fa1-b7fb-af846f4a0da6" data-vars-headline="Peanut butter and jelly on an Iowa State Fair corndog? It works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iowastatefair.org/food/whats-new#:~:text=PB%20%26%20J%20Corndog,Corndog%20Stand)%20(%2410)" target="_blank">The PB &amp; J Corndog</a> is what happens when your childhood lunchbox crashes into the Iowa State Fair — surprisingly good, wildly rich and sweet-salty in all the right ways.What it is: A corndog with peanut butter baked into the batter, topped with jelly and peanut butter. I tried the strawberry version.

EatFuti launches Iowa State Fair food delivery service

Instead of waiting in line, you can get someone else to pick up your food and drop it off.

If you want the hottest new fair food but don&#x27;t want to wait an hour in line, now you can get it delivered to you.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re willing to spend extra, the new service gives you some fair time back, so you can gaze longer at the butter cow.Driving the news: EatFuti, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local delivery company" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/27/eatfuti-doordash-ubereats" data-vars-content-id="7a3383c0-6ee5-4b8e-95e7-d2d5b28c4d74" data-vars-headline="EatFuti launches Iowa State Fair food delivery service" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/03/27/eatfuti-doordash-ubereats" target="_self">local delivery company</a>, is sending 100 food runners to retrieve orders and drop them at designated pickup spots within the fairgrounds, the company&#x27;s Savannah Nguyen tells Axios.

Ice cream dipped in salty butter? Only at the Iowa State Fair

This messy fair treat tastes surprisingly like salty butterscotch.

Jason here: The Butter-Dipped Ice Cream cone is exactly the kind of gloriously unhinged Iowa State Fair snack that makes you wonder: Why haven&#x27;t we always had this?What it is: An ice cream cone dipped in salty butter that hardens instantly from the cold.

Iowa farmer says sales have grown amid cyclosporiasis outbreak

Grade A Gardens, a local organic farm, says more people are interested in its fresh produce.

One unexpected effect of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cyclosporiasis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/01/cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-foodborne-illness-record" data-vars-content-id="cbe32bd2-4356-4271-81ec-91699afc1093" data-vars-headline="Iowa farmer says sales have grown amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/01/cyclospora-lettuce-outbreak-foodborne-illness-record" target="_self">cyclosporiasis</a> outbreak: Iowans are seeking more local produce.Why it matters: Iowa was added to the Centers for Disease Control&#x27;s list of 15 states dealing with the recent outbreak, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the New York " data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/well/eat/cdc-cyclospora-outbreak-15-states.html" data-vars-content-id="cbe32bd2-4356-4271-81ec-91699afc1093" data-vars-headline="Iowa farmer says sales have grown amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/well/eat/cdc-cyclospora-outbreak-15-states.html" target="_blank">the New York </a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Times." data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/well/eat/cdc-cyclospora-outbreak-15-states.html" data-vars-content-id="cbe32bd2-4356-4271-81ec-91699afc1093" data-vars-headline="Iowa farmer says sales have grown amid cyclosporiasis outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/well/eat/cdc-cyclospora-outbreak-15-states.html" target="_blank">Times.</a>

Heirloom tomatoes, honey and basil make this toast

This irresistible toast lands between garden snack and lazy bruschetta.

🍅 Jason here: I eat this toast every morning when the heirloom tomatoes and basil in my garden are in season — typically from July through late October.On my plate: Buttered toast, honey, basil and tomatoes.<ul><li>That’s it.</li></ul>

Inflation? That's not on the minds of Iowa State Fairgoers

The Iowa State Fair has ended up as the "family vacation" spot for people looking for cheaper options.

Even if we&#x27;re doing more penny-pinching this year, don&#x27;t expect rising food or fuel costs to dampen our appetite for the newest fair treats.Why it matters: At times of economic uncertainty, events like the Iowa State Fair become popular &quot;staycations&quot; for families, Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons says, and a fun spot to try the latest banana cream funnel sticks or pickle-flavored cheese curds.

What goes into the cost of an Iowa State Fair corndog

From rising oil prices to labor demands, the fair corndog is also influenced by economic pressures.

Corndogs, arguably the Iowa State Fair&#x27;s most iconic food staple, are becoming more expensive to produce, according to Campbell&#x27;s Concessions, the fair&#x27;s longest-running food vendor. State of play: With rising operation costs, supplies and fees, Grant Campbell of Campbell&#x27;s Concessions estimates it costs them 40% more to produce corndogs than it did before the pandemic.

Try butter-dipped ice cream at the Iowa State Fair

The soft serve cone is dipped in real, melted butter.

If you&#x27;re a fan of everything creamy and dairy, there&#x27;s a new ice cream at the Iowa State Fair for you.Driving the news: Coney Corner is selling butter-dipped ice cream ($6) with either vanilla or butter beer soft serve.

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