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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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GOP tensions flare as McCarthy grasps for shutdown solution

Politics & Policy

"Life-threatening" flooding hits New York City metro area, stalling travel

Energy & Environment

Here are the oldest U.S. senators after Feinstein's death

First co-defendant enters guilty plea in Trump Georgia election case

Arrest made in 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur

Microsoft's AI epicenter is an Iowa water hog

Company is told it must "significantly reduce peak water usage" before expanding.

News

How Iowans are helping Ukrainians raise hogs

Raising pigs is a more profitable way of using grain supply.

Dog euthanizations on the rise in Des Moines

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa's dog intakes are also up.

Kum & Go officially sells

Maverik — Adventure's First Stop is now the nation's 11th largest convenience store chain.

Business

Des Moines' newest restaurant: First bites at Either/Or

The new restaurant has a green play space and whimsical interior.

Food and Drink

👋 Linh here. Last week, I snagged a reservation for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Either/Or" data-vars-click-url="https://eitherordsm.com/" data-vars-content-id="10dd446f-5343-4781-a4cc-84a193df0ed0" data-vars-headline="Des Moines&#x27; newest restaurant: First bites at Either/Or" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://eitherordsm.com/" target="_blank">Either/Or</a>, one of the most anticipated new restaurants of the year.Driving the news: Started by the owners of Lua Brewing, the restaurant opened along Grand Avenue at the former location of an auto parts store on Sept. 15.

The inside of a bar and an outdoor play area

A new communal commercial kitchen is opening in West Des Moines

The new commercial shared kitchen opens Friday with an open house.

Culinary Annex, a new shared <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="commercial kitchen space" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dsmculinary.com/about-us" data-vars-content-id="be649507-b6dd-473d-8ec2-035aa603949f" data-vars-headline="A new communal commercial kitchen is opening in West Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dsmculinary.com/about-us" target="_blank">commercial kitchen space</a>, opens in Valley Junction Friday.Why it matters: Shared kitchen spaces give budding chefs the opportunity to start a business without incurring the costs and risks of purchasing their own space, equipment and licenses.

The best thing Linh ate: Carmelized onion toast

The toast ($10) takes on the flavors of a French Onion soup.

Admire the gooey glisten on this caramelized onion toast from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Cheese Shop" data-vars-click-url="https://thecheeseshopdsm.com/" data-vars-content-id="3bf5804f-9587-4bb3-910e-2013264999a7" data-vars-headline="The best thing Linh ate: Carmelized onion toast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thecheeseshopdsm.com/" target="_blank">The Cheese Shop</a>.What it is: Gruyère melted on top of four pieces of ciabatta from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La Mie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lamiebakery.com/" data-vars-content-id="3bf5804f-9587-4bb3-910e-2013264999a7" data-vars-headline="The best thing Linh ate: Carmelized onion toast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lamiebakery.com/" target="_blank">La Mie</a> that&#x27;s rubbed with garlic and topped with caramelized onion jam ($10).

Meet Grant Gillon, Altoona's "MasterChef" finalist

Grant Gillon has always felt passionate about cooking.

Grant Gillon of Altoona has always felt passionate about cooking, but he was unsure until recently if he had the chops to cook in the big leagues.Driving the news: There isn&#x27;t a question anymore, now that Gillon made the finale of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;MasterChef" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hulu.com/series/masterchef-45d67197-5346-4adb-9d90-6ed2d7b7bd85" data-vars-content-id="c4cdc14a-1719-454c-9c12-4c1de318d1d7" data-vars-headline="Meet Grant Gillon, Altoona&#x27;s &quot;MasterChef&quot; finalist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hulu.com/series/masterchef-45d67197-5346-4adb-9d90-6ed2d7b7bd85" target="_blank">&quot;MasterChef</a>&quot; — the popular network cooking competition show that Gordon Ramsay hosts.

After 20 years, Des Moines' mayor won't seek re-election

He and his family now want to focus more on their business.

Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie won&#x27;t seek re-election in November, he announced in a five-page thank you letter to the city Thursday.Why it matters: After almost 20 years, Cownie is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the longest-serving mayor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/07/21/frank-cownie-des-moines-longest-serving-mayor-mulls-another-run" data-vars-content-id="1792fe99-aedf-4e0f-b967-81e3f8ce2e15" data-vars-headline="After 20 years, Des Moines&#x27; mayor won&#x27;t seek re-election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2022/07/21/frank-cownie-des-moines-longest-serving-mayor-mulls-another-run" target="_self">the longest-serving mayor</a> in DSM history.

Iowa nonprofits concerned over proposed commission cuts

Boards and commissions are a way for citizens to share their advice and expertise.

A state committee is proposing<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" the elimination" data-vars-click-url="https://governor.iowa.gov/media/228/download?inline&amp;eType=EmailBlastContent&amp;eId=56e6a4bd-5719-4cc1-b7fc-6b436508ce2f" data-vars-content-id="7b522e52-3523-47d2-9a45-bd6938be83ae" data-vars-headline="Iowa nonprofits concerned over proposed commission cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://governor.iowa.gov/media/228/download?inline&amp;eType=EmailBlastContent&amp;eId=56e6a4bd-5719-4cc1-b7fc-6b436508ce2f" target="_blank"> the elimination</a> of more than 25% of Iowa&#x27;s boards and commissions, Iowa Capital Dispatch<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" reports" data-vars-click-url="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/08/29/committee-reviews-proposal-to-eliminate-25-of-state-boards-and-commissions/" data-vars-content-id="7b522e52-3523-47d2-9a45-bd6938be83ae" data-vars-headline="Iowa nonprofits concerned over proposed commission cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/08/29/committee-reviews-proposal-to-eliminate-25-of-state-boards-and-commissions/" target="_blank"> reports</a>.<ul><li>Some of the boards recommended for consolidation or elimination are no longer funded or are redundant, chairperson of the committee Kraig Paulsen said last week during a public meeting.</li></ul>

Illustration of the Iowa State Capitol building with lines radiating from it.

Iowa should pay prison program's rent, county says

Iowa dismantled local oversight of the program last month, leading to county's request.

Gov. Kim Reynolds&#x27; administration will be asked to pay rent to Polk County because of a reorganization last month that dismantled local oversight of an Iowa prison program, Supervisors&#x27; Chairperson Tom Hockensmith tells Axios.Why it matters: It&#x27;s uncertain how it will affect <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Community Based Corrections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/02/27/critics-iowa-plan-dismantle-corrections-program" data-vars-content-id="5574334f-486b-4a24-85e1-40ade6fdce0f" data-vars-headline="Iowa should pay prison program&#x27;s rent, county says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/02/27/critics-iowa-plan-dismantle-corrections-program" target="_self">Community Based Corrections</a> (CBC) services.

Illustration of a pair of handcuffs in the shape of a dollar sign.

Mom thanks city for road fixes after daughter's death

The city launched a series of pedestrian and street safety upgrades since last year.

<blockquote>&quot;I came forward to you guys as a mother in pain . . . I&#x27;m telling you guys that you have done your job helping us.&quot;</blockquote><cite>— <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anna Campos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/live/HQPFXrLIfiI?feature=share&amp;t=3044" data-vars-content-id="36323daa-66c4-470f-9634-2cbbd9166e67" data-vars-headline="Mom thanks city for road fixes after daughter&#x27;s death" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/live/HQPFXrLIfiI?feature=share&amp;t=3044" target="_blank">Anna Campos</a> to the DSM City Council Monday night.</cite>

Iowa homes aren't prepared for more frequent 100° days

By 2053, Iowa is expected to endure more days over 100 degrees.

Climate

Iowa is expected to endure more &quot;extreme heat&quot; days of 100°F or more in the next 30 years — but experts tell <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Midwest Newsroom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iowapublicradio.org/2023-09-13/the-future-of-the-midwest-includes-hazardous-heat-and-most-of-our-homes-are-not-ready" data-vars-content-id="9720291f-739f-4d8d-a08b-bc6c4037c065" data-vars-headline="Iowa homes aren&#x27;t prepared for more frequent 100° days" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iowapublicradio.org/2023-09-13/the-future-of-the-midwest-includes-hazardous-heat-and-most-of-our-homes-are-not-ready" target="_blank">Midwest Newsroom</a> our homes aren&#x27;t prepared for it.Why it matters: Extreme heat results in hardships such as higher energy consumption and health risks like heat stroke.

Animated illustration of sunlight hitting the floor through a window with blinds on it, and the window shape changes into an exclamation point.

Downtown Des Moines' office vacancies slowly recovering

Vacancies are ticking down in downtown Des Moines' offices.

While downtown office vacancies are showing signs of recovery from pandemic-era losses, it will take creativity by developers to fill larger spaces, says TJ Jacobs of commercial brokerage firm CBRE.Why it matters: Full office spaces bring more foot traffic to surrounding areas, helping nearby retailers and restaurants.

an illustration of a person with a briefcase walking in front of a teal background with graph paper overlay

Fixer-uppers are scaring off Des Moines home buyers

We asked local selling experts about fixes worth making.

Real Estate

Des Moines homeowners looking to sell for top-dollar should be thinking: renovations.Why it matters: Homebuyers already hampered by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gravity-defying prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/17/housing-prices-affordability-rise-fall-2023-goldman-sachs" data-vars-content-id="19802d0e-4a0d-4d56-a0d6-85f75ecb7a94" data-vars-headline="Fixer-uppers are scaring off Des Moines home buyers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/17/housing-prices-affordability-rise-fall-2023-goldman-sachs" target="_self">gravity-defying prices</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/22/mortgage-rates-current" data-vars-content-id="19802d0e-4a0d-4d56-a0d6-85f75ecb7a94" data-vars-headline="Fixer-uppers are scaring off Des Moines home buyers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/22/mortgage-rates-current" target="_self">mortgage rates</a> don&#x27;t want to spring for a place that looks like an HGTV &quot;before&quot; photo. (Unless you&#x27;re actually <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/PieTownProductions/posts/738354464957983?ref=embed_post" data-vars-content-id="19802d0e-4a0d-4d56-a0d6-85f75ecb7a94" data-vars-headline="Fixer-uppers are scaring off Des Moines home buyers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/PieTownProductions/posts/738354464957983?ref=embed_post" target="_blank">on</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="HGTV" data-vars-click-url="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/television/2023/06/08/hgtv-show-house-hunters-comes-to-central-iowa-with-real-estate-agent-thomas-payne-and-local-couple/70303180007/" data-vars-content-id="19802d0e-4a0d-4d56-a0d6-85f75ecb7a94" data-vars-headline="Fixer-uppers are scaring off Des Moines home buyers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/television/2023/06/08/hgtv-show-house-hunters-comes-to-central-iowa-with-real-estate-agent-thomas-payne-and-local-couple/70303180007/" target="_blank">HGTV</a>.)<ul><li>&quot;If the home is ready to go, buyers feel more comfortable biting off the higher payment,&quot; local broker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jen Stanbrough" data-vars-click-url="https://jenstanbroughrealestate.com/" data-vars-content-id="19802d0e-4a0d-4d56-a0d6-85f75ecb7a94" data-vars-headline="Fixer-uppers are scaring off Des Moines home buyers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jenstanbroughrealestate.com/" target="_blank">Jen Stanbrough</a> tells Axios.</li></ul>

Illustration of two hammers forming an "X" shape. 

Newly built home sales spike in Des Moines and the Midwest

"You're not having to wait six months for a stove."

Des Moines&#x27; market for newly built homes is thriving as fewer homeowners want to sell.Why it matters: With U.S. mortgage rates at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="22-year high" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/17/mortgage-rates-2001-loan" data-vars-content-id="ad3ce33c-dc2c-44ed-aa17-334e79f95606" data-vars-headline="Newly built home sales spike in Des Moines and the Midwest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/17/mortgage-rates-2001-loan" target="_self">22-year high</a>, golden handcuffs are locking up housing inventory, and that&#x27;s fueling buyers&#x27; appetite for new builds, according to real estate experts.

Inflation wiped out Iowans' wage increases last year

The good news? Inflation is cooling down and more recent numbers are promising.

Despite wage bumps for local workers last year, inflation wiped out any monetary gains for Des Moines households, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new U.S. Census data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/12/real-incomes-fell-last-year-no-wonder-americans-were-bummed-out" data-vars-content-id="a5281e3d-9e42-4007-83c6-9fb116e5d7f5" data-vars-headline="Inflation wiped out Iowans&#x27; wage increases last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/12/real-incomes-fell-last-year-no-wonder-americans-were-bummed-out" target="_self">new U.S. Census data</a>.Why it matters: Iowa families feel the pain when they&#x27;re buying groceries or fueling up, though it likely hasn&#x27;t been significant enough to cause major changes in leisure spending, University of Iowa economics professor Anne Villamil tells Axios.

A map showing median household income across the U.S.

How Des Moines airport executive director Kevin Foley starts his day

It's extra busy at the airport as its leaders try to renovate the travel hub.

Des Moines airport executive director Kevin Foley is busier than ever managing a bustling airport that&#x27;s outgrown its 75-year-old infrastructure.Why it matters: Passenger traffic has roared back, showing the need for expansion to accommodate more flights and expedite lines.

Why Des Moines' suburbs are modernizing office spaces

As developers try to fill their vacancies, they're getting creative with amenities.

Developers in the suburbs are modernizing their office buildings to try and attract more tenants.Why it matters: Nearly 80% of the metro&#x27;s new office leases last quarter happened in the western suburbs

an illustration of a person with a briefcase walking in front of a burnt orange background with graph paper overlay

BLK and Bold is Iowa's fastest-growing company

The Black-owned coffee company has grown over 7000% in three years.

BLK &amp; Bold, a local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black-owned coffee company" data-vars-click-url="https://blkandbold.com/" data-vars-content-id="9a753c9b-c30d-4686-a01f-eb4069866b33" data-vars-headline="BLK and Bold is Iowa&#x27;s fastest-growing company" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blkandbold.com/" target="_blank">Black-owned coffee company</a>, was Iowa&#x27;s fastest-growing private business between 2019-2022 by growing 7,404%, according to Inc. 5000&#x27;s 2023<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" list" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inc.com/inc5000/2023" data-vars-content-id="9a753c9b-c30d-4686-a01f-eb4069866b33" data-vars-headline="BLK and Bold is Iowa&#x27;s fastest-growing company" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inc.com/inc5000/2023" target="_blank"> list</a>.Why it matters: People don&#x27;t often associate thriving Black-owned businesses with Iowa — especially since the state&#x27;s population is nearly 90% white, co-founder Rod Johnson tells Axios.

Rod Johnson and two cans of BLK and Bold Cold Brew

Iowa's impending federal government shutdown pain

The timing could be particularly bad for farmers.

The impending <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/25/us-government-shutdown-september" data-vars-content-id="d599fb8a-fc0a-40ef-b433-2fee78593387" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s impending federal government shutdown pain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/25/us-government-shutdown-september" target="_self">federal government shutdown</a> could impact services and pay for thousands of Iowans as soon as Sunday.Driving the news: Congress&#x27; deadline to fund the government is Saturday.

Illustration of a hundred dollar bill missing Ben Franklin and covered with a "sorry, we're closed" sign

Iowa schools add little library disclaimers in light of new book law

Urbandale and West Des Moines are adding the new disclaimers.

West Des Moines and Urbandale schools are placing disclaimers on the little free libraries, on their school grounds, following an Iowa law <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="banning books with sex acts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/08/16/iowa-library-uptick-banned-books-senate-file-496" data-vars-content-id="67a43e78-0baf-48d2-aa85-83114105710a" data-vars-headline="Iowa schools add little library disclaimers in light of new book law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/08/16/iowa-library-uptick-banned-books-senate-file-496" target="_self">banning books with sex acts</a> from schools, the Des Moines Register<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2023/09/28/little-free-libraries-come-with-disclaimers-in-des-moines-school-districts/70922218007/" data-vars-content-id="67a43e78-0baf-48d2-aa85-83114105710a" data-vars-headline="Iowa schools add little library disclaimers in light of new book law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2023/09/28/little-free-libraries-come-with-disclaimers-in-des-moines-school-districts/70922218007/" target="_blank"> reports</a>.Driving the news: House File 496 — a broad education bill signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds this year — bans certain books and requires parental permission for students who want to go by different names or pronouns than assigned at birth.

New animal shelter costs Des Moines 2.5x more than projected

The project's expansion and constructionary inflation contributed to costs.

The cost of building Des Moines&#x27; new animal shelter has nearly tripled since the plan was announced in 2019 — from $5.5M to $14.1M.Meanwhile, the city&#x27;s annual animal control contract with the ARL could increase from $900K to $1.4M under an agreement anticipated to go before the City Council in coming weeks, deputy city manager Matt Anderson said in a public meeting earlier this month.

Des Moines weekend plans: Sept. 29-Oct. 1

On our list: An Octoberfest party, free short film festival and more!

Things to Do

<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>🎉 Cheer athletes in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Special Olympics Fall Classic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.soiowa.org/competitions/statewide-competitions/fall-classic/" data-vars-content-id="95a65d09-882c-4f9d-9f6e-b9495b637d71" data-vars-headline="Des Moines weekend plans: Sept. 29-Oct. 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.soiowa.org/competitions/statewide-competitions/fall-classic/" target="_blank">Special Olympics Fall Classic</a> at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex in WDM.

Iowa ranked 12th most obese state in 2022

The state's obesity rate continues to tick up.

Health

Around 37.4% of Iowa adults were considered obese in 2022 — up from 36.4% the previous year, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tfah.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/TFAH-2023-ObesityReport-FINAL.pdf" data-vars-content-id="6bde8eef-db90-4aa5-a5ec-2787384fcc50" data-vars-headline="Iowa ranked 12th most obese state in 2022" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tfah.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/TFAH-2023-ObesityReport-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> by non-partisan health advocacy group Trust for America&#x27;s Health.

Illustration of measuring tape draped around a caution street sign.

Des Moines mom work rates best U.S. percentages

Almost 75% of metro moms who gave birth in the previous year are in the workforce.

A greater share of DSM metro-area women who recently gave birth remain part of the workforce as compared to U.S. overall percentages, per new Census data.State of play: Motherhood can knock women out of the labor force, at least temporarily — slowing careers and contributing to gender pay gaps.

Illustration of a woman with a baby strolling facing a door that reads work

Iowa native Gerry Turner takes center stage on "The Golden Bachelor"

The new ABC show could help showcase the sexuality of older adults.

America&#x27;s favorite dating reality show &quot;The Bachelor&quot; launches a new spin-off tonight featuring older adults called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Golden Bachelor" data-vars-click-url="https://abc.com/shows/the-golden-bachelor" data-vars-content-id="b8603bf9-8c9b-4077-98d4-91190f2e17e2" data-vars-headline="Iowa native Gerry Turner takes center stage on &quot;The Golden Bachelor&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc.com/shows/the-golden-bachelor" target="_blank">The Golden Bachelor</a>.&quot;Driving the news: Iowa native Gerry Turner, 72, is the star of the show. He&#x27;s seeking a second chance at love after his wife<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" died from a sudden illness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2023-08-31/golden-bachelor-gerry-turner" data-vars-content-id="b8603bf9-8c9b-4077-98d4-91190f2e17e2" data-vars-headline="Iowa native Gerry Turner takes center stage on &quot;The Golden Bachelor&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2023-08-31/golden-bachelor-gerry-turner" target="_blank"> died from a sudden illness</a> in 2017.

Suburbs reject regional water plan

There's debate about whether the plan would create efficiencies or add extra costs.

Des Moines metro governments would transfer ownership of tens of millions of dollars&#x27; worth of water infrastructure systems under a final draft proposal to create a regional entity that was made public last week.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="There&#x27;s ongoing debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/12/22/des-moines-water-works-regional-utility-plans" data-vars-content-id="7a5fda8d-6be0-4587-9afd-7b1ce8a00eb9" data-vars-headline="Suburbs reject regional water plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/12/22/des-moines-water-works-regional-utility-plans" target="_self">There&#x27;s ongoing debate</a> about whether the plan involving up to a dozen central Iowa communities or utilities would create efficiencies or result in unnecessary costs for residents.

Illustration of a water drop emoji mixed with a swearing face emoji.

Johnston schools re-examines rules after Trump float attends homecoming parade

Organizers were unaware there would be a float "relating to presidential politics."

Johnston High School homecoming organizers are re-examining their parade rules after a float was entered under four school board candidates promoting former President Trump.<ul><li>The school&#x27;s student council, which organizes the parade, was unaware of the float&#x27;s theme prior to the parade, according to school officials.</li></ul>Why it matters: While school board elections in Iowa are non-partisan, they&#x27;ve become<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" highly political" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/09/13/iowa-school-board-elections-conservative-candidates" data-vars-content-id="01821ca6-48c7-4c1c-915b-86a83714635a" data-vars-headline="Johnston schools re-examines rules after Trump float attends homecoming parade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/09/13/iowa-school-board-elections-conservative-candidates" target="_self"> highly political</a> since 2020, as candidates are more overt about their ideologies being reflected in schools.<ul><li>That&#x27;s lowered staff morale, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at Johnston schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/06/12/johnston-school-staff-morale-survey-iowa" data-vars-content-id="01821ca6-48c7-4c1c-915b-86a83714635a" data-vars-headline="Johnston schools re-examines rules after Trump float attends homecoming parade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/06/12/johnston-school-staff-morale-survey-iowa" target="_self">at Johnston schools</a>.</li></ul>

Historic Highland Apartments demolished

Preservationists were unsuccessful in saving the 110-year-old building.

The Highland Apartments are now demolished as contractors removed debris Monday.Why it matters: The 110-year-old building was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a contributing structure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/05/04/desmoines-building-preservationists-demolition" data-vars-content-id="3b15dff8-3cbf-4687-9137-d56522952ea5" data-vars-headline="Historic Highland Apartments demolished" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/05/04/desmoines-building-preservationists-demolition" target="_self">a contributing structure</a> of the historic Highland Park business district, but was also on the city&#x27;s public nuisance list.

How BLK & Bold cofounder Rod Johnston starts his day

Rod Johnson of BLK & Bold begins his day by watching the sun rise.

Rod Johnson, co-founder of local coffee company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BLK &amp; Bold" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/09/12/blk-and-bold-iowa-fastest-growing-company" data-vars-content-id="cb0df57b-356e-488b-ae07-66445493bc3b" data-vars-headline="How BLK &amp; Bold cofounder Rod Johnston starts his day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/09/12/blk-and-bold-iowa-fastest-growing-company" target="_self">BLK &amp; Bold</a>, fully embraces the identity of &quot;morning person&quot; — and now &quot;Iowan&quot; after moving to Des Moines from California three years ago.State of play: As an entrepreneur running the state&#x27;s fastest-growing private business, he likes to begin his days with some &quot;me time,&quot; enjoying a quiet start and watching the sunrise.

How an Axios reporter scored Brandi Carlile's guitar pick

Carlile used the pick at the Bourbon & Beyond music festival.

Music

👋 Jason here. I&#x27;m back in Des Moines this week after spending four fantastic days at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bourbon &amp; Beyond" data-vars-click-url="https://bourbonandbeyond.com/lineup/" data-vars-content-id="bf187270-9a09-41a4-8eb9-cbb9f6a88665" data-vars-headline="How an Axios reporter scored Brandi Carlile&#x27;s guitar pick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bourbonandbeyond.com/lineup/" target="_blank">Bourbon &amp; Beyond</a> music festival in Louisville, KY.<ul><li>A highlight was taking home one of Brandi Carlile&#x27;s guitar picks.</li></ul>

Des Moines weekend planner: Sept. 22-24

The Des Moines Streetstyle Open is this weekend.

<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>🎹 Enjoy the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Civic Music Association&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://civicmusic.org/concerts/" data-vars-content-id="649e3736-6860-4b33-87ac-4da51db0a2b6" data-vars-headline="Des Moines weekend planner: Sept. 22-24" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://civicmusic.org/concerts/" target="_blank">Civic Music Association&#x27;s</a> regular season concert kickoff featuring Grammy-nominated pianist Alfredo Rodriguez at the Temple Theater, 7:30pm. <ul><li>Tickets: $34-$69.</li></ul>

Des Moines' not boring: Wander Women group

The group guides women on trips and offering classes on outdoors skills.

Go on a backpacking trip, hike through fall foliage or learn how to make campfire cocktails through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wander Women" data-vars-click-url="https://wanderwomenmidwest.com/" data-vars-content-id="6aa8f85d-752b-4e95-a279-02a52c7fe436" data-vars-headline="Des Moines&#x27; not boring: Wander Women group" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wanderwomenmidwest.com/" target="_blank">Wander Women</a>.Why it matters: The local outdoor business offers women and non-binary people a less intimidating way of discovering Iowa&#x27;s outdoor scene while learning new skills, co-owner Kerri Sorrell tells Axios.

Map: Iowa's peak fall foliage schedule

Iowa's drought is expected to bring fall colors prematurely.

It&#x27;s almost fall, y&#x27;all — and that means it&#x27;s leaf-peeping time.Why it matters: Your window to view the bright hues might be trickier to predict, as<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/13/climate-extremes-warming-charts-concerns" data-vars-content-id="a1a35feb-54d4-4e0f-a8f5-4d8a9bc7ae2d" data-vars-headline="Map: Iowa&#x27;s peak fall foliage schedule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/13/climate-extremes-warming-charts-concerns" target="_self"> climate change</a> impacts when leaves change — and<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" how colorful they get" data-vars-click-url="https://www.neefusa.org/story/climate-change/leaves-they-are-changing#:~:text=How%20Climate%20Change%20Affects%20the,together%20to%20mute%20fall%20colors." data-vars-content-id="a1a35feb-54d4-4e0f-a8f5-4d8a9bc7ae2d" data-vars-headline="Map: Iowa&#x27;s peak fall foliage schedule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.neefusa.org/story/climate-change/leaves-they-are-changing#:~:text=How%20Climate%20Change%20Affects%20the,together%20to%20mute%20fall%20colors." target="_blank"> how colorful they get</a>.

Kitty Axios is readying for adoption

Interested forever families can inquire with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

👋 Jason here with an update about Axios, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the stray kitten that tucked itself" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/07/12/cat-running-engine-car-adoption-desmoines-axios" data-vars-content-id="f01ad89a-5011-4683-a643-56de2328a2a6" data-vars-headline="Kitty Axios is readying for adoption" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/07/12/cat-running-engine-car-adoption-desmoines-axios" target="_self">the stray kitten that tucked itself</a> into my car and took a ride in July.State of play: The<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Animal Rescue League of Iowa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arl-iowa.org/adopt/find-a-pet/pet-list/cat/" data-vars-content-id="f01ad89a-5011-4683-a643-56de2328a2a6" data-vars-headline="Kitty Axios is readying for adoption" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arl-iowa.org/adopt/find-a-pet/pet-list/cat/" target="_blank"> Animal Rescue League of Iowa</a> (ARL) spent weeks caring for her in a behavioral modification program.

Axios reporter Jason Clayworth stands with an ARL employee holding the kitten he found. 

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