The Diocese of Des Moines has seen a 51% surge in new Catholics this year, with 400 converts recorded compared to 265 in 2025.

Why it matters: The local figures are part of a broader national trend, which the New York Times says is producing some of the highest convert numbers in recent years.

State of play: This Easter weekend, converts will be welcomed across the metro, including in three local parishes — 36 at St. Anthony's in Des Moines, 25 at Sacred Heart in West Des Moines and 24 at Christ the King.

Zoom in: The Rev. Michael Amadeo of St. Anthony's says interest has climbed since COVID as people search for deeper meaning.

• But the other factor may have been the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, who is a native of neighboring Illinois.
• "In the media, the Catholic Church has become more prevalent, specifically because of Pope Leo," he says. "That is getting people more exposure to Catholicism that you haven't had before."

The big picture: The Diocese of Des Moines isn't alone in the rise — last year, a separate Byzantine Catholic liturgy became regularly available in Des Moines.

• Greek Orthodox churches in the state also saw a rise in new members last year, the Register reports.

The last word: Amadeo sees a desire among people to have more meaning in their lives, especially in a time of more divisiveness and isolation.

• "I think people have decided that they want something more and something deeper, and that would be connected to their faith."

Nearly two-thirds of Americans now use AI regularly and want stronger oversight, but are conflicted on how far regulation should go, according to a new national survey from AI governance nonprofit Fathom shared exclusively with Axios.

Why it matters: Americans are growing more comfortable with AI as Washington struggles to regulate it, but people still want guarantees on safety and job security.

• Iowa lawmakers are considering legislation that would require mental health disclosures for minors using chatbots, The Gazette reports.

By the numbers: Nearly two-thirds of Americans use AI weekly or more, per the survey.

• 40% of respondents say they're excited about AI, while 23% say they're concerned. Another 35% feel both.
• 90% say it's important that AI products for kids should be verified as "safe" before they're used.

People also say they want policymakers to deliver guardrails while also keeping the U.S. dominant in AI.

• Support for international cooperation drops from 47% to 34% when it would require the U.S. to cede control.
• Respondents also strongly back workforce transition policies with support from the government, and say they trust independent experts and nonprofits more than politicians or tech companies to set guardrails.

What they're saying: AI is used in every industry of the 300 companies the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) represents, which includes manufacturing, education and health care.

• Mollie Ross of TAI told The Gazette the association wants Iowa to be a leader in AI and wants to ensure industries aren't "hampered or prevented from that innovation" because of legislation.

🏠 Rising home prices are still squeezing Des Moines-area buyers even as mortgage interest rates dip. (Des Moines Register)

🏥 Iowa Methodist Medical Center is accused in a wrongful death lawsuit of a "persistent pattern" of inadequate emergency room care. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

🌾 Local farmers and environmental advocates are urging lawmakers to restore funding for the state's water monitoring system. Without funding, 60 of the state's 80 monitors could shut down starting in June. (KCCI)

🧑‍🍳 No Iowans advanced to become James Beard finalists this year. (Des Moines Register)

This week's "History Mystery" shows a popular street in downtown Des Moines, circa 1907.

📣 Hit reply and tell us what street this illustration is showing for a chance to win an Axios hat!