Casey's posted record profits in its last fiscal year, fueled by surging gas margins and strong in-store sales, leaders shared during an earnings call this week.

Why it matters: Gas stations are the great equalizers in our society, and purchasing habits at Casey's can reflect how Iowans are doing in general.

State of play: Casey's experienced record fuel profit margins this last quarter, and while volatility surrounding the Iran War drove fluctuations in oil prices, CEO Darren Rebelez says he expects strong margins to stick.

Zoom in: Small gas station chains make up the majority of the convenience store industry, but those owners are working on thin margins because of increased labor costs, weaker purchasing power and fewer revenue streams.

• Because they have fewer ways to offset rising costs, they rely on higher fuel margins to "stay above water," benefiting Casey's, Rebelez said.
• Gas prices also rise with inflation.

Yes, but: Cheaper ethanol blends are up, and people are buying a little less per fill-up but are visiting more frequently.

🍕 Food sales: We're predictable — people are eating up pizza and wings.

• Whole pizza sales are up about 10% year-over-year, and wings are emerging as a potential next growth driver.
• Pizzas are priced around $1 to $3 less than national competitors, a draw for customers seeking cheaper meals, Rebelez says.
• Wings could someday rival pizza sales, though it could take a long time to build.

🚬 Nicotine products: Cigarettes are out; vapes and pouches are in. This is good for the company because they sell at significantly higher margins.

The big picture: Casey's tracks shoppers by three annual income tiers: Under $50,000, $50,000–$100,000 and above $100,000.

• Growth is still happening across all three, though the lowest income tier is softening, he says.

What's next: The company plans to open at least 120 stores next year.

Go deeper

DART's redesigned bus network launches Sunday, with every route changing.

Why it matters: The overhaul reshapes how thousands of metro riders get to work, school, appointments and the grocery store.

State of play: The transit agency is reducing its fixed-route network from 27 to 10 routes and removing about 900 of its 1,600 bus stops.

• Agency officials say the tradeoff is intended to make buses faster and more useful by spacing stops farther apart, concentrating service on major corridors and improving frequency and weekend service.

Three things to know:

1. DART is providing free rides through June 30, saving riders the regular $1.75 fare per trip.
2. Some walks will be longer.
3. Help will be available in person at DART Central Station and several key bus stops during the launch.

What they're saying: The agency will monitor whether the changes are working as intended, DART deputy CEO and chief operating officer Luis Montoya tells Axios.

Behind the scenes: DART has already received complaints about new bus stop locations. Montoya said the agency will evaluate concerns on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing safety and accessibility.

Zoom in: DART officials cautioned commissioners this month against judging the new network by total ridership alone, at least initially.

• Several factors are in play, including 10% less overall service, reduced school service, and the elimination of the Iowa State Fair park-and-ride in Pleasant Hill, staff told the commission.

Yes, but: DART is adding more capacity to its $3 round-trip state fair shuttle service from the Center Street garage, Montoya tells Axios.

Plus: The Iowa State Fair in March announced a new free shuttle service from Southridge Mall.

What we're watching: Whether DART On Demand, which lets riders book shared trips within a defined zone, becomes a larger part of the agency's post-launch strategy.

• DART currently operates the service in Ankeny and says new zones in Ankeny, Altoona and Clive-Urbandale will start this fall.

Axios DSM reader Harry Wood recently noticed construction at the former McDonald's near Lincoln High School and asked us what the site's future holds.

The answer: A laundromat.

Catch up quick: The building in the 2900 block of Southwest Ninth Street has been vacant since the restaurant closed in September 2023.

• Last year, Des Moines' Zoning Board of Adjustment granted QSA LLC a conditional-use permit to operate the former restaurant as a small "assembly and entertainment" venue for events such as weddings and birthday parties.

Yes, but: Those plans are no longer in the works, property co-owner Martin Castaneda Sanchez tells Axios.

The bottom line: The former fast-food site is getting new life — just not as a party venue.

Friday

🏳️‍🌈 Capital City Pride Festival | Iowa's largest LGBTQ+ celebration returns to the East Village with live entertainment, vendors, food and a parade on Sunday. | Friday–Sunday | Free!

⚽ USA vs. Paraguay Watch Party | Cheer on Team USA during this soccer match shown on a giant outdoor screen under the trees at Water Works Park. | 8pm | Des Moines Biergarten | Free!

Saturday

🎨 Social Saturday: Pride and Seek | Celebrate Pride Month with drag king story time, art activities, a documentary screening, scavenger hunts, and guided tours. | 11am–2pm | Des Moines Art Center | Free!

🇵🇭 Filipino Fiesta | Enjoy Filipino food, live entertainment, cultural performances, games, and fashion shows during this celebration. | 11am–7pm | Living History Farms | Free!

🛼 Des Moines Roller Derby Pride Bouts | Watch free short-track roller derby action as three newly formed home teams battle it out in a Pride Month showdown. | Noon | Brenton Skating Plaza | Free!

Sunday

🚲 Captain Roy's Bike Show | Check out custom bikes, vintage rides, low riders, BMX builds, and more while supporting local cycling programs. | Noon | Captain Roy's | Free!

The dome of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden will glow with rainbow colors today and tomorrow for PrideFest 2026.

Why it matters: It's a photo-worthy backdrop just across from the Historic East Village festival.

Plus: June marks the start of extended summer evening hours, with the garden staying open late Tuesdays and Fridays through September.

• And don't miss tonight's Pizza on the Patio!