The DMPS board is considering how much money to ask from voters for an upcoming bond referendum — possibly scaling back from a $500 million request.

Why it matters: The district's long-term plan to overhaul outdated schools and expand academic programs hinges on voter support for a multimillion-dollar bond, but some board members want to avoid inflicting sticker shock at the polls and leaving empty-handed.

Catch up quick: DMPS is working toward its 10-year Reimagining Education plan, which would help modernize its schools, offer new Montessori programs, and add preschool programming, specialty schools and grade reconfigurations.

• Des Moines has 72 school buildings, many averaging 70–80 years old.

State of play: The projected cost of the plan is $683 million, including renovations and inflation. Initial board discussions have called for a $500 million bond to help fund it.

• At that dollar amount, owners of a Des Moines home assessed at $200k would pay an additional $356 annually for 20 years, according to projections shared with the school board last week.

What they're saying: Several DMPS board members expressed concern the plan could falter at the ballot box without changes.

• Board member Jenna Knox noted the difficulties Cedar Rapids has faced trying to get a bond referendum passed. In 2023, a $220 million request failed. This year the district is asking for $117 million.
• "This is a lot of money. I'm not going to just sugarcoat it," Knox said during the meeting. "We should be smart about it, versus getting absolutely nothing."

Zoom in: To pass, the referendum requires 60% voter approval in the Nov. 4 election.

• School board chair Jackie Norris suggested DMPS officials research more on a $250-$300 million bond and how that would impact the project.
• Current projections show that a $300 million bond would cost an additional $213.88 annually for a home assessed at $200k.

What's next: The board is set to meet July 8 to vote on final bond language and determine the size of the request.

A Senate Democratic leadership super PAC launched an online ad campaign featuring Sen. Joni Ernst's (R-Iowa) viral "we all are going to die" quote during a May town hall.

Why it matters: Iowa has been a solidly red state for years, but Democrats see an opportunity to weaken Ernst ahead of her 2026 reelection campaign.

Zoom in: In response to questions about Medicaid cuts expected to be part of the sweeping GOP budget bill making its way through Congress, Ernst told voters "well, we all are going to die."

• Democrats are featuring the footage in a new ad campaign that launched yesterday and will run for the next couple of weeks on streaming services, YouTube and social media.
• Senate Majority PAC, which is linked to Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), is spending $200,000 on the effort.
• Democrats have made Medicaid a focus of their counterattacks against GOP's congressional control, accusing vulnerable Republicans of working to strip health care coverage from potentially millions of Americans.

Zoom out: The firestorm from Ernst's comment has shaken up her campaign, as Axios Des Moines reported.

• She has drawn a GOP primary challenger and national attention to what could have been a sleepy, safe race, now listed as "likely R" by Cook Political Report.

As high temperatures broil the Midwest, many are turning to pools, lakes and cooling centers for relief. But don't sleep on using food to beat the heat.

Why it matters: Chilled soups, salads and other cold delicacies offer a way to turn down your body temperature without heating your kitchen.

Dig in: Axios reporters have compiled some of our favorite hot weather recipes featuring a variety of cooling foods.

Monica Eng in Chicago turns to her mint garden to make an ultra-easy watermelon salad topped with olive oil, mint, and crumbled feta.

• And she blends watermelon chunks, mint, lime juice and ice for a healthy slushy.

Go deeper

🏢 The Downtown Chamber of Commerce is rebranding as the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce to reflect its outreach across the metro better. (Business Record)

🌾 Researchers warn that harsh tariffs may negatively impact the mental health of central Iowa farmers. (KMALand)

🎨 DMPS staff and community members are working to catalog and preserve school art collections. (Des Moines Register)

🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.

Des Moines Arts Festival at Western Gateway Park June 27-29: Explore original artwork from 195 professional artists, get hands-on with dozens of free activities, check out 24 original films, and enjoy a variety of live music on two stages. Admission is FREE.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

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