Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie won't seek re-election in November, he announced in a five-page thank you letter to the city this morning.

Why it matters: After almost 20 years, Cownie is the longest-serving mayor in DSM history.

• The decision guarantees new leadership in the city's top-elected seat in January.

Catch up fast: Cownie's family owns and operates Cownie Furs, a local business that began as a glove company in the late 1800s.

• He served several terms on the city's Planning and Zoning Commission before being elected to an at-large city council seat in November 2001.
• In 2003, he defeated former longtime Councilperson Christine Hensley to become mayor.

State of play: Cownie, 75, is recognized internationally for advocating that local governments lead environmental efforts.

• Locally, he's pushed to plant more trees and improve parks.

Flashback: His family business was flooded in 1993 and, in 2008, he was mayor when a DSM levee breach caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

• He frequently cites those events in advocating for what are sometimes controversial metro-area flood-risk reduction projects.

What's happening: Cownie tells Axios that he frequently spends 40+ hours a week doing mayoral work, which currently pays $58K annually and is considered part-time.

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

Of note: DSM mayor's salary increases to $70K in January.

The intrigue: Cownie says he's not retiring, noting that his father worked every day until he was 90.

• Cownie Furs' retail location along Ingersoll Avenue remains open but it's possible that portions of the business could pivot to online services, he says.

Zoom in: DSM's council is officially nonpartisan but politics undoubtedly influence local governing, Cownie tells Axios.

• The Democrat advises the city's next mayor to work with everyone and avoid turning local issues into partisan disputes.
• He's uncertain whether he'll endorse a candidate but says the November election will determine the city's course "during a critical and uncertain time."

What's next: The deadline for candidates to file for city elections is today.

• Council members Connie Boesen and Josh Mandelbaum and cosmetologist and activist Denver Foote have already announced they're running.

Read more: Cownie's thank you letter

Des Moines airport executive director Kevin Foley is busier than ever managing a bustling airport that'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.

• In August, DSM had a 10% increase in passengers — nearly 280K additional people — compared to the same period in 2019.

Driving the news: The big task on Foley's agenda is overseeing needed renovations and a new terminal.

• On Tuesday, the Polk County Board of Supervisors approved putting a $350 million bond referendum on Nov. 7 ballots.
• The funds would help build a new terminal, which would add 15 aircraft gates, more security screening lanes and improve baggage handling. It would not raise property taxes.

What they're saying: "We're just literally out of room … and there's no way to expand those concourses the way the terminals [are] laid out," Foley says.

Here's how he starts his busy days:

⏰ Wake up: 5:45am. He's at the airport no later than 7:30am.

🍳 Breakfast: Orange juice, a banana and breakfast bar.

📚 What he's reading: Emails for an hour, then at least 45 minutes reading industry-specific news — especially now as a government shutdown looms.

✈️ His must-have for flights: A knit pillow. "I can fall asleep on the airplane before we ever reach the runway."

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Zoom in on your phone and admire the gooey glisten on this caramelized onion toast from The Cheese Shop.

What it is: Gruyère melted on top of four pieces of ciabatta from La Mie that's rubbed with garlic and topped with caramelized onion jam ($10).

What makes it great: Cheese Shop's decadent toast special hits all of the sweet and savory flavors. It's mouth-wateringly addictive.

• The onion jam spread is tangy with a hint of onion sweetness, while the Gruyère adds a mellow, creamy base.
• And the crusty fresh bread from next door gives it a satisfying crunch.

Where to find it: Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm; 833 42nd St., Suite B.

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⛹️‍♂️ Iowa's unclaimed Michael Jordan rookie card was sold online for $5,400. (Radio Iowa)

🧑‍🚒 A DSM fire captain was terminated following a series of incidents that included him allegedly bringing a punching bag to work with faces of a white person and a Black person. (Iowa Capitol Dispatch)

🌳 DSM Parks and Recreation director Ben Page was named to the National Recreation and Park Association board, an advocacy group with more than 60K members. (Press release)

🥪 More than 200K Iowa children of low-income families are now eligible for $120 in extra food assistance.

• It's a result of state officials reversing course in June to an earlier decision not to apply for the federal aid. (WOI-TV)

⭐️ Today's headline maker: Christine Marchand of Cumming.

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📫 Hit reply and correctly guess the DSM location where Jason is located and we'll add you to a drawing for a free Axios shirt.

• Check back tomorrow for the answer and a story about this watery spot.

"I feel like I've given my heart and soul to this job and, if I were to do it over again, I wouldn't do anything less."