Polk County Republicans have nominated Pleasant Hill Councilperson Alyson DeMoss for supervisor and DSM criminal defense lawyer Jonah Dyer for county attorney in November's election.

Why it matters: The nominations give Republicans a chance to challenge Democrats for county offices — including a supervisor seat that could help determine control of the five-member board.

Driving the news: The Republican Party of Polk County made the selections at a special nominating convention over the weekend, chairperson Andrew Ventling said in a statement to Axios.

Context: No Republicans ran in the June primary for county offices, but Iowa law allows parties to fill general-election ballot vacancies after the primary.

Zoom in: DeMoss owns 29th State Consulting, a lobbying firm that works with state government and bipartisan coalitions on public policy issues. She will face Democrat Heather Jones-Brown in the District 4 supervisor race.

• Dyer is the founder of JHD Law in Des Moines. He will face Democratic incumbent Kimberly Graham, who was elected Polk County attorney in 2022.

The intrigue: Democrats' primary results have already shaken up the county races.

• Jones-Brown defeated longtime Des Moines City Council Member Joe Gatto in the District 4 supervisor primary to succeed retiring Supervisor Tom Hockensmith.
• Former state representative John Forbes defeated incumbent Supervisor Matt McCoy, the board's chair, in the District 1 Democratic primary.

State of play: Even as Iowa has shifted right statewide, Polk County remains the core Democratic voting center in central Iowa.

• That gives Democratic nominees a built-in advantage in many countywide races and in some supervisor districts.

Yes, but: Republican supervisors Jill Altringer and Mark Holm took office in January 2025, demonstrating that Polk County Republicans can compete.

What we're watching: Republicans have until 5pm on Aug. 26 to fill any remaining ballot vacancies — including whether Democrats Izaah Knox and Forbes will face GOP challengers in the other Polk County supervisor races.

Iowa's first prolonged heat wave of the year has arrived just in time for July Fourth.

Driving the news: A large, stagnant high-pressure area over Tennessee is driving the heat across much of the country, and Iowa is on the outer edge of that system, National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Ansorge tells Axios.

How it works: Think of it like a lid on a pot.

• The high pressure traps heat and moisture near the surface with nowhere to go, and because the system isn't moving, neither is the heat.

By the numbers: The heat index value today is around 100–110° in central Iowa.

• Wednesday and Thursday will be up to 105°.
• Things will cool slightly over the weekend, with a heat index of 100° on July 3 and the upper 90s on July 4, Ansorge says.

What they're saying: "The unusual thing this year is this is the first prolonged heat wave we've had at this magnitude, so maybe it's a little delayed, but overall, it's not uncommon," Ansorge says.

🌽 The intrigue: "Corn sweat," scientifically known as evapotranspiration, is also starting to contribute to the Midwest's high humidity, he says.

• Corn sweat is the process by which corn releases vapor into the air after absorbing water through its roots.
• It occurs every summer, starting around this time.

The bottom line: Stay hydrated, take shade breaks and double-check your back seats for kids and pets, Ansorge says.

📈 A new study found hiring and salaries are up in Des Moines, but inflation is still outpacing wage growth for many workers. (WHO-Radio)

⛽ Gas prices are rising in the Des Moines area, even as national averages dip heading into the July 4 travel rush. (WHO-13)

💰 Des Moines City Council members voted unanimously to deny themselves pay raises. (Council documents)

• The council also approved a demolition permit for the Brown Garage complex, which includes a former opera house built in 1899. (Axios)

Jason here: The Green Olive has added a downtown Des Moines location, bringing its Mediterranean platters and wraps to the Gray's Station area.

The vibe: Bright, casual and quick-service — the kind of place that works for a lunch break, an easy dinner or a takeout order when you want something fresher than the usual fast-food loop.

On the menu: Shawarma, kabobs, gyros and falafel anchor the lineup, with platters served alongside staples like hummus, yellow rice, salad and pita.

• Breakfast is also served before 11am, with a mix of omelets, skillets and sandwiches.

On my plate: I tried the Falafel Platter ($17), which was big enough to share.

• For an additional $3, we were able to add extra sides and another piece of pita bread — a worthwhile move if you're splitting.
• The falafel was hearty without being heavy, while the hummus and garlic-lemon-dressed salad helped keep the plate balanced.
• I also tried a small tabbouleh salad ($8.99) — a parsley-heavy mix of chopped herbs, tomatoes, bulgur and lemon that was bright and refreshing.

My thought bubble: This is a solid fast-casual option, especially for people looking for vegetarian-friendly meals.

Dig in: The Green Olive, 424 SW 9th St., Suite 116, DSM.

• Open Monday-Saturday, 8am-9pm; Sunday, 8:30am-8pm.