In Iowa, more single women own homes than single men do — and overall homeownership in the state is now majority female.

Why it matters: Sixty years ago, women couldn't even get a credit card or a mortgage without a male cosigner. Now, the share of single women homeowners eclipses that of single men.

State of play: Single women own 13% of owner-occupied homes nationwide, versus 10% among single men, per a LendingTree analysis of census data that tracks closely to Iowa's statewide figures.

• In 1990, fewer than a third of total households (married and single) were headed by females, but by 2021 that had jumped to 51%.
• Gen Zers and millennials made up the largest share of single women mortgage applicants in 2023.

The intrigue: In most age groups, women outnumber men. "This is more a reflection of strength in numbers than economic vitality," Pew researcher Richard Fry tells Axios.

• Women in the U.S. tend to live longer than men, though that gap is narrowing.

Reality check: Opportunity isn't equal.

• Single Latina and Black women have the lowest homeownership rates of any group in the U.S.

Zoom in: In Des Moines, RE/MAX Realtor Sara Hopkins is hosting a free four-week homebuying course for single women starting Sept. 12.

• Each week features a different expert: a financial lender, a home inspector, a DIY pro and a real estate agent.
• She says she has worked with a growing range of single women, including first-time homebuyers, divorcees, single mothers and older women.

What they're saying: "You do not have to have somebody else. You do not have to be married. You do not have to have a partner," Hopkins says. "It can happen."

💭 Linh's thought bubble: I bought my own home back in 2021, and it was the scariest and best decision. No one can tell me not to paint my door pink!

An Iowa entrepreneur recently launched HUDU, an online marketplace for odd jobs like lawn mowing and moving.

The big picture: HUDU founder Derreck Stratton envisions the business becoming as ubiquitous as Uber or Airbnb.

• "You need a ride, Uber it. You need something done around the house or at the office? HUDU it," Stratton tells Axios.

State of play: The business is currently in Des Moines and Minneapolis with goals of expanding nationwide.

• It received a $250,000 grant from Google and $50,000 from the state.

How it started: The name "HUDU" comes from "Who do you know?" — a common question someone asks when trying to hire somebody.

How it works: People can list a job on HUDU's app or website and include a picture and brief description.

• Workers submit bids and the lister selects one based on price, reviews, and whether a background check was completed.
• While sites like Angie's List are focused on connecting full-time professionals, HUDU is geared towards smaller, part-time jobs, Stratton says.

Workers sign up and verify their identity. A background check is optional but can enhance their profile.

• Reputations are built up by endorsements on the site, similar to Uber drivers, Stratton says.

Details: HUDU handles the transactions and holds the lister's money in escrow.

• Once the lister approves the finished work, the money is sent to the worker.

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Forty-two years later, the world is still wondering what happened to Des Moines Register paperboy Johnny Gosch.

Flashback: On Sept. 5, 1982, Gosch disappeared while delivering papers on his route in West Des Moines.

• His mother, Noreen Gosch, believes he was abducted and forced into human trafficking.

Zoom out: Gosch's disappearance remains one of Iowa's most notorious cold cases, prompting a documentary and dozens of true crime podcasts and videos.

🐃 Phill, the water buffalo, needs to undergo surgery to remove a lead bullet in his abdomen. (KCCI)

🥛 A mechanical issue at AE Dairy left multiple metro schools without half-pint milk cartons and resorting to water instead. The issue should be resolved this week. (WHO-13)

🛒 Bed Bath & Beyond's former Clive location will become Painted Tree Boutiques, a collection of small shops selling home decor, crafts, furniture and clothing. (Des Moines Register)

🚗 Ericson Auto in Ankeny may have its dealership license revoked after its owner was convicted of vehicle registration violations. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

⭐️ Today's headline maker: Tony Voss of DSM

A snow monkey was born at Blank Park Zoo Saturday, and officials are taking bids from zoo supporters for the chance to pick her name.

Zoom in: An online silent auction is now open as part of the zoo's annual Safari Soirée gala, which is tonight.

• Baby naming bids are open until Saturday at 8 pm.
• The bidding was at $5,000, as of late Wednesday.