Axios Des Moines

October 29, 2026
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Todayβs newsletter is 801 words β a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: UnityPoint, The Iowa Clinic clash
The Iowa Clinic has notified UnityPoint of plans to terminate its 30-year partnership, citing concerns about hospital operations.
Why it matters: The dispute could upend a partnership that helps determine where Central Iowa patients receive care and which doctors treat them.
Driving the news: The Iowa Clinic notified UnityPoint on Friday that it intends to terminate all contracts, expiring from February through October 2027, according to an internal email obtained by Axios.
- The notices are intended to push UnityPoint toward negotiations, not necessarily end the relationship, Iowa Clinic spokesperson Susan Metheny tells Axios.
What they're saying: "There are many issues that have gone unaddressed by UnityPoint leadership that have impacted our physicians' ability to care for patients and practice effectively within the hospital environment," Metheny said.
- The Iowa Clinic wants a partnership built on "trust, accountability, operational support, and a shared commitment to patient care."
The other side: UnityPoint was "surprised and disappointed" by the decision to unilaterally end the relationship, spokesperson Mark Tauscheck tells Axios.
- UnityPoint is evaluating the implications but says there are no changes to the care it provides.
Neither organization has publicly specified how many physicians or patients could be affected if the contracts expire.
Context: The organizations are already in a legal fight over the valuation of The Iowa Clinic's ownership stake in Lakeview Surgery Center.
- Metheny says the lawsuit is a separate matter and the termination notices reflect broader problems in the relationship.
What's next: The Iowa Clinic says it is willing to negotiate new terms and hopes to avoid terminating the contracts.
- "We remain hopeful for a resolution to this matter so we can continue to focus on caring for the patients who depend on us," Metheny said.
2. The special of the week
From melty cheesesteaks to fat-stacked Reubens, The Good Butcher off Ingersoll, is regularly selling out of its weekly Sandwich Tuesday specials.
Why it matters: Food is fun, and these creative sandwiches get the shop's chefs to think outside the box while also using locally sourced meats.
How it started: A year ago, actor Nick Offerman was in town, and in an attempt to get him through the doors, The Good Butcher created a sandwich called The Offerman, chef Aaron Byrd tells Axios.
- While the celebrity didn't come in, dozens of customers did, prompting the butcher shop to regularly hold Sandwich Tuesday, Byrd says.
State of play: The shop's brainstorming often starts with whatever excess meats are available. Sometimes it's extra smoked sausage or chuck eye steak.
- The sandwich is posted Tuesday morning, and the employees each try a bite to make sure it's good to go.
- Several guests have made their own 'wiches, including Masterchef Grant Gillon. Around 60 are typically sold, Byrd says.
The intrigue: Sometimes the flavors are international-inspired, like Balkan Δevapi sliders or a house-marinated bulgogi banh mi.
What's next: Byrd says he's considering a chicken shawarma next week.
- The shop serves sandwiches from around 10:30am to 1pm.
3. The Ear: Reap it and read
π’ The Grimes City Council is rolling out new, transparency-focused steps for reviewing data center proposals (WOI-TV)
ποΈ Iowa Fastener is expanding in Ankeny with an 82,000-square-foot addition. (Business Record π)
πΌοΈ Organizers behind the Des Moines Arts Festival are launching a new fall art event at Val Air Ballroom from Nov. 6-7. Tickets are $8 at the door. (WHO-13)
π³οΈββ§οΈ Local LGBTQ+ Iowans say they're disappointed in Democratic candidates taking on anti-transgender rhetoric, but they're left with little choice but to vote for them. (The 19th)
4. π» Some worthy Halloween stops
A spectacular Halloween display spanning multiple homes is free to visit in the 100 block of East Park Avenue in Des Moines.
Zoom in: Organizers encourage visitors and welcome donations for Skeletons for St. Jude and the National Brain Tumor Society.
Stop by: For safety, homeowners ask visitors not to stop or pause on busy Park Avenue.
- Parking is available on adjacent streets, though you might have to walk a few blocks. It's worth it!

π 1 more free stop: Halloween on the Hill in Des Moines' Sherman Hill neighborhood is tomorrow, 6:30-9pm.
- The event helps raise money for the DMARC Food Pantry Network.
- Free parking for the event is at UnityPoint Health, near 15th and Center Streets.
πΊ Starting Sunday, DSM Public Library will cut monthly Kanopy streaming tickets by a third, reducing access from roughly 15 to 10 movies per month due to budget cuts.
- Kanopy Kids, which offers unlimited free streaming of children's programming, will be eliminated.
This newsletter was edited by Chloe Gonzales.
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