Iowa State

<div> Millions of birds are expected to migrate through Iowa and the Midwest over the next few nights, according to the Iowa DNR. Why it matters: Early May is peak spring migration time in Iowa and birds need insects to eat as they move up north. <hr><ul><li> 550 million birds are expected to move through the state this migration period, which ends late May, says Anna Buckardt Thomas, Iowa DNR avian ecologist. </li></ul><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> How you can help: Limit pesticide and fertilizer use. A scarcity of insects can hinder migration and breeding, and lead to weaker immune systems. <ul><li> And don't rake this month — decaying leaves help attract insects that are good for birds' diets. </li></ul></div>

Columbus, OH

Polk County, IA

Axios Des Moines

Polk County averaged 15 severe storm watches annually over the last two decades, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.That includes watches for thunderstorms and tornadoes.Why it matters: We're in a region with among the most watches in the state.Guthrie, Mills, Fremont and Page counties averaged 16, the most in Iowa.The intrigue: The data doesn't include 2024, which has already recorded a record number of tornadoes.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.

Mapped: Iowa's severe weather threats

Des Moines, IA

A local artist and DMPS principal is painting a new mural on the Southwest 9th viaduct after the city painted over a "creepy" mural depicting Jack Nicholson's character from "The Shining."Flashback: The city covered the former mural last year after it was painted without permission.Both the artist and its date remain unknown.Driving the news: The Shop, a nearby event center that took over the former Des Moines Social Club space, commissioned local artist and Moulton Elementary principal Eddie McCulley to paint a new piece.McCulley is creating a colorful, kaleidoscope-like mural similar to a mandala, he tells Axios. He wanted to create a bright burst of color to brighten the area.He's painted multiple murals at his school as well.What's next: The work isn't finished yet and he plans to paint the bridge's upper wings."It's really kind of a zen kind of moment for me, too," he says. "So, I'm not rushing it." The former mysterious mural. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios

Downtown Des Moines viaduct gets new mural

After winning hundreds of baking competitions, Eileen Gannon entered one of the most important competitions of her life at the Iowa State Fair in 2018: the chance to commercialize a food product.The big picture: Her chocolate peanut butter sauce won the top prize, and she went on to retire from her career in 2020 to manufacture and package her own line of chocolate sauces.What's happening: Now, she's the CEO of that business, Sunday Night Foods, and sells her sauces in 3,000 stores, including retailers like Hy-Vee and Fareway.She also recently starred in Netflix's new show, "Blue Ribbon Baking Championship."Here's how Gannon starts her day:⏰ Wake up: Between 5:30-6:30am with no alarm clock.🍳 Breakfast: A decaf espresso and her own green juice recipe."I'm pretty wound tight, so I don't need the caffeine," Gannon says. "The Type A takes care of it for me."📚 What she's reading: NYTimes, Wall Street Journal, Des Moines Register, Axios and Bloomberg.🍰 A tip for people who want to bake professionally: "Rely on cookbooks more than the internet."

How Netflix baking contestant Eileen Gannon starts her day

Waukee, IA

I'm testing out a Mediterranean diet these days, so when I heard that Home Sweet Cone in Waukee incorporates olive oil into its "secret menu," I knew I had to try it.What it is: A drizzle of Graza extra-virgin olive oil accompanied by sea salt flakes on any ice cream flavor.What I ate: I tried it with a scoop of chocolate ($4.25).What I liked: Home Sweet Cone is already known for its creamy and decadent hard-packed ice creams. Put some fat on fat and you've got a viscous and subtle earthy flavor.And step aside, sprinkles — the flakey salt adds a little punch and texture.My thought bubble: If you're curious about the combo, you could just drizzle some oil on your ice cream at home. But where's the fun in that?If you go: Noon to 10pm Sun.-Thurs.; noon to 11pm Fri.-Sat.1188 SE University Ave, WaukeeGet more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.

Waukee ice cream shop offers olive oil drizzles

As Des Moines moves closer to approving bans on public sleeping and camping, City Council continues to face questions about the costs and litigation the changes might cause.Why it matters: Proponents say the ordinances will help fix a homelessness crisis but critics, including Polk County Attorney Kimberly Graham, say they are missteps that will inflame problems.Catch up fast: Recent increases in homeless encampments have boosted public health, safety and sanitation concerns, prompting calls for action from some businesses and residents.DSM unveiled the proposals last month following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that found that sleeping and camping bans do...

Public sleeping ban faces unknown costs, litigation in Des Moines

Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Note: Estimated from administrative and survey data; Map: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosIowa in 2022 had among the country's lowest shares of residents under 65 without health insurance, according to new Census Bureau data. But newer, preliminary numbers show that might be changing.Why it matters: Uninsured people are more likely to forgo needed care or preventative services, which can lead to higher rates of chronic disease with expensive and disabling complications.State of play: As of 2022, Iowa's 5.4% uninsured rate was tied with Minnesota's, and lower than those of all surrounding states.Only Massachusetts (2.9%), Washington, D.C. (3.1%), Hawaii (4.3%),...

Iowa's uninsured rate is among the nation's lowest, but that may change

Axios

Federal officials upgraded Des Moines' flood protection rank this week — a major win for the city's mitigation efforts and a financial score for residents. Why it matters: Starting in October, some property owners' flood insurance premiums will drop as much as 25%, Axios has learned. Catch up quick:...

Scoop: Des Moines' flood prevention leads to insurance break

The Good Butcher, which is set to open in Sherman Hill in October, plans to offer some of the highest quality meats in the metro, owner Calvin Schnucker tells Axios.State of play: Focused on small, local Iowa-farmed meats, the shop will be located next to HomeGrown Kitchen in the Crescent Chevrolet building, with slaughter services provided by Guthrie County Quality Meats.Salumi and dry-cured meats will be among its specialties.The intrigue: Schnucker eats a plant-based diet, supplemented with high-quality non-GMO raised meats, which he'll also offer in the shop.All the shop's sides and prepared dishes will be plant-based, providing options for vegetarians, he said.Behind the scenes: Schnucker got started in the meat business working at Fareway nearly two decades ago, Wini's Food Stories reports.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.

"The Good Butcher" specialty shop opening soon in Des Moines

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NewsNinja

‘Any meat items my dogs refuse to eat, I no longer eat.’ It’s said that animals have a “sixth sense,” which affords them an insight human beings cannot match. There are clips of security camera earthquake footage where pets can be seen wigging out seconds before tremors begin.

‘It ain’t food anymore.’: Dairy Queen customer warns against chicken after his dog refuses to eat it

Iowa Architectural Foundation (IAF) launched a contest to build Des Moines' skyline from Legos this week.State of play: The fundraiser is inspired by Joe Feldmann, an associate principal at OPN Architects, who recently completed a similar project to celebrate Iowa's first Lego store, which opened in Jordan Creek Mall in May.He donated instructions for the Lego skyline project to IAF to raise money for the group's "Architecture in the Schools" program.Zoom in: Any donated amount to the program gives contestants access to the instructions.Legos are not included.Contestants should post pictures of their finished projects on social media, and judging will happen after the Oct. 31 deadline.The prize is the fun of competing and bragging rights if you win.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.

Contest challenge: Build Des Moines' skyline from Legos

Polk City, IA

Arcadia, a new modern American restaurant, is opening in Polk City today with unique Vietnamese and Latino influences.Why it matters: The owners want to introduce fine dining and more cultural choices to the suburb's growing restaurant scene, co-owner and head chef Mikel Nguyen tells Axios.The vibe: The newly-constructed, nearly 5,000-square-foot restaurant has high ceilings, lots of windows and natural lighting.There's also a large patio for nearby boaters from Saylorville and Big Creek who want to dine outside.What to expect: Brunch, lunch and dinner menus featuring casual plates like a smash burger ($15) to more formal plates like surf and turf ($37).Nguyen, who is Vietnamese, worked with his chefs to create a fusion menu featuring dishes like chimichurri tacos ($17.50) and Asian-inspired sticky ribs ($27).The intrigue: "Arcadia" means a place with peace and simplicity, Nguyen says, nodding to their farm-to-table concept.If you go: 11am-9pm, Tues-Thurs; 11am-10pm, Fri; 8am-10pm, Sat; 8am-2pm, Sun.1010 Tyler Street, #4, Polk City. The kimchi quinoa burger. Photo: Courtesy of Arcadia

Polk City's newest restaurants opens up

The Iowa State Fair Sky Glider is celebrating its 50th year of operation, and Axios reader Jerry Gale has a first-person account of its stalled beginning.Catch up fast: Nobody has ever fallen from the ride, but more than 50 people were stuck for hours during its debut because of an overheated motor. Gale was one of them.Zoom in: While in the air, Gale and his then-future wife watched horseshoe pitching and listened to fair announcements.Fire engine ladders eventually brought stranded people to the ground and there were no injuries.The bottom line: Gale got an extra long and memorable sky ride. Gale now lives in Minnesota. He visited the Iowa State Fair this week. Photo: Courtesy of Jerry Gale

Man recalls being stuck for hours on Iowa State Fair Sky Glider

A former teenage Orchard Place resident is suing the Des Moines youth mental health treatment center and a former staff member, alleging the staffer sent inappropriate, sexual messages to her.Why it matters: The nonprofit is one of the most prominent providers of inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment for youth and adults up to 21-years-old in central Iowa.Details: The patient, "Jane Doe," arrived at Orchard Place between May and August 2019 when she was around 14-15-years-old, her attorney, Ervin Nevitt tells Axios.During that time, a male staffer of about 19 or 20 communicated with her through texts, Snapchats and phone...

Lawsuit alleges Orchard Place failed to protect teen resident

One of the metro's most endangered buildings could be saved as part of a $500,000 purchase plan that goes before the Des Moines City Council tonight.Why it matters: The International Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F) Fraternal Hall is a landmark building in Highland Park's commercial district, where preservationists recently lost a battle to save a historic apartment.Driving the news: The City Council is considering acquiring the building from owner Ty Cawley due to its historic value.Catch up fast: The three-story building was constructed in 1907 as the local meeting spot for the organization.Little remains of the original lodge hall and offices following multiple apartment and business conversions since 1930.A to Z Pawn, its last tenant, moved out several years ago and the city recently declared the building a public nuisance because of its poor condition.What's next: If approved, DSM will solicit bids and transfer the property to a developer for rehab.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.

Historic Highland Park building could be saved

Los Angeles, CA

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Anaheim, CA

NewSantaAna

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – An Inglewood man and a father-daughter duo have been charged for stealing nearly $400,000 in goods and selling counterfeit items at a swap meet, following an investigation by the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCTF).

Father and daughter arrested in Anaheim facing charges for stealing retail goods worth over $10K

The Des Moines metro's 65+ population has grown faster since the pandemic than any other age group — and higher than the national average — according to new Census data.Why it matters: Cities with growing senior populations face greater pressures on services like health care, transportation and affordable housing.By the numbers: The metro's 65+ population grew 11.4% between 2020 and 2023 to about 109,800 people.Meanwhile, the number of children under 14 dropped 1.3%, to around 147,130.The big picture: The numbers reflect a broader national phenomenon, with the U.S.'s  65-plus population rising 9.4% to about 59.2 million in the same...

Des Moines is getting grayer

Potentially dozens of businesses and as many as 15 apartments could take over the former site of Riccelli's Italian Restaurant.Why it matters: The project hopes to cultivate small businesses while extending area retail and service options, Jason Cousineau, one of the project's developers, told Des Moines plan and zoning commissioners earlier this month.Zoom in: Cousineau and local developer Junior Ibarra propose demolishing the former restaurant to build two buildings on the site and an adjacent undeveloped parcel.The nearly 1.3-acre project would be constructed in two phases and resemble "The Suites," Cousineau's Davenport development that provides space to cosmetologists.Friction point: Neighbors voiced concern to the commissioners about possible traffic implications.Yes, but: DSM's zoning staff noted that the property is along a major corridor and argued the project's business/housing concept compliments the area.The commission, in turn, unanimously recommended rezoning the property — which now goes to the City Council.What's next: The sale of the property will likely be finalized if rezoning is completed in the coming weeks, Ibarra tells Axios.Construction could begin as early as next spring, he says.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.

Business hub planned at Riccelli's restaurant site in Des Moines

Millions of birds are expected to migrate through Iowa and the Midwest over the next few nights, according to the Iowa DNR.Why it matters: Early May is peak spring migration time in Iowa and birds need insects to eat as they move up north.550 million birds are expected to move through the state this migration period, which ends late May, says Anna Buckardt Thomas, Iowa DNR avian ecologist.How you can help: Limit pesticide and fertilizer use. A scarcity of insects can hinder migration and breeding, and lead to weaker immune systems.And don't rake this month — decaying leaves help attract insects that are good for birds' diets.

Help migrating birds through Iowa

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