Why it matters: Axios Des Moines, anchored by Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
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UpDown, an iconic Des Moines sculpture gets new life along a bike trail in Johnston. Photo courtesy of City of Johnston
If you grew up in Des Moines in the 70s and 80s, no doubt the "naked trike angel" at Merle Hay Mall popped into your nightmares.
The front of Cumming Tap, one of the most popular stops in Cumming, Iowa. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios
Even though it's right next to Des Moines, let's face it — you've probably never heard of the town Cumming.
But Mayor Tom Becker is banking on the 500-person town being central Iowa's next 'it' destination.
Why it matters: Des Moines is growing at a pace that's faster than the national average and we're seeing tremendous residential development, especially in suburban areas that aren't landlocked.
Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Des Moines is expected to fare better than other metros in our COVID-19 economic recovery, according to the Wall Street Journal.
What's happening: Central Iowa benefited this last year by being home to more "pandemic-proof" industries, like finance and manufacturing.
Illegally imported dogs held in a quarantine facility in the U.K. (Not a puppy mill in Iowa!) Photo: Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images
The Humane Society of the United States ranked Iowa as the state with the third-highest number of puppy mills, noting 11 locations that are in "filthy, hazardous" condition.
Why it matters: We all have puppy fever, but where we spend money to get our furry friends could be perpetuating a cycle of inhumane breeding conditions.
Iowa’s longtime goal to replace 25% of petroleum used in gasoline with biofuels by 2020 fell far short, a new report from the Iowa Department of Revenue shows.
By the numbers: Last year hit 14.5%, a record yet still short by roughly 226.2 million gallons needed to reach the mark set by lawmakers in 2006.