Linh Ta

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Jason Clayworth |Linh Ta

Data: World Happiness Report 2025; Chart: Axios VisualsAmericans are dining alone at record rates, according to the latest World Happiness Report (WHR). By the numbers: Roughly 1 in 4 Americans (26%) in 2023 said they ate all of their meals alone the previous day — a 53% increase from 2003. Young adults are driving the solo dining trend, multiple studies show — and they're also reporting high levels of loneliness. The intrigue: Young men are among the loneliest.

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Jason Clayworth |Linh Ta

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axiosđźš« Gov. Kim Reynolds vetoed a bill meant to restrict the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines. She said the bill would have set a "troubling precedent" in the state. She also vetoed a bill that would have allowed doctors to prescribe synthetic psilocybin. (News release)đź’‰ A second and third case of measles were confirmed in Iowa so far this year. One is a vaccinated adult male, and the other is an unvaccinated child.

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Linh Ta

Students in the Central Campus Culinary Arts program on April 24. Photo: Courtesy of Jon Lemons/DMPSDes Moines Public Schools wants to offer "signature schools" where students can enroll in more specific subjects they're interested in. Why it matters: DMPS says the program could help students become more workforce-ready after graduation. State of play: The district surveyed students and parents and received 14,000 responses regarding what specialty programs they're interested in.

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Linh Ta

Photo: Courtesy of Pella Corp. As Pella Corporation celebrates its centennial this year, the Iowa-based window and door manufacturer is embracing a very different workforce than the one it started with. Why it matters: Founded in a predominantly Dutch and majority-white community, Pella Corp. has adapted to a changing America and diversified its manufacturing workforce in response to ongoing labor shortages.

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Linh Ta

Photo: Linh Ta/AxiosCasey's plans on opening 80 new stores this next fiscal year, continuing the Ankeny-based company's rapid growth. Flashback: In its fourth quarter report, Casey's shared that it built or acquired 270 stores last fiscal year — the highest number in the company's history. The acquisition of Fikes Wholesale last year contributed to the high number.