Daily
Des Moines
Saturday, May 9th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 9th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Zion Lutheran Church in Johnston held its annual spring fishing night at Terra Park on May 8, offering many kids their first fishing experience despite chilly weather. Volunteers said the event was engaging for both families and helpers. KCCI
- ➤ Memorial Day weekend offers 12 low-cost events across Iowa to honor fallen veterans and bring family fun. Highlights include a free breakfast and exhibits at the Gold Star Museum in Johnston and a memorial service at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines (with parades, tours, and park activities statewide). Iowa Starting Line
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Traffic slowed on I-235 after two crashes occurred Friday morning in Des Moines. A crash on westbound 2nd Avenue blocked two lanes for about 30 minutes, and a separate semi-truck incident delayed movement near the eastbound ramp at E. 14th Street, though both have since been cleared. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Blue Zoo, the interactive aquarium at Jordan Creek, will close on Memorial Day (May 25) after nearly two years of operation; its animals will move to other Blue Zoo sites and trusted care facilities as the facility wraps up its hands-on exhibits. The Des Moines Register
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Waukee Northwest student Braden Steenhard won first place in the U.S. Navy Band's young artist solo competition in March by performing Herman Bellstedt's Napoli and earning $1,000. He will perform with the band at a celebration concert at Maryland Hall in Annapolis today. KCCI
- ➤ A restored Vietnam War-era helicopter is touring Iowa as a flying museum to honor fallen veterans. Retired Marine Nick Turner will pilot it today in Council Bluffs & at Atlantic Municipal Airport, with 15 planned events and donations accepted online. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A cyberattack on Canvas disrupted access for several Iowa schools on Thursday, May 7 until systems were restored late that night — officials confirmed no passwords or sensitive financial data were exposed and that the platform is fully online. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ A cyber attack on Canvas disrupted Iowa schools last night, with hackers threatening to leak data if ransom demands are not met by May 12. Sioux City SD said the system briefly went offline and resumed by 11 p.m. (Des Moines, Iowa City and Marshalltown were also affected). Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A rare white bison calf at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge drew extra patrols on May 8 as crowds gathered near roads (visitors were urged to stay in vehicles). Officials noted the calf shows small brown patches and may change color as it matures. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officers from across the state gathered near the capitol today for the annual Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony, and no new names were added to the memorial. Public Safety Commissioner Stephen Bayens and Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer stressed the importance of honoring the sacrifice of fallen officers. Radio Iowa
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New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
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Mother's Day Brunch at Big Grove
9 AM - 2 PM — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Special brunch menu with prices ranging from $12 to $18.75 — Celebrate mom with delicious food and a free Mom-mosa.
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Emo Nite at Wooly's
10 PM – 1 AM — Wooly's — Tickets from $64 — Experience an unforgettable night filled with emo music and nostalgia.
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Clue: High School Edition
7-9 p.m. — Stoner Theater — Check the details for ticket prices — A madcap comedy where iconic characters race to solve a murder mystery at a dinner party.
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Clue: High School Edition
7-9 p.m. — Stoner Theater — Admission fee required — A comedic whodunit unfolds as guests race to find a murderer in Boddy Manor.
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Summer Concert Series Performance
11 AM – 12 PM — Heritage Carousel of Des Moines — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful summer concert in a charming carousel setting.
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Spring Music Series: Forrest McCurren
5-7 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy great live music while sipping on discounted beers during the Spring Music Series.
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Alpha Wolf Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Ticketed event — Experience the electrifying performance of Alpha Wolf at Wooly's in Des Moines, IA.
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Meet Me @ The Altar Concert
7-9 p.m. — Wooly's — Concert tickets available — Enjoy an evening with Meet Me @ The Altar in Des Moines, IA.
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Cultivating Careers Program
9:30-11:30 a.m. — Project IOWA — Free participation — Empowering community members through holistic workforce training and one-on-one coaching.
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World Pork Expo
June 2-3 — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Admission varies — Explore the pork industry's latest innovations and meet thousands of fellow enthusiasts.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Des Moines
Welcome to the Daily Des Moines, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Des Moines, Iowa community. If you like the Daily Des Moines, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Des Moines.
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