Good morning, Des Moines.

Friday morning started with normal drive times for commuters in Des Moines and a crash in Ankeny on I-35 around 6:15 a.m. briefly blocked the southbound left shoulder while emergency vehicles assisted drivers and cleared the scene within 15 minutes.

On Thursday, May 8th, at 2:31 p.m., the Des Moines Police Department reported that a single-vehicle accident on Bloomfield Road occurred when 60-year-old Jerome Cook’s 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix, traveling at high speed, left the roadway and hit a utility pole—claiming his life as a technical investigation continues.

Sleepy Hollow’s Spring Fling Renaissance Faire kicks off today at 10:00 a.m.—the largest permanent Renaissance faire site in the state, where fairgoers at 4051 Dean Avenue can enjoy live music, fire stunts, combat shows, tasty food, and crafted goods.

The event runs until 6:00 p.m. on May 11 and again May 17-18, with tickets at $20 for both days and free admission for kids under 12 while parking costs $5.

Iowa mom Sebrina Hill, an Air Force veteran and paramedic from Oskaloosa, was surprised at her Purdue Global graduation on May 3 when her son, a U.S. Army specialist serving overseas, returned to the ceremony—captured on video as a touching reunion.

Lawmakers' state budget plan will include $5 million to build an Agricultural Education Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, a key part of the planned My Iowa Ag Learning Campus that will focus on crop development, Iowa soils, farm equipment and agricultural jobs.

The new building is projected to cost $15 million and similar state fund withdrawals from gambling tax revenues have been proposed in bills under review.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that Stacy Cervenka has been chosen to lead the Iowa Department for the Blind and will begin on July 7.

The decision follows a nearly year-long search after the former director resigned in July 2024—battling Stage 4 kidney cancer.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

Summer Music Series: Taylor King

5:00-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes every Sunday.

I Spy: Iowa Wildflowers

Discover Iowa wildflowers — May 12-24 — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Learn to identify local wildflowers and hunt for them in the children's area for a prize.

Sensory-Friendly Hours

4-7 p.m. — Science Center of Iowa — Check website for details — Explore the wonders of science in a quieter, sensory-friendly environment tailored for all visitors.

35th Annual Iowa Breastfeeding Conference

8 AM - 5 PM — FFA Enrichment Center — Registration fees apply — Attend insightful sessions on evidence-based breastfeeding support for healthcare professionals.

Wiggles and Giggles Storytime

10:15-10:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime with movement, music, and fun rhymes for young children.

2025 Girls Nike EYCL Tournament Of Champions

May 16-18 — EMC Expo Center — Admission required — Experience top-tier youth basketball competition featuring various teams.

Downtown Farmers' Market 2025

7 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Court District — Free entry — Explore local produce, artisan foods, and seasonal delights at this vibrant market in downtown Des Moines.

Soul Revival at Surety Hotel

4-7 p.m. — Surety Hotel — Free entry — Experience a soulful evening of gospel and R&B music under the stars with live performances and community vibes.

Quartz Classic Golf Event

10 AM – 4 PM — Glen Oaks Country Club Iowa — Cost varies — A day of golf supporting Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa in picturesque surroundings.

Birth Basics Class

11 PM – 1 AM — Visitor Parking Ramp — Registration required — Gain essential information on labor stages and delivery options in this informative class.