Daily
Des Moines
Saturday, July 26th, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Des Moines.
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 26th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Salvation Army of Des Moines is hosting its fifth annual Xtream Christmas in July fair today at Evelyn Davis Park from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.—offering free food and fun for all families. WHO 13
- ➤ Camper setup at the Iowa State Fairgrounds is paused due to wet weather making the ground too soft—officials said setup will resume at 8 a.m. Sunday, and the fair will run from Aug. 7-17. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Shelf Love DSM—the metro’s first romance bookstore—opened in the Drake neighborhood, with owner Sarah Gardner-Bergan saying her passion for romance literature led her to create this unique store. She plans to host community events that will invite local readers to explore her curated selection of romance novels. The Des Moines Register
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ An Indianola man was sentenced Friday to up to 45 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 22.5 years after pleading guilty to kidnapping and attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend in December 2023—his accomplice received a maximum of 35 years with a minimum of 17.5 years. WHO 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Sunday, the National Balloon Museum in Indianola will host the United States Ballooning Hall of Fame event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as three hot air balloon pilots will be inducted while visitors can enter for the first time since a fire destroyed its inventory in April 2024 (officials expect restored artifacts and a new cataloging system before full reopening). WHO 13
- ➤ Visitors at the Iowa State Fair will be allowed to bring outside food and drinks starting Aug 7 with the exception of alcohol and glass containers as CEO Jeremy Parsons explained that food must fit in a small soft sided cooler. Officials added new gates near East 30th and Elwell Family Park to help reduce long lines and bottlenecks for fairgoers. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines Public Schools is asking voters to approve a $265 million bond that will modernize 72 school buildings and add new programs, and supporters plan to gather 9,000 signatures by Sept. 1 to get the proposal on the November ballot—taxpayers may see annual tax increases from $94 to $378 based on home value while critics call for clearer benefits. KCCI
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Thirteen state-managed beaches and two Des Moines area beaches are not recommended for swimming this week because of high levels of E. coli or toxic algae (including the new additions Bobwhite State Park and Prairie Rose Beach). Blue Lake Beach now meets safe standards (based on improved test results) and the Iowa DNR will continue monitoring water quality through Labor Day. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers closed the Cherry Glen Lower Boat Ramp and Oak Grove Beach Access at Saylorville Lake because high water levels made conditions unsafe—closures will remain until levels recede. Visitors can still use Lakeview High Water, Sandpiper, or Cherry Glen High Water ramps but should watch for hidden debris. WHO 13
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Des Moines.
-
New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
-
Summer Music Series: Paul Little at Exile Brewing
5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Experience the perfect Sunday with live music and patio vibes.
-
I Spy: Mario
12 AM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Search for your favorite Mario characters and claim a prize upon completion.
-
Baby Rhyme Time
10:00 – 10:30 AM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A delightful gathering for infants and toddlers featuring engaging rhymes and songs.
-
The SpongeBob Musical
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Dive into the vibrant underwater world where SpongeBob and friends unite to save Bikini Bottom from disaster.
-
Wiggles and Giggles Storytime
9:15-9:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy movement, music, and rhyming with fun watermelon games and crafts.
-
The Hors D’oeuvres Live at Annie’s Irish Pub
8-11 p.m. — Annie's Irish Pub — Cost TBD — Enjoy an evening filled with live music from The Hors D’oeuvres.
-
City Voices Summer Recital
1:30 – 3:00 PM — Noce — Free — Enjoy captivating performances from talented students in Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Classical music styles.
-
Summer Music Series with Casey Peasley
5:00-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer in the heart of summer.
-
Galactic Empire Concert
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Wooly's — $47 to $157 — Experience a unique concert by Galactic Empire that combines Star Wars themes with live music.
-
Drop-In Tech Help
2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free — Get assistance with your electronic devices from knowledgeable library staff.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Des Moines.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Des Moines and across Iowa. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Des Moines
A free Des Moines community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailydesmoines.com/sitemap