Good morning, Des Moines.

Barbara Miller saw a 6-foot python in her backyard and put up warning signs in her Waterbury Neighborhood — she called animal control after the snake vanished — and Blank Park Zoo’s chief said the albino snake might hunt in summer but will not survive winter.

Labor Day will be on Sept.

1 and Des Moines will hold its annual parade at 11 a.m. as local unions’ floats leave the Iowa State Capitol and end at the State Fairgrounds, with a picnic for union members and families at Union Labor Park on 4640 N.W. Morningstar Drive — drivers are advised to travel early or late since heavy traffic is expected on Thursday and Friday afternoons and Saturday morning.

The Iowa Department of Transportation reported on August 4 that a crash on I-35 just north of the east mixmaster blocked center lanes of I-35 southbound — prompting multiple emergency vehicles to respond — and caused delays as traffic dwindled to one open lane for drivers headed toward Des Moines.

Former tattoo artist Mark Anthony Cates faces a charge of third-degree sexual abuse for allegedly assaulting a client at the Ink Factory in Marshalltown and three counts of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse for acts at the Lucky Gal tattoo shop in Clive — he is held on a $25,000 bond and will appear in court on Wednesday.

DOT said work on the Hickman Interchange will cause overnight closures on I-35/80 starting August 10 with various closures scheduled throughout August.

Motorists must use a detour via I-235, 100th Street, and NW Urbandale Drive — closures depend on weather and some ramps will remain closed until December.

Senate candidate Nathan Sage, a Mason City native + veteran and executive director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, began his tour of 99 counties in 99 days by stopping in nine counties this weekend.

He raised over $700,000 from grassroots donations + will visit Boone County tomorrow before ending his tour with a town hall on November 4th.

Michele Brant and Matthew Schwarz are running for Madison County auditor in a special election on Aug.

26 after former auditor Teri Kaczinski resigned on July 4 over spending and hiring issues. Brant, a former county board clerk, vows to bring more transparency while Schwarz, appointed on July 7, is working to fix broken systems (like credit card tracking and payroll).

Last week, over 12,000 older athletes from all 50 states competed in Des Moines at the 12-day National Senior Games, which offered more than two dozen sports such as pickleball, tai chi and swimming.

The biannual event set its second-highest participation in nearly 40 years as seniors showed their athletic talent.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Iowa Cubs Summer Blood Drive

7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Principal Park — Free entry — Donate blood, save lives, and get a chance to win prizes with the Iowa Cubs.

2025 Downtown Farmers' Market

7 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Historic Court District — Free entry — Explore local produce, artisan foods, and more at this vibrant community market.

Double Date Speed Dating at Secret Admirer

2-5 p.m. — Secret Admirer — Ticket for 2 people — Enjoy a fun and interactive double date speed dating experience for singles aged 25-38.

Iowa State Fair

7 PM – 1 AM — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Waitlist available — Experience the excitement of Iowa's largest outdoor event with food, rides, and entertainment.

VolunTEENS Library Opportunity

4-5 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Volunteer opportunity — Help out at the library while gaining community service experience.

Sara Sato's 'Notes from the Sea' Exhibit Opening

6:30-8 p.m. — Heritage Art Gallery — Free entry — Explore a unique meditation on our relationship with nature through the diverse stories of water and its enigmatic inhabitants.

Jane Monheit Performance

7 PM — Noce — Cost not listed — Experience the enchanting jazz interpretations of vocalist Jane Monheit.

RnB Brunch DSM

4-8 p.m. — 319 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA — Ticket required — Savor a delicious brunch with bottomless mimosas while enjoying soulful R&B tunes and karaoke fun.