Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 25th of August.
Good morning, Des Moines.
🏘️ Community
At the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair on Aug.
23, over 30 dogs from the Des Moines Obedience Training Club showcased agility by racing through jumps+ tunnels and entertaining a cheering crowd that included seasoned competitors and playful newcomers.
Urbandale Food Pantry reopened today after a two-week closure for improvements, featuring an expanded parking lot + safety upgrades that increased capacity from 30 to 44 spaces and added concrete bollards with a light pole coming soon.
🚧 Accidents
Polk County Sheriff's Office identified the missing boater as James Michael of Windsor Heights after he went overboard on Aug.
22 and suspended search efforts near NW Morningstar Drive and NW 45th Place in Saylor Township — local agencies had joined the operation.
🎭 Culture
The Iowa State Fair broke its all-time attendance record in 2026 by drawing 1,218,834 visitors, exceeding previous totals by over 36,000.
The fair set record highs on four individual days, including 130,654 on Aug. 22.
🎓 Education
Students returned on Aug.
24 to begin the 2026-2027 school year at Kurtz Opportunity Center in Des Moines and Woodland Hills Elementary in Waukee, while Moulton Elementary students used Kurtz temporarily as their school is razed and rebuilt + improved.
Interim superintendent Matt Smith said he was excited as back-to-school began on Monday with significant changes planned for Des Moines Public Schools.
Meanwhile, Waukee has welcomed a new superintendent who will lead the district into the upcoming school year.
Des Moines Public Schools revealed renderings of planned renovations at Brody+Goodrell+Weeks+McCombs middle schools under the Reimagining Education bond.
The upgrades will improve facilities soon.
🏛️ Government
At the Iowa State Fair, political candidates spoke from Aug.
14 to Aug. 22 at the Des Moines Register Soapbox, engaging local audiences with campaign messages and spirited discussions. A photo collection highlights moments from speeches by candidates for Senate, governor, congress, and other offices.
🏥 Health
Iowa HHS confirmed 16 measles cases in southern Iowa as of Aug.
24. Officials reported a potential exposure at Pizza Ranch in Ottumwa on Aug. 14 + they advise anyone unvaccinated or experiencing symptoms to check with a health provider.
🎉 Des Moines Events
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