Daily
Des Moines
Tuesday, August 26th, 2025
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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 26th of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, a 19-year-old man who pled guilty in a 2023 fatal crash had his probation revoked and now faces up to 32 years in prison after he was caught driving under the influence again — his new sentence also covers charges for eluding and a second OWI. WHO 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Walnut Street Elementary celebrated its last first day on August 25 with dancing and a chicken dance as families enjoyed a lively start to the school year, even as the school will close in July under the Reimagining Education plan — a change driven by declining enrollment and post-pandemic work shifts. School staff and parents expressed mixed feelings about the transition that aims to improve academic programs for 30,000 students. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ On Aug. 25, 2025, students returned to area schools as Walnut Elementary in downtown Des Moines welcomed early learners and Waukee North Middle School—newly built for grades 6-8—opened its doors for the first day of class. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Des Moines Public Schools started the new school year with many changes—new principals at 13 schools, free meals for all 30,000 students, better athletic fields, a library partnership, and a stricter cell phone policy—all part of the Reimagine Education plan. The district is also collecting 7,424 signatures for a $265 million bond that will fund facility upgrades, new programs like Diploma+, and sixth grade additions. WHO 13
- ➤ Iowa public school districts must enforce a new law that limits cell phone use in class as the school year starts. The law allows exceptions for students with disabilities and English learners and lets teachers use phones in lessons when needed—guidelines were provided by the Iowa Department of Education. Radio Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Johnston city leaders approved an agreement to build a golf and hotel complex on Merle Hay Road near Interstate 35/80, marking the 10th deal with Bombers Golf and Hotel since 2022. The complex will include an 80,000-square-foot golf facility and upscale hotel, create at least 200 full-time jobs, and receive up to $19.7 million in tax rebates over 14 years—council member Rhonda Martin voted no because she said moving the hotel closer to Beaver Creek undermines progress on the water trail while construction is expected to finish by December. KCCI
- ➤ Fifty people became U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony held during the Iowa World Food & Music Festival in Des Moines on August 25th. Immigration attorney Anne Johnson said the process takes a long time — some refugees may wait up to 17 years before starting their citizenship application. Radio Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Iowans are urged to take precautions as the state reported its first West Nile virus case last week in northern Iowa. State medical director Robert Kruse said people should use mosquito repellent with DEET and avoid standing water to lower the risk of severe symptoms — especially for older and immunocompromised residents. Radio Iowa
WELLNESS NEWS
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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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Central States Shrine Association Annual Convention 2025
8 AM – 5 PM — West Des Moines Marriott — Cost info TBA — Gather with fellow Shriners for a celebratory convention featuring a parade and activities.
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Jackyl Concert
7:00-8:30 PM — Wooly's — $58-$925 per ticket — Enjoy a high-energy performance by the southern rock band Jackyl in the heart of Des Moines.
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Downtown Farmers' Market
7 AM – 12 PM — Court District — Free entry — Celebrate local produce and artisanal goods at Des Moines' vibrant farmers' market.
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Summer Music Series: David Watson at Exile Brewing
5:00-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes during this summer event.
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Monthly Writing Night
7-9 p.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — Engage in a relaxed evening of creativity with fellow writers and prompts to spark new ideas.
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Des Moines Women's Club Opening Day
1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Women's Club — Free entry — Celebrate the kick-off of the club's 140th year with a musical cabaret performance featuring Jackie Schmillen.
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Graphic Design Bootcamp
2-8 p.m. — Bank of America Building — Course fees apply — Gain hands-on experience with essential graphic design tools and techniques.
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Awakening Events: Christian Music Concert
6-10 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of uplifting Christian music in downtown Des Moines.
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Touchdown Tailgate
11 AM – 4 PM — Cowles Commons — Free admission — Celebrate the Cyhawk takeover with a fun-filled day at Cowles Commons.
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Harry Potter Night at Iowa Cubs
1:08-2:38 PM — Principal Park — $13+ — Experience the magic of Harry Potter with themed entertainment and a kids' run around the bases.
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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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