Good morning, Des Moines.

Lutheran Services in Iowa announced that Dr. Eric Idehen, director of the Evelyn K.

Davis Center for Working Families, will retire in late September after two years in the role; the organization has launched a search for his successor to ensure continued support for local families.

Local baker Andrea Oleson combined cookie butter and banana cream pies to create an award-winning 'pie baby' that earned a Blue Ribbon at the Iowa State Fair on Thursday, Aug.

27. She also sponsored a Next Gen Pie competition for young chefs in Des Moines.

Ankeny native and former KCCI intern Madeline Erickson placed fourth runner-up + won the interview award at the Miss USA competition in Miami on Thursday evening.

She was crowned Miss Iowa USA 2026 in June.

An interactive art exhibit called Domino Effect is being installed today at Cowles Commons (across from the Civic Center) to offer giant, musical dominoes that light up; it will open on Saturday and run until Sept.

30.

At the Iowa State Fair, a 1,246-pound boar is crowned champion, drawing visitors to marvel at its impressive size and local pride.

Wicked opened at the Des Moines Civic Center on Wednesday, beginning a three-week run that brings the Broadway production home for local native Steve Quinn.

Quinn manages 65 crew members (traveling with 13 tractor trailers) and handles challenges like winter weather as the show continues through Sept. 20.

At the Iowa State Fair today, local contestants competed in a bubble-gum contest that challenged them to blow the biggest bubble and entertain fairgoers.

The event added a playful highlight to the day’s festivities.

New superintendents in central Iowa districts promise school safety upgrades, renovations and more learning opportunities.

In Des Moines, DMPS interim superintendent Matt Smith will launch the reimagine education program today — district leaders in Southeast Polk, Perry, Ottumwa and Waukee also aim to boost academic and facility improvements.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services launched Thrive Iowa this summer — the program now operates in 20 counties, including Buena Vista County where Storm Lake Community School District will hire staff to help families with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Seniors starting their final year in Iowa high schools must pass a civics test to earn their diploma; they must correctly answer 12 of 20 U.S. Citizenship Test questions & retakes are allowed for those who score below 60%.

Governor Kim Reynolds, who proposed the requirement in 2025, said the test prepares students for civic responsibility.

On Thursday, Aug. 27, a partial lunar eclipse — visible in Des Moines — began at 8:23 p.m., peaked at 11:12 p.m., and ended by 2 a.m. Friday.

State officials ruled Wednesday, Aug.

27 that Alliant Energy must lower natural gas rates for more than 200,000 customers by nearly $2.6 million after finding improper charges for chartered jets plus unshared savings from worker buyouts and outsourcing services.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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