Sunday, August 31st, 2025

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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 31st of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Crusaders for a Cause held a magnet fishing charity event Saturday at Riverwood Park to raise awareness for the deaf and hard of hearing community—organizer Jared O’Rear said the event cleaned the river and that all proceeds from scrap metal sales were donated to the Iowa Association of the Deaf. WHO 13
- ➤ Skate DSM donated 50 helmets and skateboards to local kids during the last day of the Des Moines Streetstyle Open as part of its ongoing Get on Board project—this project has given more than 1,200 items to youth since 2022. President Norm Sterzenbach said the giveaway supports the next generation of skaters. WHO 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines Public Schools’ Community Education program is now accepting fall registration to offer classes and certifications for all ages, including a kids cooking class with Hy-Vee and retirement planning for older adults — the program also features online workshops and wellness courses. WHO 13
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa DNR advised families to avoid 15 state beaches this Labor Day weekend after weekly tests found high E. coli levels at 14 beaches and dangerous algal toxins at one site. Officials said advisories will remain until water quality meets state standards. WHO 13
- ➤ Iowa DNR reported that a Zinpro facility near Garner released 700 gallons of copper liquid on Thursday morning due to a broken pipe — the spill flowed into Drainage Ditch 81 and dead fish were reported, though no copper reached the East Branch Iowa River. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A former Des Moines doctor is suing the Iowa Board of Medicine and says the board is going after him for an alleged Dubai conviction he says never happened—he argues the investigation is wrong since his license is expired. His lawyer said he wants a court order to stop any more steps by the board. The Des Moines Register
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Preston Ries—an instant special teams standout—played a key role in Iowa’s 34-7 win over Albany at Kinnick Stadium in his college debut. He said he was grateful for the chance to work hard as a linebacker and earn his role. The Gazette
- ➤ On Saturday, Iowa beat Albany 34-7 to open their 2025 season as the starting quarterback, a South Dakota State transfer, shifted from passing to handoffs after struggling early. Freshman running back Williams rushed for 122 yards and scored his first touchdown while coach Kirk Ferentz noted the team’s stronger running game. The Gazette
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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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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Writers' Workshop 2025
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — No registration required — Share your work and receive valuable feedback from fellow writers.
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VolunTEENS Work Time
3-4 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free opportunity — Engage in a fun and rewarding volunteer activity at the library.
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GalaxyCon Des Moines
Sep 12-14 — Iowa Events Center — Tickets from $178 — Experience an unforgettable celebration of fandom with GalaxyCon in Des Moines.
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Big Used Book Sale 2025
10 AM - 5 PM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Benefits library programs — Shop for a variety of used books and more while supporting your local library.
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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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