Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of September.
Good morning, Des Moines.
Thunderstorms are affecting Des Moines as drivers face wet roads and brief delays on I-235 after a crash was reported near NW 2nd Street, with debris seen on I-35 northbound lanes.
Overnight, I-35/80 northbound lanes will close from University Avenue to Meredith Drive for construction — drivers should use detours.
An SUV crashed into a Des Moines home Tuesday night at about 10:15 p.m.—the driver said an equipment malfunction led him off the roadway, and police reported no injuries while they continue their investigation.
Des Moines police say a man accidentally shot himself in the leg at a home on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway—he was taken to hospital early Wednesday morning and officers recovered two firearms from the scene.
Prince Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, will visit Decorah on Oct.
6 to mark 200 years of Norwegian immigration by touring Vesterheim Norwegian Museum + Luther College while his trip will also take him to Minnesota and New York.
The Ankeny school board approved a $130 million bond issue on Sept.
2 to build a new technical education hub—upgrading athletic and fine arts centers while keeping property taxes steady. Voters will decide on Nov. 4 if the projects will move forward and free up space in high schools.
Saydel Community School District switched to a four-day school week in 2024-25 to support teacher wellness and improve recruitment — teacher applications rose from 16 to 70 per position — and academic scores improved in 18 of 21 state-assessed areas.
In West Des Moines, schools began last week enforcing a ban on personal cellphones during class time—teachers and administrators report positive feedback as students adjust.
Middle and high schools allow phone use at lunch and passing time while elementary students are restricted all day.
This year marks the 100th Iowa pheasant hunting season and DNR biologist Todd Bogenschutz said a roadside survey shows a 20-year high in adult pheasants — which brought more nests despite fewer new chicks — that could boost the harvest to up to 750,000 if weather holds and hunter numbers rise from last year's 77,000.
Earlier, Interstate 80/35 was closed from 10 p.m. Wed until 4 a.m. today for ramp work — crews installed temporary barriers and pavement markings.
Today, the northbound I-35, eastbound I-80 University Avenue on-ramp and Hickman Road off-ramp will close while four ramps remain shut through 2025 and drivers are urged to follow detour routes via 121st, Meredith, Douglas Parkway and Northwest 128th.
New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
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.
Touchdown Tailgate
11 AM – 4 PM — Cowles Commons — Free admission — Celebrate the Cyhawk takeover with a fun-filled day at Cowles Commons.
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.
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.
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.
GalaxyCon Des Moines
Sep 12-14 — Iowa Events Center — Tickets from $178 — Experience an unforgettable celebration of fandom with GalaxyCon in Des Moines.
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.
2025 GalaxyCon - Sunday
3:30 AM — Hy-Vee Hall at Iowa Events Center — Tickets starting at $156 — Experience a day filled with exciting performances at GalaxyCon.
I Don't Know How But They Found Me Concert
7-11 p.m. — Wooly's — $85-$925 — Catch a night of eclectic tunes and memorable performances by I Don't Know How But They Found Me.
Uncle Lucius Concert
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Wooly's — $36-$79 — Catch Uncle Lucius live in a vibrant setting with great local energy.
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