Daily
Des Moines
Saturday, September 20th, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of September.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The owners of Merle Hall Mall presented a plan last Friday to completely rebuild the arena on the old Younkers site at a cost of nearly $42 million. The mixed-use venue—designed for hockey, concerts, soccer, volleyball and ice events—will take about 18 months to complete and aims to retain more than $26 million in state financing. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Archived photos from the Des Moines Register show Drake University campus history — including moments from a 1932 homecoming prank to the opening of new athletic and library facilities over the years. The Des Moines Register
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ AAA-Iowa spokeswoman Brynna Knapp said a new study finds owning and driving a new vehicle now costs Iowans an average of $11,577 per year due to lower depreciation, reduced financing costs and a drop in fuel expenses—saving over $700 from last year. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines Public Schools saw test scores, graduation rates, and state assessment participation improve as two schools became the state’s second-highest performing and chronic absenteeism dropped by 17%. Superintendent Ian Roberts said a $265M bond measure will be on the ballot in November—aimed at adding preschool access, career and technical education, and building updates. KCCI
- ➤ Angie Allen from Earlham Community Schools received the Golden Apple award for her creative teaching methods—she uses themed lessons like dressing as Commander Allen to engage her preschoolers and plans new learning activities after winter break. Her innovative approach has earned praise from parents and students for making school fun and effective. WHO 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa Board of Regents approved plans for a new Grassley Center at the University of Northern Iowa to focus on civic education and serve as an archive of Sen. Grassley’s work. UNI will request formal creation next year—honoring Grassley’s 44 years in the Senate. KCCI
- ➤ Des Moines City Council will have three open seats on Nov. 4 with incumbent Mike Simonson running for the at-large seat, incumbent Josh Mandelbaum for the Ward 3 seat, and new candidates (Rob X. Barron, CeCe Ibson, and Dudley Muhammad) running for Ward 1 after Chris Coleman opted not to seek reelection. Early and absentee voting begins Oct. 15 and ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Luke Hoffman, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, said that some bikes labeled as electric are actually motorcycles without working pedals that can travel too fast for shared roads—raising safety concerns for all riders. He called for tougher rules to stop these misleading models and to protect cyclists across Iowa. Radio Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Des Moines-based company Clear Air Enviro-Services is demonstrating its method for testing and cleaning cooling towers tonight to help slow the spread of Legionella in response to 70 cases and one death in Marshall County since August. The company uses tests that provide results in about 20 to 30 minutes and cleans towers from top to bottom—ensuring the bacteria do not recur. KCCI
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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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2025 Peace Day International Festival
10 AM – 3 PM — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Celebrate global peace with food, dance, and cultural activities at this vibrant festival.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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