Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
Good morning, Des Moines.
Bondurant is redeveloping its historic grain silos into an entertainment district that will feature an amphitheater built within the silos—along with a 110-foot rock climbing tower and an event space for 850 guests.
The project has raised over $1 million through state grants and local contributions and will begin construction in 2026 with complete work expected in 2027, potentially drawing tens of thousands of visitors to the revitalized Grain District.
Even though Library Card Sign-up Month is over, Iowa residents can still get a library card at any library in the state.
The card lets users borrow books, access digital tools, and join events statewide—offering open access to library resources.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said this morning during a conference call that Congress must act to fully fund the federal payments promised to farmers—since the USDA budget does not cover the trade-related losses.
Iowa senators Green, Gruenhagen and Evans sent a letter asking the state auditor to review DMPS financial records after former Superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested for illegally possessing a firearm — they said the district received more than $460 million from taxpayers, which raised concerns over proper fund use.
Linn County supervisors are reviewing Google’s proposal to build a six-building data center in rural Linn County and will begin an 18-month water balance study to check if water supplies are adequate.
Google has offered to pay for the study — the potential site is near the decommissioned Duane Arnold nuclear power plant.
Iowa DOT warned drivers in Des Moines that construction will close parts of eastbound I-80 and the mixmaster—drivers must take detours and expect delays on select nights starting today.
Crews will work on concrete and signage with closures set from 8:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. on designated days.
Gov. Kim Reynolds last Wednesday signed an executive order mandating that state agencies use E-Verify and SAVE to check employment eligibility — a measure prompted by a hiring gap in Des Moines schools.
Implementation details will be finalized with federal officials and both systems are set to be fully operational by the end of the year.
A government shutdown has led the FAA to warn that staffing shortages are delaying flights at airports such as Chicago O’Hare, Newark, and Nashville — Des Moines International Airport may see disruptions if delays spread.
Sarah Hoodjer said passengers should check airline apps and arrive early — advice meant to help travelers avoid extra delays.
ADM volleyball lost to top teams but still finished ranked No. 10 in Class 4A, and the football team won 42-7 with quarterback Hudson Shull topping 22 touchdowns this season — showing strong local performance.
Dallas Center-Grimes and Van Meter teams also posted record wins and key moments as they prepare for upcoming contests.
New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
Skizzy Mars Live Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets from $71 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Skizzy Mars in Des Moines.
The Goonies in Concert
3:30-5:00 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — $28-68 — Celebrate 40 years of adventure with a live symphonic performance of the iconic film's score.
Evil Dead In Concert - A Live To Film Experience
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Hoyt Sherman Place — Tickets starting at $9 — Experience the cult classic film with a live concert performance.
Paul McCartney Concert
6:00-9:30 p.m. — Wells Fargo Arena — Ticketed event — Experience a legendary evening with the iconic Paul McCartney performing live.
Fall Author Series: Hank Phillippi Ryan
7 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan shares insights on her latest thriller, featured in scenes set at this very library.
Saxsquatch Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — $27.49 — Experience the mind-bending sounds of electronic music artist Saxsquatch adorned with a spectacular live show.
Turn it On! Mural Festival
1-3 p.m. — 901 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Celebrate the unveiling of an AR mural by Leon Keer while enjoying live jazz music.
Doom Gong with Evander Ellsbury
7:00-8:30 p.m. — xBk Live — Tickets start at $38 — Experience an unforgettable evening with Doom Gong in Des Moines.
Nurse Blake Comedy Show
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Hoyt Sherman Place — Ticket prices starting at $51 — Enjoy a night of laughter with Nurse Blake at this renowned venue.
Storytelling with Analogies
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Principal Financial Group — Free entry — Enhance your communication skills by crafting analogies that simplify complex concepts.
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