Des Moines News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

A tragic July Fourth accident on Clear Lake took the life of 14-year-old Maya Cano, a radiant, kind-hearted teen just beginning her freshman year. On a personal watercraft with cousins, she collided with another boat—leaving her dead at the scene and her 15-year-old cousin critically injured. Maya, known for her positivity, compassion, and love of Stranger Things, LEGOs, and sunsets, had overcome...

Timber rattlesnakes are hitting Madison County this July—big, bold, and protected. These six-foot-long snakes, with their signature black tails, are out mating, and spotting one is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Don’t panic if you see one—these generally shy creatures only strike if provoked. With slow reproduction cycles and tiny litters, their population is fragile, so if you spot one, call the...

Des Moines Fire Department is eyeing a massive $9.7 million federal grant to rebuild Fire Station Eight — a historic hub tied to the Iowa Air National Guard — and equip crews with vital wildland firefighting gear, all while battling a $12 million budget shortfall and addressing dangerously long response times on the city’s fast-growing south side. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow...

Zach Lahn, Iowa’s Republican gubernatorial hopeful, is riding a wave of momentum as he positions himself as the next torchbearer of Kim Reynolds’ conservative legacy, buoyed by a surprise endorsement from Donald Trump and strong backing from GOP leaders and the outgoing governor. With Iowa’s political thermometer heating up and national eyes on the state’s pivotal race, Lahn’s campaign is seen as...

Iowa’s weekend promises sunny, warm weather with highs in the upper 80s and patchy morning fog that clears by midday—perfect for outdoor plans. Overnight lows stay mild in the upper 60s. But brace for the real heat: next week kicks off with 90s temperatures, feeling less sticky than last week thanks to lower humidity. High pressure keeps things dry, with only a slight chance of showers Wednesday o...

One hundred twenty Iowa National Guard soldiers prepared for a domestic deployment to Washington, D.C., marked by a heartfelt send-off ceremony at the 132nd Wing in Des Moines. Governor Kim Reynolds and Congressman Zach Nunn joined families, officials, and chaplains to honor the troops, who marched to their jet amid applause and emotional farewells. Though not a combat mission, this assignment off...

Iowa’s July is packed with heritage events celebrating American history—from trucker jams and genealogy deep dives to Revolutionary War book clubs and kids’ century farm programs. Summer camps explore American folklore and road trips, while state parks offer $2.50 camping discounts. The Iowa Games mark their 40th anniversary with a massive multi-sport fest. Museums spotlight everything from Revolu...

Funnel clouds are spinning atmospheric columns that signal unstable weather—and when one touches down, it’s a tornado. Friday afternoon near Sheffield, Iowa, saw just that, with a confirmed touchdown and a weather warning issued—but thankfully, no damage was reported. These sightings are a wake-up call: severe weather can escalate fast, and staying alert is your best defense. Listen in comfort: Ge...

Iowa’s hands-free driving law is paying off—with a 13% drop in phone-tapping and 9% decline in handheld calls, thanks to drivers putting phones down behind the wheel. Data from Nationwide and Cambridge Mobile Telematics show progress across 85% of counties, including Polk County’s 9% reduction. The State Patrol issued over 18,000 warnings and nearly 15,000 citations since enforcement began, with S...

A beloved goose named Blossom, who became a local celebrity at Riverside Cemetery, passed away after being hit by a car—her death deeply saddened the community. In her honor, the Nevada Monument Company crafted a stunning, unique headstone to capture her spirit and the joy she brought. Her story, including her inseparable bond with friend Frankie, even inspired a book and touched national hearts,...

Swimming’s off-limits at 11 Iowa beaches this week due to dangerous E. coli levels — stay safe and check the DNR’s Friday updates before hitting the water. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sou...

Iowa just passed a bill classifying electric bikes, but the real challenge is enforcing it—because faster, motorized e-bikes, scooters, and e-motos are flooding trails designed for slower, pedal-powered users. Safety for walkers, runners, and cyclists is at risk without clear, statewide rules. Without coordinated state guidelines, cities will create conflicting local regulations, turning trail acc...

In a chaotic June street takeover in Omaha, a fire extinguisher sprayed at a police cruiser blinded an officer, sparking a violent confrontation as suspects swarmed the vehicle. Two teens, including a 16-year-old who admitted to the act and a 19-year-old named Tayden Madison, were arrested; the chief vowed zero tolerance for endangering officers, urging the public to help identify others involved....

Grounded by the Collective, a new Filipino coffee shop in Des Moines, is turning heads with authentic flavors like ube lattes and halo-halo — all crafted by a family of seven siblings and their parents who moved from the Philippines in 2000. More than just coffee, it’s a cozy “sala” where culture meets comfort, featuring locally sourced ingredients and treats inspired by Filipino classics. This is...

A solemn procession carried the body of Air Force Major Brad Hovey, 35, home to Iowa after his tragic death during a training exercise in California. Honored by the Patriot Guard Riders and thousands of mourners lining streets in towns like Dallas Center, his final journey reflected deep community love and national respect. Family and friends, including Sunday school teacher Lori Thomas, remembere...

The iconic water tower outside Kinnick Stadium is being retired—officially decommissioned after 60 years of service. Replaced by a massive 2.7 million-gallon tower near Carver-Hawkeye Arena to support future campus growth, demolition kicks off this Friday night and will continue every weekend until August. Say goodbye to a campus landmark as Iowa City’s skyline prepares for a major upgrade. Listen...

The Picker Knows is packing up and moving from West Des Moines to Winterset after closing its current shop at the end of July—no new lease in sight—but don’t worry, the vintage treasure hunt’s not over; details on their new digs are still coming, but the relocation is official and full of promise. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on...

After 22 transformative years, Iowa State’s longest-serving athletic director, Jamie Pollard, is stepping down—planning to retire by 2027 or sooner if a successor is found. His legacy includes landmark coaching hires like Matt Campbell (first Big 12 title in over 100 years) and Fred Hoiberg/T.J. Otzelberger (basketball success), a record-shattering $53M annual fundraising jump, and $400M+ in facil...

Trump’s lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and pollster J. Ann Selzer over a pre-2024 election poll is heating up in court, with the media defendants arguing it’s a First Amendment shield against baseless fraud claims. The case, which bounced between courts, now hinges on whether polling can be legally labeled consumer fraud — a claim the defendants say ignores the core protections of free sp...

After 22 groundbreaking years, Jamie Pollard is stepping down as Iowa State’s longest-serving athletics director, leaving behind a legacy of unprecedented growth. Under his leadership, the Cyclones soared academically with a 95% graduation rate and 11 straight record-setting years, while dominating the field with 24 Big 12 titles, 11 bowl appearances—including a Fiesta Bowl win—and 24 NCAA champio...

A Cold War-era fighter jet just got an epic aerial upgrade—helicopter-lifted from Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Sioux City for a full restoration. This aviation relic, once a symbol of high-stakes skies, is set to soar again after meticulous care, returning home to inspire awe and preserve history. It’s a jaw-dropping display of modern engineering honoring the past. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a S...

Scattered storms south of I-80 bring rain and a funnel cloud near Van Wert—watch for more activity tonight. Then brace for a scorcher: hot, dry weather kicks in Tuesday through Thursday, with heat indexes making it feel even worse. Meanwhile, Iowa’s hands-free driving law is paying off with fewer distracted drivers, but don’t forget: 11 state beaches have E. coli advisories, and Iowa State’s AD is...

With temps soaring into the 90s this weekend, Iowa’s beaches might be tempting—but beware: eleven state beaches are currently unsafe for swimming due to high E. Coli levels. The DNR has been testing weekly since Memorial Day, and these spots—including Backbone, Big Creek, and Lake Darling—still haven’t dropped below safety thresholds. Advisories remain in place until levels improve. Meanwhile, Blu...

Wells Fargo’s West Des Moines office is rolling out a phased wave of layoffs, cutting 93 jobs between July and September—30 in July, 43 in August, and 20 in September—as part of an ongoing restructuring trend that began in February at their Jordan Creek campus. The company is using Iowa’s WARN system to notify affected employees, signaling a significant and sustained workforce adjustment in the re...

Donald Trump just threw his full weight behind Zach Lahn, the surprise Republican governor’s nominee in Iowa, calling him a “tremendous candidate” and offering his “Complete and Total Endorsement.” Lahn’s “Iowa First” platform, centered on economic growth, tax cuts, and border security, resonated with GOP voters after his primary upset over Randy Feenstra. Now facing Democrat Rob Sand in November,...