Des Moines News Today | 2 Min | The Local Wire

Des Moines officials are reviewing a five-year highway plan and Pleasant Hill has paused tax incentives as infrastructure decisions shape the metro area. A motorcyclist was injured near MercyOne and traffic is delayed after a multi-vehicle crash on I-235.

Des Moines — A woman was hospitalized after a serious dog attack on the north side near a residential area, prompting authorities to urge pet owners to keep animals leashed. Meanwhile, the annual Cajun Fest in West Des Moines raised thousands for children’s charities, with co-founder Kevin Schlueter highlighting its growth from a backyard boil to a community event.

Des Moines — A structure fire in Sheldon destroyed a garage and two vehicles, while pet owners are advised to prepare for 4th of July fireworks. A dog attack on Euclid Avenue and a Des Moines man charged with two shootings also made headlines.

Des Moines officials face a major legal battle over a $142 million countersuit from Johnston developers over a stalled sports facility, while the Iowa ALICE report highlights 34% of households struggling with basic needs. The city council in Ames also debates a LightEdge data center near the airport, and federal funds boost DART upgrades as a beloved Peruvian restaurant, Panka Peruvian, prepares t...

Des Moines faces a major public safety moment with the arrest of former superintendent Ian Roberts, captured on video, and grapples with a looming $12 million budget shortfall for 2028. A Des Moines pet store owner, Michael Jensen, has pleaded guilty to animal neglect and abuse charges after over a dozen animals were seized.

Des Moines officials announced the eradication of the Pseudorabies virus after months of containment efforts, while DART riders struggle with the chaos of a redesigned bus system. A Des Moines meteorologist, Jeriann Ritter, received a Distinguished Service Award despite stepping down from her role due to ALS, and an appeals court ordered a new trial in an Urbandale school sexual abuse case.

Des Moines: A Grimes father faces murder charges after his 2-month-old died in 2025, and Gifty Gilman is charged with child endangerment after her 2-year-old was found in a pond near Stuart. The city also warns about credit card skimmers in gas pumps and announces a shift in Ames' waste management strategy.

Des Moines — Zach Johnson won his first major title at the Principal Charity Classic in Wakonda, while fire crews battled a severe silo fire in Aurelia. A high-speed chase in Guthrie County led to an arrest, and a quirky April Fool’s ham ball contest in Indianola raised funds for mental health.

Des Moines — A train derailment near Galbraith in northern Iowa continues to be cleaned up with no injuries reported, while thousands attended the 47th Capital City PrideFest in the East Village. The Matchstick Marvels Museum in Gladbrook showcases artist Patrick Acton's intricate matchstick art, drawing visitors and art lovers.

Des Moines police are ending their downtown loop squad due to staffing issues, while Taylor County officials recover a fisherman's body from a southern Iowa lake. A train derailment in northern Iowa and golf legend Zach Johnson's participation in the Principal Charity Classic are also in the news.

Des Moines — Authorities are investigating the death of a man killed by a U.S. Marshal in Ottumwa during an arrest attempt, while severe storms damaged Corning with power outages and downed trees. West Des Moines Water Works is addressing elevated nitrates in the water supply amid a stage three watering ban.

Des Moines — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand launched his campaign in Manning with running mate Dave Muhlbauer, while former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts was transferred to an Illinois prison. Southern Iowa faced severe weather with flooding and hail as the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received national recognition for its security partnership.

Des Moines officials scrambled to address Madison County's financial crisis after the auditing firm pulled out, while a shooting in Adel left one dead and another injured. A tornado damaged Cass County with minor injuries reported, and Des Moines approved a 50-year lease for a professional soccer stadium ahead of the World Cup.

Des Moines residents are reeling from a tragic bike-riding incident that killed an 8-year-old boy at a local apartment complex, while the city enforces strict water restrictions under Stage 3 lawn watering bans. Meanwhile, the Madison County Board of Supervisors faces heated discussions over financial and legal disputes, and a Winterset man is charged with over 50 counts of livestock neglect.

Des Moines — A shooting injury and suspect arrest on the southside, a machete attack in Pleasant Hill involving Jeremy Dale Reben, and a man's body found in a southern Iowa lake. Local kids also showcased entrepreneurship at the Kids Market at Blank Park Zoo.

Des Moines authorities are investigating a gunfire incident in Prospect Park near 30th Street and Euclid Avenue, while Niland Cafe in Colo celebrates its 100th anniversary as part of the Lincoln Highway historic district. Former Painted Tree Boutiques vendors are also hosting a pop-up market to support local small businesses.

Des Moines residents braced for severe weather including funnel clouds and tornado warnings in Polk and Story counties, with downed trees and power outages reported. A tense standoff in Johnston led to three officers on leave, while Waukee Northwest won their first 4A boys soccer state title.

Des Moines — A 19-year-old died in a head-on collision in Union County and a man and his cat perished in a house fire in Webster City, while a state audit exposed financial mismanagement in Madison County. Residents also face a flood watch as heavy rain is expected in the Des Moines area.

Des Moines — Repair work starts on a sinkhole affecting Westpointe Apartments in Urbandale, while a semi-truck and train crash in Poweshiek County leaves one dead and another in critical condition. Governor Kim Reynolds signs a new speed limit law raising two-lane highway limits to 60 mph, sparking debate over safety and traffic flow.

Des Moines — Zach Lahn secures Republican nomination for Iowa governor, edging out Randy Feenstra and Adam Steen, while Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Christina Bohannon face off in the 1st District House race. Public safety concerns rise after a Des Moines motorcyclist dies fleeing a traffic stop, and a local nonprofit launches an online hub to support foster families.

Des Moines police are investigating a deputy shooting in Johnston where a suspect died and a serious dog attack left a man in critical condition. The city also adjusted sprayground hours to conserve water amid ongoing drought efforts.

Des Moines officials are searching for a third suspect in a downtown arson case following the arrest of two individuals, while a home fire in Johnson County claimed one life. Residents also brace for isolated storms and heavy rain as the National Guard concludes its deployment.

Des Moines — A fatal fire in Johnson County claimed a life, a suspect was arrested for vandalizing Lauridsen Skatepark bathrooms, and police continue searching for those involved in a southside stabbing. Iowa National Guard soldiers returned home after deployment in Iraq and Syria, marking the end of their service.

Des Moines — Iowa’s Republican gubernatorial race intensifies with endorsements for Feenstra and Lahn, while 22 equines rescued from neglect lead to arrests in a major animal cruelty case. Former Des Moines Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts gets 24 months in prison for lying about his U.S. citizenship, and Bremer County charges follow a 2025 fatal crash that killed an Urbandale man.

Des Moines — A homeless man with a severe medical condition is getting critical support from Pastor Mark Reetz and his outreach group, while the Iowa National Guard prepares for a six-month deployment to Washington, D.C. City officials also address temporary SNAP benefit cancellations and rising nitrate levels in local water sources.