Des Moines Daily Brief: Hit-and-run charges, SW 9th roundabouts, and rain ahead
Public safety
Hit-and-run case upgraded after December crash
Police say a Des Moines driver is now facing a felony charge tied to a December hit-and-run that killed a pedestrian in the Drake neighborhood. Investigators allege the victim was struck while crossing University Avenue near 31st Street, and the pickup left before officers arrived.
Authorities say the suspect was later linked to the truck using license plate reader technology and video. The driver was arrested after a later pursuit on the west side, and the case has since moved forward with additional charges connected to the fatal crash.
Transportation
Roundabouts pitched for Southwest Ninth Street
A long-discussed redesign of Southwest Ninth Street is back in the spotlight, with two roundabouts proposed at Bancroft Street and Bell Avenue. City leaders are also pushing for a safer, more direct sidewalk connection across the Raccoon River, where today’s pedestrian route is awkward and not fully accessible.
The city has already lined up funding for a major bridge rehabilitation effort with state transportation partners, but the timeline for the roundabout work remains uncertain after a federal grant request was denied.
Development
Valley West corridor makeover starts to take shape in the metro
In nearby West Des Moines, city leaders are moving ahead with a plan to steer the aging Valley West Mall area toward a denser, more walkable district. Early steps focus on a smaller block near the mall, with broader plans expected to follow once additional local decisions are finalized.
Military community
Hundreds of Iowa Guard soldiers expected to return
State officials say about 575 Iowa National Guard soldiers are slated to return from the Middle East, with welcoming ceremonies planned in Des Moines and other Iowa cities. Organizers have said specific times and locations will be announced as the return schedule firms up.
Weather watch
Rain chances build after a cold start to the week
After a chilly weekend, forecasters say temperatures should rebound into the 40s with rain chances returning as early as late Monday night. Additional showers are possible Tuesday, with the steadiest chances leaning south of the metro.
On the calendar
The girls state basketball tournament is set to take over downtown through Saturday, bringing school crowds and heavier traffic around the arena and event complex.
Sources
- https://www.kcrg.com/2026/02/28/des-moines-man-charged-fatal-december-hit-and-run-following-police-chase/
- https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/27/roundabouts-des-moines-southwest-ninth-street
- https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/03/02/west-des-moines-valley-west-mall-redevelopment-tif
- https://www.kcrg.com/2026/02/28/nearly-600-iowa-soldiers-returning-middle-east/
- https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-weather-cloudy-and-chilly-sunday-rain-chances-this-week/70558114
- https://www.iowaeventscenter.com/events/detail/ighsau-state-basketball-tournament-3
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