Des Moines Daily: Warm Weather, Major Projects, and Public Safety Updates

Des Moines, IA — February 17, 2026 — Unseasonable warmth, big road work, and a new look at local history top today’s headlines across the metro.

Springlike warmth breaks records, cooler finish coming

Des Moines is riding an unusually warm February stretch, with temperatures soaring into the upper 60s and breaking at least one daily record on Monday. Forecasters expect another mild day or two before readings slide back into the 30s later in the week, with a chance for a few light snow showers as colder air returns. Residents are being reminded that slick spots are still possible overnight once temperatures drop.

I-35 reconstruction continues north of the city

Drivers heading in and out of the metro are seeing ongoing work along Interstate 35 between Ankeny and Huxley as part of a multi-year reconstruction project. The Iowa DOT is rebuilding bridges and expanding the interstate from four to six lanes through the corridor to handle growing traffic and improve safety. While many of the most disruptive closures are staged outside peak hours, motorists are urged to allow extra time and watch for shifting lanes, reduced speeds, and short-term detours as construction ramps up this year.

Talk of relocating iconic World War I memorial

A longtime World War I monument honoring Polk County service members could eventually move to a more visible home. A local veterans advocate is studying whether to relocate the large granite memorial from its current hillside site near downtown Des Moines to Laurel Hill Cemetery on the east side. Supporters say the change could make the monument easier to visit and better integrated with other veterans memorials. The idea is still in an exploratory stage and would likely require more than $100,000 in fundraising before any move could happen.

New city housing strategy sees first property purchase

Des Moines’ new citywide housing strategy is taking its first concrete step. City leaders recently approved buying a home and adjacent vacant lot along Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway as the opening move in a long-term effort to stabilize aging housing stock. Rather than sweeping demolitions, the plan focuses on block-by-block investments where a few troubled properties can drag down an entire street. Officials say there is no immediate redevelopment plan for the site, but more voluntary acquisitions are expected in targeted areas over time.

West Des Moines shooting under investigation

Across the river, West Des Moines police are investigating a Monday afternoon shooting that left one person hospitalized with a leg wound. Officers were called to a neighborhood just after 2 p.m. and found the victim conscious before sending them to a nearby hospital. A heavy police presence remained in the area as investigators searched for evidence. Authorities have not yet announced any arrests or described what led up to the gunfire.

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