Des Moines weighs Gray’s Lake parking fees, library cuts as gap grows
Des Moines officials are discussing Gray’s Lake parking fees and possible library cuts as they work to close projected FY2028 and FY2029 gaps.
Des Moines IA
Des Moines, Iowa (IA) offers a mix of quiet neighborhoods and everyday conveniences. From weekday practicality to weekend exploring, it's easy to build a simple plan without overthinking it. Use this page when you want ideas for Des Moines IA-from food and coffee to parks, shopping, and local services. Bookmark a few ideas and pass along a recommendation.
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Des Moines lawn watering ban remains in effect as nitrate levels strain water system
Des Moines IA – Central Iowa Water Works says the June 8 watering ban is still active as elevated nitrate levels continue to limit treatment capacity.
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DART’s new bus network starts June 14, cutting routes and stops
DART’s new network launched June 14, changing Des Moines-area bus trips with fewer routes, fewer stops and free rides through June 30 for riders.
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Des Moines DART route overhaul is live, changing daily trips
Des Moines IA – DART’s redesigned bus network launched June 14, replacing local routes and changing stops, transfers and trip patterns for riders.
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Des Moines council opens talks on Heart of America HQ plan
Des Moines IA – On June 8, the City Council moved Heart of America’s East Village headquarters proposal into negotiations, but no sale or build was approved.
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Des Moines transit, housing and trail projects stay in focus
Des Moines, IA – April 4, 2026 – DART’s route reset, a downtown housing conversion, trail planning and new cancer data tools shaped the local week.
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Des Moines Weighs Abortion Bill Halt, Cancer Data Tool, and Record February Heat
Des Moines, IA – April 3, 2026 – Lawmakers shelve abortion ban, new cancer mapping tool launches, and record February heat reshapes local climate data.
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Warm Weather Records, Airport Expansion, and Hydrogen Policy Talks Lead Des Moines Headlines
Des Moines, IA – April 2, 2026 – Record February warmth, airport expansion plans, and new hydrogen drilling rules are shaping local policy and growth.
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Transit Redesign, Health Awards and Parks Spending Lead Des Moines Area Updates
Des Moines, IA – April 1, 2026 – Transit funding talks, statewide health awards, and a $700K parks project highlight metro policy and budget moves.
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Schools Seek Funding Boost, Lawmakers Stall Abortion Ban as Warm Weather Records Fall
Des Moines, IA – March 31, 2026 – Schools push for more funding, an abortion ban stalls, and record warmth raises new climate and budget questions.
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Des Moines leaders weigh school funding, development plans and record-setting heat
Des Moines, IA – March 30, 2026 – City leaders weigh school funding, housing growth and record February heat as development plans advance.
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School Funding, Downtown Housing, and Transit Upgrades Lead Weekend Agenda
Des Moines, IA – March 29, 2026 – City leaders weigh school funding, downtown housing plans, and transit upgrades as budget talks intensify.
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West Des Moines Advances $5M Marathon Loop Trail Plan
Des Moines, IA – March 28, 2026 – West Des Moines leaders are weighing a $5 million parks request to complete a 26.2-mile Marathon Loop trail linking major greenways.
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Budget Draft, Trail Loop, and Airport Expansion Signal Growth for Des Moines
Des Moines, IA – March 27, 2026 – City leaders advance a new operating budget, trail expansion plans, and airport upgrades shaping growth.
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Metro Trail Loop Plan Advances in West Des Moines Budget Talks
Des Moines, IA – March 26, 2026 – A proposed $5M trail expansion in West Des Moines would link parks and paths into a 26.2-mile loop, pending budget approval.
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Marathon Trail Plan Advances; NWS Updates Iowa Tornado Survey
Des Moines, IA – March 25, 2026 – West Des Moines eyes a 26-mile trail loop as new tornado survey details Iowa storm impacts.
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Greyhound Routes Launch, March Madness Arrives, Warm Weekend Buzzes in Des Moines
Des Moines, IA – March 22, 2026 – New Greyhound routes roll out as March Madness and near-80-degree weather energize a busy weekend downtown.
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Record Heat, Statehouse Shift, and Shooting Investigation Lead Des Moines Headlines
Des Moines, IA – March 21, 2026 – Record February heat, a stalled abortion bill, and a West Des Moines shooting investigation are shaping local conversations this week.
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Record Heat, City Hall Decisions and New Development Lead Des Moines Headlines
Des Moines, IA – March 17, 2026 – Record February heat, a stalled abortion bill, and a West Des Moines shooting lead the latest local headlines.
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Shooting Investigation, Abortion Bill Stalls, and Record Heat Lead Des Moines Headlines
Des Moines, IA – March 16, 2026 – Police are investigating a West Des Moines shooting, lawmakers halt an abortion ban, and record warmth hits the metro.
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Tornadoes Confirmed, Guard Returns, Crash Injures Two: Des Moines Headlines
Des Moines, IA – March 13, 2026 – Tornadoes confirmed in Iowa, Guard troops return home, a serious Beaverdale crash, and state hoops drama lead headlines.
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Des Moines Advances Mall District Plan as Police Probe Shooting and Record Heat Continues
Des Moines, IA – March 12, 2026 – City leaders advance a Valley West Mall redevelopment plan, police investigate a shooting, and record warmth reshapes February.