‘Firefly’ fans will find ‘Serenity’ at weekend Des Moines Con
Only 14 episodes of the television show “Firefly” aired more than 20 years ago, but the sci-fi series has such dedicated fans that an effort is underway to reunite the cast in a new format, and four of the program’s original stars will be in central Iowa this weekend to talk about it.
Des Moines vacates and may sell part of Bates Park
About a fifth of Bates Park, in Des Moines' historic River Bend neighborhood, is being vacated for possible sale and redevelopment. Why it matters: The sale highlights the city's balancing act between encouraging reinvestment in older neighborhoods and preserving park space. Driving the news: The City Council last week
Polk County Authorities Seek Help Finding Missing Teen
A 15-year-old girl from Iowa has been reported missing, according to the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse. Ona Elaine Fink was last known to have contact on May 27, 2026. She is described as a white female, standing 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing approximately 110 pounds. She has brown hair and brown ey
More young people are ‘looking for trouble’ downtown, Des Moines police say
DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines police are raising the alarm about multiple groups of teenagers and young adults hanging out downtown. Authorities said there have been situations where the groups have been loud late at night and even fired shots. Sgt. Paul Parizek pointed Local 5 to data...
Indianola Man Faces 28 Felony Charges in Alleged Iowa Lottery Ticket Theft Scheme
The preliminary hearing for an Indianola man has been scheduled as he faces dozens of felony charges connected to the alleged theft and fraudulent redemption of Iowa Lottery tickets earlier this year. According to court documents filed in Warren County, 46-year-old Stephen George Stockbauer of Indianola was charged wit
Movies and TV shows casting in Des Moines
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures attention starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that jo
Vermeer breaks ground on Bondurant facility
Vermeer Corp. marked the beginning of construction of its new manufacturing facility in Bondurant last week. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 21, and featured representatives from Vermeer, city leaders, and officials from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. The Pella
Blank Park Zoo mourns loss of Harbor seal Ross
DES MOINES, Iowa — A beloved Harbor seal at the Blank Park Zoo has died. The zoo announced on Tuesday that Ross died due to an unexpected complication following a veterinary procedure. Ross was well known for his performances during the seal and sea lion demonstrations. He arrived at the zoo after being rescued from […
It’s Been One Year Since the Rare Sturgeon Discovery in the Des Moines River,...
A year after the surprising find: Iowa's endangered pallid sturgeon and what it means for Iowa anglers and river health. Have any of you ever caught this elusive and endangered fish?
Iowa’s 1st mobile memory clinic launches today
A memory mobile clinic — believed to be Iowa's first — launches today in Polk County, offering free evaluations and Alzheimer's-related biomarker testing. Why it matters: Central Iowa's older population is growing rapidly, and about one in nine Americans over 65 is living with Alzheimer's dementia. The big...
