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Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn. Sorry, no first day of school photos here. You’ll have to check Facebook for that.

In todays issue:

• Back to School 🏫🎒 

• ⚽️ Pro Soccer Update

• Terminal Talk 🛫 

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

Back to School 📖 ✏️ 

As summer winds down, Des Moines is abuzz with excitement as students prepare to return to school. The Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) district, the largest in Iowa, is set to welcome back over 33,000 students this August. The school year kicks off on August 23rd for some districts, with teachers and staff ready to greet both new and returning students. The district has been hard at work over the summer, implementing updated safety measures, including the increasing use of the Safe and Sound app, enhancing learning spaces, and integrating new technology to ensure a smooth transition back to the classroom.

You can find the DMPS Calendar here. We Are Iowa has compiled links to other districts as well. Check that out here.

Beyond the classroom, the community is rallying around students and educators as they embark on a new academic year. Hy Vee in Waukee is holding a Back to School Fun Fest this Saturday, while WDM Valley is having Meet the Tiger Night tonight. Meanwhile, the annual Back-to-School Bash at the John R. Grubb YMCA was held on August 18th, featuring live music, food trucks, and school supply giveaways. As students in the metro head back to school, the city’s spirit of support and togetherness shines brightly, setting the stage for a successful year ahead.

Check out this story from the Des Moines Register to find local school supply lists, as well as some information on local colleges and universities.

THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱

United Soccer League in Des Moines ⚽️🏟️ 

The Iowa Soccer Development Foundation has submitted its final application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, seeking $23.5 million under the Iowa Reinvestment Act for the $95 million Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza project. The next steps include receiving approval from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and finalizing site plans. The approval process could take several weeks, but this development indicates the project is moving forward.

The proposal for an outdoor stadium was initially submitted in 2021 with the idea of developing an unused are just south of downtown Des Moines, which has sat unused for 25 years. There is still uncertainty as to a timeline with the site but preparation to the contaminated site has been ongoing.

Airport Terminal Update ✈️ 

The Des Moines Airport Authority Board has approved a contract with Weitz Co. to continue to the second phase of the $445 million terminal project at the Des Moines International Airport. This phase involves detailed design work and early construction activities, setting the stage for the main terminal construction. The project, which aims to modernize and expand the airport, is expected to be completed by 2026. The decision marks a critical step forward in enhancing the airport's capacity and services.

The approval by the Des Moines Airport Authority Board not only signals progress in the terminal project but also reflects a broader vision to accommodate future growth in the region. The airport has seen a 4% year of year growth in passengers and is building a new customer service building south of the terminal to accommodate growth, as well as serve as a pickup and drop-off point for passengers who are renting cars.

@DSMATDAWN 📷

Photo Cred: @el_riv23 Yep, that’s me.

Tag @dsmatdawn to get your photos published!

WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁

DSM Restaurant Week

DSM Restaurant week is an annual celebration of Des Moines’ restaurant and dining scene. This years version includes 30+ restaurants across the Metro including many locally owned favorites. Check the link for a full list as well as what each are offering.

Iowa Wine and Cider Festival

On Saturday from 1-4, Jasper Winery will be hosting over 20 Iowa wineries and cideries for the annual Wine and Cider Festival. For $50 you can enjoy unlimited samplings, live music, food trucks, and much more.

World Food and Music Festival

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of this great festival held at Western Gateway Park. The festival is a 3 day celebration that includes vendors and music from across the globe. Check out the schedule here to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Fall Open House: The Barn at Daydream Abode

If you haven’t heard of Daydream Abode, you’re missing out. Come out this Saturday from 9-3 to shop curated home goods, seasonal decor & blooms, cozy apparel, and antiques in the historic barn built in 1886.

Best of Des Moines

48 Hour Film Project is celebrating 20 seasons at the Fleur Cinema tonight. Walk the Red Carpet and see the top films from 2024.

WEATHER   🌞 🌡️

Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Thursday

High 79 | Low 60 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️

Friday

High 81 | Low 68 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️

Saturday

High 88 | Low 75 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️ Morning 🌧️ 

Sunday

High 95 | Low 73 | Sunny ☀️

MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤

Thursday

Maggie Rose | 7 | Wooly’s

Buxom Bibliophiles | 8 | xBk Live

Friday

Jesse and the Medicine Men | 6 | Captain Roy’s

Jamey Johnson | 6:30 | Water Works Park

Avery Anna | 7 | Wooly’s

One Can Stan | 8 | xBk Live

Saturday

Southbound | 6 | Captain Roy’s

Luke Bryan | 7 | Wells Fargo Arena

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Iowa Cubs ⚾️ 

Your Iowa Cubs are in Toledo all weekend squaring off against the Toledo Mudhens. They’ll be back home next week!

Iowa Demon Hawks ⚽️ 

On Saturday, Hy Vee Hall will be the home to and exhibition game between the Iowa Demon Hawks and the Brazil National Minifootball Team. This game is part of a series concluding with Brazil playing Team USA on Oct 5. The Demon Hawks are part of Major Arena Soccer League 2 and are the defending champions.

These cannabis gummies keep selling out in 2024

If you've ever struggled to enjoy cannabis due to the harshness of smoking or vaping, you're not alone. That’s why these new cannabis gummies caught our eye.

Mood is an online dispensary that has invented a “joint within a gummy” that’s extremely potent yet federally-legal. Their gummies are formulated to tap into the human body’s endocannabinoid system.

Although this system was discovered in the 1990’s, farmers and scientists at Mood were among the first to figure out how to tap into it with cannabis gummies. Just 1 of their rapid onset THC gummies can get you feeling right within 5 minutes!

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THANK YOU! 🙌 

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

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P.S. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sponsor a future edition of The Dawn, please contact me at [email protected] or respond directly to this email.