Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ DMACC president Rob Denson retires today after 22 years serving at the college in Ankeny. He has boosted enrollment and ensured low tuition while planning to travel to visit his family in retirement. Radio Iowa
- ➤ ISU Professor of Innovation Abram Anders discussed the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence and shared his vision for future technology use (stressing the need for human oversight) in a recent talk. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local wellness expert Katie Jensen from Gundersen Health System advised Iowans to plan safe transportation on New Year's Eve by designating drivers — or booking taxis and ride-sharing, to avoid impaired driving. She noted even over-the-counter medicines can affect focus and urged everyone to arrange safe rides. Radio Iowa
- ➤ The Iowa chapter of the American Red Cross warns that blood supplies are dangerously low and urges donors to act today for patients facing life-threatening conditions. Donors can give blood every 56 days (the process takes less than an hour) by checking drive locations on redcrossblood.org. Radio Iowa
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New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
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Sweez Live Performance with Dangus
9 PM – 3 AM — Locals Bar & Stage — Free entry — Enjoy a night of live music with Sweez and special guest Dangus.
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19th Annual Land Investment Expo
8 AM — Iowa Events Center — Registration details available online — Explore land investment opportunities with industry experts at this must-attend event.
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Tie Blanket Workshop
10 AM – 4 PM — Mainframe Studios — Ticket required — Create your own cozy fleece blankets and pillows in a fun, community-driven atmosphere.
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Drop-In Tech Help
2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free service — Get assistance with your electronic devices at the library's drop-in tech help session.
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The Outreach Project
1-2 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with community advocates for resources including meal sites, shelters, and support services.
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Olivaya Dream: Stretch Series
6:00-6:45 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Registration opens December 1st — Experience gentle stretching and reconnect with your inner calm in this weekly hybrid class.
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AWHONN Intermediate Fetal Monitoring Course
2-10:30 p.m. — Iowa Methodist Medical Center — $225 — Enhance your fetal monitoring skills with this comprehensive course tailored for healthcare professionals.
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2026 Iowa Pork Congress
Wed, Jan 21 8 AM – Thu, Jan 22 2 PM — Iowa Events Center — Check for admission details — Celebrate the pig industry's contributions with business insights and networking opportunities.
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Wiggles and Giggles Storytime
10:15-10:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming.
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The Outreach Project
1-2 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with local organizations for resources and support in the community.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you seek is seeking you.
~ Rumi
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