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Wednesday, January 7th, 2026

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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • A local citizen discovered a frostbitten pelican near Lake MacBride in December and alerted Iowa Bird Rehabilitation. Percy was treated for frostbite and parasites and is recovering well, with staff planning a spring release into the wild.  The Des Moines Register
  • MLK Day events are planned for Jan. 19 across Des Moines. The celebrations include a prayer breakfast at Drake University Olmsted Center at 8 a.m. and free keynote events at Grand View University and MidAmerican Energy RecPlex.  The Des Moines Register

CULTURE NEWS

  • Des Moines' historic dinner theater, The Ingersoll, returns after a 22-year hiatus with a Midwest comfort food menu and a 216-seat venue. The revived institution offers locals a fresh blend of dining and live performance.  The Des Moines Register

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Iowa will join a federal tax credit program for private school scholarships beginning in 2027—families with incomes below 300% of the poverty level will be eligible for the funds to cover qualifying private school expenses. Governor Reynolds said the program will expand school choice and complement existing state supports.  The Des Moines Register

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • The Iowa Department of Transportation said new traffic issues during ramp reconfiguration — delaying the reopening of University Avenue ramp on I-35/80 near Clive and Urbandale — will be fixed after the Walnut Creek Bridge project wraps up in April.  KCCI

HEALTH NEWS

  • The Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals sanctioned counselor Jerome Miller on Jan. 6 at 7:30 a.m. after a client reported discomfort over personal disclosures and hugs — a decision that led to a settlement requiring him to complete board-approved education in boundaries and professionalism.  The Des Moines Register

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

    This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

    Fri, 1/10/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 1/9/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 1/13/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 1/14/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 1/15/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 1/16/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Mon, 1/19/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 1/20/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 1/21/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 1/22/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 1/23/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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Welcome to the Daily Des Moines, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Des Moines, Iowa community. If you like the Daily Des Moines, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Des Moines.

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