Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Former Register president and publisher David Chivers died by suicide on Jan. 1 in Des Moines. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. at First Unitarian Church (1800 Bell Ave) as local community members remember his contributions to journalism and digital innovation. The Des Moines Register
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Artist Daniel Kinkade brightened the empty walls of UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Plaza OBGYN clinic when he displayed multiple paintings along the hallways and exam rooms on Dec. 23. His work, which includes a portrait titled Lunch with Brad on a Tuesday, adds a creative touch to the space. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Iowa approved a new federal education funding waiver on Wednesday that pools 9.5 million for teacher training, English learners, after school programs and academic enrichment into one account, saving 8 million in compliance work. The state will use the funds through Sept. 2028 as it meets federal rules while setting priorities. KCCI
- ➤ State officials were granted a federal waiver to roll various education funds into a single block grant, letting schools receive an $8 million savings spread over four years. Education Secretary McMahon and Governor Reynolds said this change cuts red tape and provides more flexibility for using funds. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Bird Rehabilitation is planning to expand into a wild bird hospital & education center after treating over 3,000 injured birds last year, with plans for flight cages, a waterfowl pool and outreach space, according to founder Jenni Boonjakuakul. Radio Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Pretrial motions for ex-DMPS Superintendent Ian Roberts took place yesterday — with a request to extend proceedings from Dec. 15 and set a good faith deadline on Jan. 12 — while plea notifications are due Jan. 28 and a federal trial is set for March 2 amid board hiring investigations. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Starting Jan. 1, the Polk County Health Department will no longer bill private insurance for travel vaccines and will require patients to pay up front (after losing about $95,000 last fiscal year), a measure aimed at reducing losses while still offering essential immunizations. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Severe flu cases are rising in Des Moines, with UnityPoint Health reporting a tenfold increase in Influenza A cases and prompting CDC reminders for everyone aged 6 months and older to get vaccinated. Local pharmacies, including Hy-Vee, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS, offer flu shots online or via walk-in. KCCI
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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
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
~ Rumi
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