Daily
Des Moines
Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Casey Miller, a Des Moines contractor who owns Miller Construction, was severely injured in a motorcycle crash in the Baja Peninsula on Tuesday, Jan. 6 and remains in care in Santa Rosalía, Mexico where doctors prepared him for surgery while friend Sam Teasdale raises funds for his repatriation and medical bills. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Drake University and DMACC reached a settlement Thursday that ended a long-running dispute over their similar blue block-letter D logos - a conflict that led to legal motions to change logos at campus sites. The schools emphasized their ongoing partnership through cross-enrollment efforts for the benefit of students. KCCI
- ➤ Governor Reynolds has opted Iowa into a federal program that rewards donations to non-profits offering private school scholarships with a tax credit up to $1700 starting in 2027, with Education Secretary McMahon highlighting the policy during her visit to Denison on Jan. 7. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Food & Water Watch has announced a 20-point clean water blueprint to protect Iowa waterways from harmful nitrate and phosphorous pollution from manure runoff. The plan calls on large-scale farms to adopt science-based practices and urges lawmakers to pass the Clean Water for Iowa Act to boost water safety. Iowa Starting Line
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Last year, over 53,000 claims from the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt delivered a record $36.6 million in unclaimed property to rightful owners, state Treasurer Roby Smith said Thursday, Jan. 8. The state now holds $648 million listed on the program’s website. Radio Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Scientists are studying bald eagles (70% have antibodies) to learn why they survive bird flu better than other birds as the virus affects Iowa’s wild birds and poultry, and improved biosecurity has limited poultry losses to two sites; further research may guide future therapeutics. KCCI
- ➤ UnityPoint Health in Des Moines postponed elective surgeries and overnight procedures from Thursday through Tuesday, Jan. 13 due to a record number of flu like cases and high patient volumes. The hospital said it will focus its resources on emergency care during this surge. KCCI
- ➤ The Iowa chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association launches free Zoom classes today at 11 a.m. for caregivers and families dealing with Alzheimer’s, with sessions set most Thursdays through June 18. The series covers care strategies across stages and managing finances. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Iowa native Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East, a mom of three, warned parents to protect infants from RSV as respiratory illness runs high in the state. She advised using the RSV monoclonal antibody shot for babies under 8 months & shared insights from her own experience. 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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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.
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Vincent Mason Live Performance
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Val Air Ballroom — Ticket prices vary — Experience expansive artistry framed by relatable storytelling and warm sonics from Vincent Mason.
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
To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.
~ Chinese Proverb
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