Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Construction is underway on Starts Right Here Stay—a $10M project turning a former church into 18 apartments and classrooms for homeless youth—and it will open in August in Des Moines. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Renee Rausch and her son Tristan Berg built NVision Guitars in Ankeny to create custom instruments for musicians with physical or visual impairments. They began their work on Jan. 7 and continue to serve the community with their handcrafted designs. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines Public Schools board members now sign conflict of interest disclosure forms each January following a policy update approved in November 2025 + the measure addresses issues revealed in a 2023 contract controversy involving former superintendent Ian Roberts. KCCI
- ➤ Future Flyers of Iowa in Winterset was named a Distinguished Flight School by the National Association of Flight Instructors through the 2026 Flight Training Experience Awards for the second consecutive year - making it the only flight school in Iowa to earn the honor consecutively. KCCI
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ After over ten years of work with local businesses, the EPA confirmed in December that sulfur dioxide levels in the Muscatine area dropped well below federal standards — marking Iowa as the 17th state to achieve full attainment of federal air quality standards. Radio Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ames city leaders raised funding stability concerns for CyRide during Monday night’s council meeting—transit director Barbara Neal said formula programs appear secure and noted a state grant will expand facilities and convert buses to 100 percent biodiesel. The service, used mainly by Iowa State University students, provides 5 million rides. KCCI
- ➤ Des Moines Airport leaders announced that the new $550 million terminal, with a 35-foot glass ticketing area & improved airline gates offering runway views, will open in January next year. Local contractors are building the terminal, which will feature a baggage area with ten times capacity of the old facility. KCCI
- ➤ Waukee City Council approved annexing 100 acres of land from the New Pioneer Gun Club and Hubbell Realty Company for future residential development. The decision leaves the club’s future in question as neighbors worry about noise, traffic + light pollution. KCCI
- ➤ The Polk County Sheriff's Office said the Mile Long Bridge in Polk City remains closed due to high winds, so drivers should take alternative routes + check 511 for updates. KCCI
-
New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
-
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.
-
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.
-
Jazzy Ash and The Leaping Lizards Concert
4-7 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Get ready for an exciting live performance by Jazzy Ash and The Leaping Lizards in Des Moines.
-
Olivaya Dream: Stretch Series
6:00-6:45 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Cost varies — Experience a soothing hybrid class focused on gentle stretching and breath work to unlock your inner calm.
-
Abundance To Go Market
3-6 p.m. — The Wallace Centers of Iowa — Cost varies — Explore seasonal delights with organic preserved foods sourced from local farms.
-
Reading Challenge Book Club
10:30-11:30 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Dive into a captivating mystery with 'The Busybody Book Club' by Freya Sampson.
-
US Custom Harvesters Show
January 29-31 — Iowa Events Center — Cost info not specified — Explore a variety of vendors and enjoy live auctions for harvesters.
-
Des Moines Real Estate Investing Coffee Meetup
7-9 a.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — Casual discussions on real estate investing with local enthusiasts over coffee.
-
Couple Shuffle - Des Moines
2-9 p.m. — Aeroporto Internacional de Des Moines — Registration fees apply — Celebrate love with a Valentine-themed family fun run featuring multiple distances and festive activities.
-
Dungeons & Dragons Monthly Gathering
12:30-3:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Immerse yourself in a fantastical D&D adventure with new friends and seasoned players.
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
The best time to negotiate something is when you don't need it.
~ Michael Benoit
About Daily Des Moines
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Des Moines and across Iowa. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Des Moines
A free Des Moines community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailydesmoines.com/sitemap