Daily
Des Moines
Friday, January 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Community groups have pooled resources to open an overnight warming shelter for those affected by extreme cold. It opened at 6 p.m. Thursday at the WeLIFT Job Search Center and Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 106 E. 2nd Avenue in Indianola, and will remain open through 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 26. KCCI
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A fire broke out at McAuley Terrace apartments off Winwood Drive in Johnston on Thursday evening but was quickly controlled by firefighters after contractors working on a third-floor wall set it off, and no injuries were reported. KCCI
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Greater Des Moines Partnership unveiled its 2026 Strategic Priorities during its Annual Dinner on Jan. 22 at Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center (Iowa Events Center). It highlighted 2025 achievements—including 100% of goals met—and outlined six focus areas to boost regional economic and talent development. Downtown Des Moines
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ West Des Moines Community Schools canceled classes for Friday after officials monitored forecasts predicting dangerously cold temperatures and coordinated with neighbor districts to keep students safe. The decision was made Thursday afternoon (to allow timely notice) and parents are advised to check the website for updates. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines police are investigating a 51-year-old man’s death linked to cold exposure, prompting officials to urge residents to seek shelter as extreme cold hits. The National Weather Service warned from midnight Thursday to noon Friday and issued an advisory until 3 a.m. Saturday. KCCI
- ➤ Iowa Health and Human Services is proposing to replace the Early Childhood Iowa system with a centralized early childhood and family services system divided into seven districts to streamline access and boost funding. The change was detailed at a town hall and has raised local concerns over community control. The Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A report by the Iowa Cancer Registry found Polk County recorded about 2,600 new cancer cases yearly, a rate 14% above the national average. Experts recommend policy changes like higher tobacco taxes and improved food access + healthier lifestyles to lower cancer risk. The Des Moines Register
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Writers' Workshop
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — No registration required — Share your writing and receive constructive feedback in a supportive environment.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
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Reveal the authorAbout 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.
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