Daily
Des Moines
Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 28th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A statewide initiative led by Iowa ACEs 360 gathered 100 community members at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens to discuss flexible workplace policies to improve productivity. Organizers said policies like on-site child care and flextime (meant to balance work and home) provided practical tips for better well-being. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A vacant auto repair shop in Lower Beaver (4540 Lower Beaver Rd) is set to become an ice cream shop with a drive-thru after the city council approved a rezoning plan last night. Local residents praised the project while one neighbor raised a traffic concern for the bike lane. KCCI
- ➤ Local first-generation ranchers, Jerek Mostek and his dad Jeremy started with 11 cows bought at $1,100 each + rising costs have now pushed cow prices above $2,300 amid a record-low national cattle inventory. KCCI
- ➤ Django, a French-inspired restaurant in Des Moines operating for 18 years, will permanently close on March 14 due to market and economic conditions; it first opened in Hotel Fort Des Moines — now overlooking the Pappajohn Sculpture Park on Locust Street. KCCI
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Iowa schools are nearly fully staffed as almost 99% of teaching positions are filled & the University of Iowa saw graduates rise from 132 in 2020 to 168 last spring. For the 2025-26 school year, teachers will earn a minimum of $50,000. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Des Moines City Council approved DMPS' plan to demolish the century-old Moulton Elementary School for a new arts academy after voters cleared a $265 million bond to revamp schools. The district must now document and salvage fixtures before the building is torn down. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A report from United Health Foundation shows Iowa ranks 17th in health based on 99 measures. It highlights strong high school graduation rates and low drug use, but also challenges with heavy drinking, obesity, lead in homes, and increased depression cases. Radio Iowa
- ➤ At 8 a.m. on Monday at an Iowa FedEx facility, a baby boy was born when his mother, Amethyst Blumberg, felt sudden labor pains and was taken to the hospital with newborn Onyx King Easterlie, who weighed 6 lbs, 8 oz after Johnston-Grimes Fire District responded quickly. 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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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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Wayne Hancock Live Performance
7-9 p.m. — xBk Live — Ticket info available — Experience the master of hillbilly swing in a vibrant live setting.
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Andrew Hoyt Live at the Iowa Newspaper Foundation Convention
5-9 p.m. — Des Moines Marriott Downtown — Cost info not provided — Experience the musical talents of local singer/songwriter Andrew Hoyt in an engaging convention setting.
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Candlelight Concert: The Beatles
6 p.m. — World Food Prize Hall of Laureates — $37.63 — Experience The Beatles' hits illuminated by candlelight in a stunning venue.
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Iowa Wolves Basketball For All Night
6:30-8:30 p.m. — 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA — Special discounted tickets available — Enjoy an inclusive family basketball night with a sensory-friendly environment.
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TV Buddha Live Performance
6-7 p.m. — xBk Live — Tickets start at $38 — Enjoy an unforgettable evening with the band TV Buddha in Des Moines.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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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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