Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Julia Quinn, the New York Times best-selling author of the Bridgerton series, will attend the Authors Visiting event at Hoyt Sherman Place on April 7 where doors open at 6 p.m. for free, first-come seating. KCCI
- ➤ On Tuesday, hundreds of Iowans gathered at Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill for a chance to attend the live Survivor 50 finale in Los Angeles. Fans solved a social media clue for a sweepstakes entry while former Survivor winner Denise Stapley cheered the crowd. KCCI
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Dry, windy conditions and low snowfall have led 17 counties to impose burn bans, and officials warn residents to avoid outdoor burning until moisture levels improve — local fire chiefs stressed that even small fires can quickly spread under the current conditions. KCCI
- ➤ The Department of Natural Resources released a draft integrated water quality report on Tuesday that lists 723 impaired segments— including two on rivers impaired for nitrate— and it is open for public comment until March 19. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Waukee Community School District is working with local lawmakers to fix a $2 million budget gap from a tax error tied to an Apple data center tax exemption. Superintendent Brad Buck proposed collecting taxes one year early, costing taxpayers 11 cents per $1,000 (taxable value) and earning positive feedback. KCCI
- ➤ Former Iowa First Lady Billie Ray died peacefully on Wednesday morning at 97, as announced by Drake University. She helped restore Terrace Hill into the governor's mansion and is survived by three daughters, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Radio Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines Fire Department launched an opioid recovery program earlier this month that pairs firefighters with recovery coaches to connect residents who overdosed with treatment using Polk County’s settlement funds, in partnership with Full Circle Recovery — the first such initiative in Iowa. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Hospitals and medical centers oppose Senate File 2185, which would mandate reporting of serious medical errors to state regulators. The bill, which passed a subcommittee on Feb. 12, faces scrutiny in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee as supporters say it will enhance transparency & improve patient safety. 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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Winnie The Pooh
7-11 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved adventures of Winnie The Pooh in a delightful children's theater performance.
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Winnie The Pooh Live Performance
1-9 p.m. — Stoner Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved tale of Winnie The Pooh brought to life on stage by the Des Moines Young Artists Theatre.
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Mosher/Macbrehon Concert with Bridget Bell and Sarah Tonin
2-4 p.m. — xBk Live — Tickets available — Experience the melodic sounds of Mosher alongside Bridget Bell and Sarah Tonin at this electrifying show.
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K-pop Meet-up
5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with fellow K-pop fans while enjoying snacks and trading photocards.
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Baby Rhyme Time
9:30-10:00 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Experience playful rhymes and songs in a welcoming environment for caregivers and babies.
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Wiggles and Giggles
10:15-10:45 a.m. — 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming!
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Winnie the Pooh Theatre Performance
7-11 p.m. — Stoner Theater — Not specified — Enjoy a heartwarming theatrical adaptation of A.A. Milne’s beloved stories in the Hundred Acre Wood.
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Local Author Fair
1-3 p.m. — Beaverdale Books — Free entry — Spend the afternoon meeting six talented local authors in a cozy literary setting.
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Winnie the Pooh
1-5 p.m. — Stoner Theater — Cost info not provided — Join Pooh, Piglet, and friends on a whimsical adventure through the Hundred Acre Wood.
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DMPL Writers' Workshop
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — No cost — Share your writing and receive feedback in a supportive group setting.
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