Daily
Des Moines
Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Variety Iowa - the Children's Charity provided a new van to local groups Urban Dreams and Oakridge yesterday in Des Moines, ensuring reliable transportation for children's activities and food pantry deliveries. The program has donated 400 vans since 1975 (15-passenger vans cost about $63,000). KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Vermeer Corporation, a family-owned industrial equipment maker from Pella, will build a new 300,000 sqft plant in Bondurant using state economic incentives — the project will create 182 jobs and help meet growing demand by tapping into a greater Des Moines metro workforce. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines-area schools will begin spring break on March 13 or March 16, with most students returning on March 23; local colleges like Drake and Des Moines Area Community College have scheduled breaks ranging from March 7 to March 20 (Grinnell starts on March 7). The Des Moines Register
- ➤ More than 20,500 FFA members are marking National FFA Week by wearing blue jackets that celebrate ag education in Iowa. Webster City High students show interest in animal care and leadership as local instructors note the program's role in building community skills. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Iowa lawmakers approved a 2% boost in K-12 funding by raising spending per student from $7,988 to $8,148, plus shifting $42.2 million from local property tax burdens to state funds. The measure now heads to Gov. Kim Reynolds for her signature. The Des Moines Register
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Bird Rehabilitation rescued three bald eagles on Feb. 15 that had dangerous levels of lead poisoning, resulting in one death. Conservation experts urge hunters to use safer ammunition + to help prevent future poisonings. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa House passed a bill today to freeze undergraduate tuition for five years at the University of Iowa, Iowa State, and UNI. Representative Collins said the measure will give students cost predictability and push universities to trim expenses until July. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Nate Bentley, a 16-year-old from Creston High, lobbied at the Capitol on Feb. 24 for a bill requiring all schools to have a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan after he collapsed in a track meet last April (diagnosed with a rare genetic condition); coach Naomi Sharp (trained in CPR) also attended. Radio Iowa
- ➤ A former Waukee school employee, Christine Holland, sued the district after she was forced to resign following her April report of a coworker’s abusive behavior toward babies at Wee Care Child Care, alleging the district failed to act on her complaint. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Sen. Catelin Drey said she is cancer-free after a successful uterine cancer treatment and thanked her doctors, colleagues & district for their support. She has returned to the Senate chamber and now continues serving the people of Northwest Iowa. KCCI
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Less than a year after opening, the Kettlestone Central Sports Complex in Waukee is for sale as a legal dispute over its tax exemption forces the Iowa Youth Athletic Foundation to consider a sale + a trial is set for April after a judge blocked tax collection. 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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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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Tabletop Game Nights at Big Grove
7-10 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Roll the dice and enjoy various tabletop games and craft beer at this community game night.
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Sushi Making Class
6-8 p.m. — Waterfront Seafood Market — Drinks sold separately — Learn new cooking skills and create your own sushi in a hands-on, fun environment.
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The Outreach Project
1-2 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — No registration required — Connect with local organizations for crucial community resources and support services.
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Rondell Sheridan Live
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Ingersoll — Tickets starting at $176 — Experience the comedic talent of Rondell Sheridan in Des Moines.
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Time to Paddy 5k/10k & Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon
8 AM — Des Moines International Airport — Registration fee varies — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a family-friendly run featuring festive swag and community spirit.
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.
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