Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Jack Hayes, a 90-year-old veteran who served in the Army and National Guard, died at the Keokuk County Health Center and will be laid to rest Friday at Pennington Cemetery (south of Sigourney along Highway 149) because his only surviving family member cannot attend. KCCI
- ➤ Iowans planning Spring Break trips to Mexico should prepare for possible changes as drug cartel violence in affected areas has led to flight cancellations and stay-indoors advisories; AAA-Iowa advises checking with airlines, hotels, and travel agents for updates. Radio Iowa
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Recreational marijuana stays illegal in Iowa while surrounding states report high sales; Illinois reached $116.6 million in December, Missouri averaged $100 million monthly last month, and Minnesota began selling in September (highlighting regional trends in cannabis revenue) as Iowa permits only medical and limited hemp products. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Iowa lawmakers did not pass a measure allowing schools to use state sales tax funds for high insurance costs related to arming staff; the failure came after a mid-February deadline. School districts that tried arming teachers have faced canceled coverage and higher premiums, and officials are still exploring options. The Des Moines Register
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Central Iowa Water Works officials hosted a tour of the expanding Grimes Water Treatment Facility on North James Street yesterday, showcasing its reverse osmosis system to clean water from a deep aquifer. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ House lawmakers passed a bill freezing tuition at the University of Iowa, Iowa State and UNI until July 1 after an 86-5 vote on Feb. 25; the measure now heads to the Senate as officials plan to address upcoming budget needs. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Gov. Reynolds ordered flags lowered to half-staff today to honor former first lady Billie Lee Ray, who died Feb. 18. A visitation is planned from 2-4 p.m. at Iles Dunn's Chapel (2121 Grand Ave). 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 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.
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Des Moines Big Band Performance
7-10 p.m. — Noce — Cost not specified — Enjoy an evening of lively big band music in a top-rated venue.
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
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
~ Naval Ravikant
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