Daily
Des Moines
Friday, February 27th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of February.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 2201 on Feb. 26 to boost grades K to 12 funding by 2%, raising spending from $7,988 to $8,148 per student for next school year. The law also provides $7 million to increase wages for paraeducators and support staff. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ The Ankeny Community School District named its new secondary school The Hub after the board approved the name earlier this month. The facility will include a robotics lab, nursing simulation lab and welding workshop to expand hands-on learning for high school students next school year. KCCI
- ➤ Regent Christine Hensley said she will not support a 3% tuition increase at public universities because she learned about the proposal from the news and felt the process was not fully inclusive; the board will hold further discussions and take a final vote in April (final reading pending). KCCI
- ➤ The Board of Regents held its first reading of a proposal to raise in-state tuition by 3% at the three universities on Feb. 26. Board member Christine Hensley said she learned of the increase in the media and will vote no + demand further discussion before the April vote. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowans can watch a total lunar eclipse that will begin at 3 a.m. CT and peak at 5:30 a.m. CT on Tuesday, Mar. 3, though cloud cover in central Iowa may limit views — clearer skies are expected near Fort Dodge. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered flags to fly at half-staff today to honor Reverend Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon who died Feb. 17 at age 84. The state will observe the order from sunrise to sunset as a mark of respect. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ The Iowa Lottery debuted Millionaire for Life on Feb. 22 — offering players a chance to win $1M a year for life or $100K a year for life by matching five numbers — with daily drawings at 10:15 p.m. CT, replacing Lucky for Life. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ The Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District's annual report shows that it responded to nearly 4,900 calls last year with 77% EMS calls + 23% fire calls and celebrated the opening of Fire Station 37, which now houses firefighters and the Polk County Sheriff's Office. KCCI
- ➤ Renewable Fuels Association president Geoff Cooper doubted congress will pass a bill to allow year-round E15 after the House vote deadline passed yesterday. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra’s panel is negotiating with lawmakers to craft a compromise, with a deal expected to be introduced next week. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Central Iowa Water Works will invest nearly $200 million to meet a future demand of 208 million gallons per day by 2050. A reverse osmosis plant in Grimes will open in 2030, a new treatment plant west of Des Moines will add 12 million gallons in 2032, and an expansion at Saylorville is planned for 2045. KCCI
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Eli McKown shared rapid reactions after the Iowa State wrestling finals and explained key moments that shaped the match; his insights give fans a clear look at his performance. 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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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.
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Wiggles and Giggles Storytime
10:15-10:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime with music, movement, and rhymes perfect for young children.
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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Impatience with actions, patience with results.
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