Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Triple B's BBQ in Johnston is empowering over 40 special needs workers to master real-world job skills by serving food and taking orders; the restaurant encourages patience as its staff, inspired by owner Denny Blackford's son, Brenden (with Down syndrome), gains valuable experience. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Putts & Pins at Jordan Creek Town Center is closing on March 31 after offering indoor mini golf and duckpin bowling since November 2023; customers should cash in gift cards and join final events as catering and private bookings are still honored. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Casey's CEO Darren Rebelez said despite Iran events and past comparisons with the Ukraine war that rising wholesale prices have allowed fuel margins to eventually rebound as retail prices adjust slower + the Ankeny chain reported a 49% net income rise with a 41-cent fuel margin this quarter. Radio Iowa
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines’ Iowa State Capitol displays Civil War pride with the Gettysburg Address painted on its rotunda walls and a nearby monument honoring local soldiers and sailors, emphasizing the state's historic spirit. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Local students attend bilingual classes at St. Anthony Catholic School and Dallas Center-Grimes High School to learn English & Spanish. Led by dedicated teachers, the programs help strengthen language skills and cultural understanding in our community. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ The Des Moines Public Schools Board approved the closure of Walnut Street School as part of its Reimagining Education plan Tuesday night. Preschool through fifth-grade students in the Walnut attendance area will attend Edmunds Elementary School after June 4 - the school's final day. KCCI
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Missouri River Basin in Iowa faces low runoff this winter as snowfall remains well below normal and drought conditions expand. Releases from Gavins Point Dam will soon be increased to support navigation along the lower Missouri River. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Iowa had its first tornadoes of 2026 Tuesday night when one EF1 tornado touched down southwest of Donnellson at 9:05 p.m. and another formed 20 minutes later near a county park east of town, prompting surveys by the National Weather Service. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Former Iowan Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan was positively identified as a soldier killed in an Iranian attack on Shuaiba Port, Kuwait on March 1. His funeral is planned in Sacramento in about two weeks, and a fundraiser has raised $15,000 to support travel for family and fellow soldiers. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ The Department of Defense confirmed Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan was killed in an unmanned aircraft system attack in Kuwait on Mar. 1. All six soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command (the Des Moines unit) died in the attack, including one from West Des Moines. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A symposium on cancer treatment and prevention is underway today at Drake University’s Olmsted Center, drawing 350 participants and online viewers to hear experts discuss environmental risks, clinical interventions, and lifestyle factors linked to Iowa’s high cancer rates. Keynote speakers include Dr. Ricardo Salvador + Dr. Jesse Bell. Radio Iowa
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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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The Weary Ramblers Concert
5:30-10:30 p.m. — The Ingersoll — Tickets starting at $178 — Experience the unforgettable sounds of The Weary Ramblers in a vibrant Des Moines venue.
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Conjunto Rienda Real & La Pocima Norteña Concert
9 PM-12 AM — Val Air Ballroom — General Admission $70-80 — Experience an electrifying night of live regional music with top artists in a vibrant atmosphere.
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Demon Slayer Escape Room Adventure
6:30-7:15 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Enter the world of Demon Slayer and test your wits against demons in this exciting escape room challenge.
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St. Patrick's Day Comedy Show
7-9 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $30 for 2-tops, $60 for 4-tops — Celebrate St. Paddy's Day with comedian Ryan O'Flanagan and plenty of laughs.
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Twilight Zone Unscripted
7-10 p.m. — Temple Theater — Book tickets now — Experience a live interactive performance inspired by the iconic sci-fi series.
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Twilight Zone Unscripted
7 PM – 1 AM — Temple Theater — Tickets available — Experience the unpredictable thrills of Twilight Zone Unscripted live.
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Purple Piano with Marshall Charloff
7:30-9 p.m. — The Ingersoll Tap — Tickets starting at $136 — Experience a captivating performance by Marshall Charloff in a lively atmosphere.
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Twilight Zone Unscripted
2-5 p.m. — Temple Theater — Ticketed event — Experience an interactive performance inspired by the iconic series in a vibrant live setting.
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The Seagull
2-4 p.m. — Stoner Theater — $56.00 — Experience Chekhov’s classic as it explores the intersection of art, love, and ambition in a fresh adaptation.
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Lake Drive Concert Featuring Flwers, Callback, and Rutabaga
6-10 p.m. — xBk Live — Check website for tickets — Enjoy an exciting lineup of live music with an eclectic mix of genres.
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
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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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