Daily
Des Moines
Wednesday, March 19th, 2025
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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Blank Park Zoo euthanized a 3-week-old cotton-top tamarin on Friday after it was found separated from its family and in declining health. The baby was one of twins born in February and did not improve after repeated checks by the animal care team — a reminder of the high early death rate for the species. The Des Moines Register
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines’ first board game cafe, The Rook Room, will open sometime this spring in downtown after leasing the former St. Kilda Cafe and Bakery location—owners Tony Tandeski and Annelise Tarnowski plan to offer a space with a restaurant, bar, cafe, and community hub featuring over 800 board games and a menu with locally inspired pizza puffs. They are finalizing construction of the lower level and will operate Thursdays through Tuesdays with a cover on some nights. WHO 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, thousands of people lined Grand Avenue in Des Moines to enjoy the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick—who have hosted the event since 1981—say the parade has expanded to cover over a mile with 63 entrants. KCCI
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Environmental groups filed a notice to sue Alliant Energy’s Iowa affiliate over a drain beneath a coal ash landfill in Ottumwa that has discharged contaminated groundwater with toxic chemicals—like arsenic and other metals—into a wetland that flows to the Des Moines River. Alliant said it is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on a plan and new design work for the discharge may begin this spring. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, the Iowa Senate voted 47-1 to ban cellphone use while driving except in hands-free mode, and the bill now moves to the House for a vote expected later this week. The law would raise fines for violations and include exemptions for public safety personnel and farm equipment — a key exception that some lawmakers debated. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ The Iowa Senate voted on March 18 to expand a law that bans drones from flying over farms of 40 acres that earn at least $15,000 from animals or other products. The bill makes it a crime to fly within 400 feet of animals, equipment, barns or a farmer's home and gives a simple misdemeanor for breaking the rule—Senator Dan Zumbach said drones scare livestock. Radio Iowa
- ➤ The Iowa House passed a bill on Monday that requires written parental consent for anyone under 18 to use tanning beds at tanning salons—an effort to lower cancer rates. Lawmakers say the bill is part of a broader plan and it now moves to the Iowa Senate—where it will be reviewed further. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services said that the percentage of under-vaccinated K-12 students has grown nearly 3% over five years to 7.1%—a rise of about 14,000 children—due to COVID-era vaccine hesitancy and eased religious exemption rules. Health experts warned that these trends may raise the risk of previously controlled diseases returning. Iowa Public Radio
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
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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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Gravitate Coworking March Pretzel Day: St. Patrick's Trivia
This event features St. Patrick's Day trivia in a cozy atmosphere, complemented by pretzels for participants to enjoy.
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Tyler Utter Trio Concert
7-9 p.m. | The Cave DSM | Entry info not specified | Enjoy an evening of local music with the Tyler Utter Trio in a cozy venue.
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Great Train Show 2025
The Great Train Show features a wide array of trains, accessories, and activities for enthusiasts of all ages at the Iowa Events Center.
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Great Train Show 2025
The Great Train Show features over 200 tables of trains for sale, large model train displays, and offers free workshops and demonstrations.
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Texas Legends vs Iowa Wolves
6:30 PM | Iowa Events Center | Ticket prices vary | Witness the excitement of the NBA G League clash between Texas Legends and Iowa Wolves.
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Bowl For Kids' Sake
Bowl for a Cause with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa! Bring your team together for a fun-filled event that supports life-changing mentoring programs while giving your company the spotlight it deserves!
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Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End - A Biographical Play
A heartwarming and humorous play that celebrates the life of renowned humorist Erma Bombeck, highlighting her unique voice as a chronicler of everyday women's experiences.
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Trivia Night at Exile Brewing
6-8 p.m. | Exile Brewing Company | Free entry | Come have fun and test your knowledge with a night of trivia.
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The Remember Balloons Concert
2-4 p.m. | Des Moines Performing Arts | Ticket details not provided | Experience the vibrant performance of The Remember Balloons in the heart of Des Moines.
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Building Show of Iowa
9 AM - 6 PM | Iowa Events Center | Free entry | Connect with local building experts for your remodeling and construction needs.
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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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