Friday, March 28th, 2025

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Des Moines.
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 28th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Brian Ohorilko, former head of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, was approved on Wednesday afternoon as the next CEO of Prairie Meadows with a base salary of $450,000—40% less than the outgoing CEO's pay—and will take over when Gary Palmer retires at the end of the year. The board will review his pay annually—this three-year contract allows for bonus adjustments—and some board members questioned the pay structure. The Des Moines Register
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Allamakee County deputies charged Waukon man Nathaniel Coleman (28) with animal neglect after a welfare check at 530 Hanover Hill Lane revealed 10 dogs in poor condition, including 2 that died from an attack and infection. The Gazette
- ➤ Stephanie Quintana-Leguisano reads her mother's letter every day and remains hopeful in a 7-month-old kidnapping case where her mother disappeared on Aug. 9 in Mexico while delivering a truck, and her family and Iowa senators are frustrated with slow progress by the FBI and Mexican authorities (she hopes to have her mother back by year-end). The Des Moines Register
- ➤ A Des Moines man was sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for fatally stabbing 20-year-old Alyssa Maher in a hotel room in November 2023—his sentence requires 35 years served before parole and $150,000 in restitution. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A federal judge ruled that Iowa’s ban on books with sexual content in school libraries violates the First Amendment and issued a temporary injunction before today — relieving educators and librarians from facing penalties. Publishers and school officials welcomed the decision while state officials said they may still challenge the law. Iowa Public Radio
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa House passed a bill that expands cancer coverage for first responders by removing the 14 specific cancers so firefighters can get better access to treatment and time off. The Des Moines Professional Firefighters said they will up their contribution by .125% and plan to work with Senate leadership to move the bill to committee before next Friday—hoping to protect and care for those who serve the community. WHO 13
- ➤ Gov. Kim Reynolds’ bill to boost rural health care passed in the Iowa House by a vote of 93-1 and will now go to the Senate. The law will combine loan repayment programs and use federal funds to add 115 new residency spots each year—helping rural communities get care sooner. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ The Iowa House passed a bill that will ban the use of eminent domain for new carbon dioxide pipelines after it takes effect. The measure will not affect Summit Carbon Solutions' pipeline approved in June (it collects CO2 from ethanol plants to store underground). 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
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Des Moines.
-
New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
-
Building Show of Iowa
9 AM - 6 PM | Iowa Events Center | Free entry | Connect with local building experts for your remodeling and construction needs.
-
Senior Living Awards Showcase
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. | 3717 6th Ave, Des Moines | Free entry | Celebrate the best in senior living with awards for meals, activities, and community friendliness.
-
Crafting for Adults: String Art
3:30-5:00 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration recommended — Create a unique string art piece or progress on your current project.
-
Blake Shaw with The Des Moines Big Band
7 p.m. — Noce — Ticket information not provided — Experience an extraordinary night of jazz with vocalist Blake Shaw leading the storied Des Moines Big Band.
-
Author Event with Amina Luqman-Dawson
6:30-8 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Celebrate the award-winning author of 'Freewater' and enjoy a book signing and Q&A session.
-
Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention
2 PM - 8 PM — EMC Expo Center — All ages welcome — Celebrate tattoo artistry and explore the vibrant world of body art.
-
WHS PROM Starlight Soiree 2025
8-10 p.m. — Iowa Events Center Ballroom — $30 — Celebrate an enchanting evening under the stars at the WHS Prom 2025.
-
Des Moines Symphony Presents O Fortuna Carmina Burana
2:30-4 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — $20-80, Students half-price — Experience fate and fortune with over 100 voices in a powerful performance of Orff's Carmina Burana.
-
Jazz on the House with Saxophonist Wayne Page & Co.
7-10 p.m. — Noce — No cover all night — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live jazz music paired with happy hour specials.
-
Warrant Concert
12:30 a.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Tickets starting at $49 — Catch Warrant live for a night of rock music in Des Moines.
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.

Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Des Moines.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Success is never owned; it is only rented—and the rent is due every day.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Des Moines
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Des Moines and across Iowa. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Des Moines
A free Des Moines community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailydesmoines.com/sitemap