Monday, April 14th, 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 Monday, the 14th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Sunday, dozens of local vendors set up stands at Big Grove Brewery, Exile Brewing Company, and Lua Brewing for the Des Moines Makers Market Bar Hop—an event that gave community members a chance to shop and supported small businesses. Owner Kristin Griffith and Big Grove manager Jack Davis said the market helped vendors showcase unique items and grow their businesses. WHO 13
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Fire crews from several cities battled a large blaze at the Moose Lodge in Newton late Sunday night—no cause was known and no injuries were reported while nearby Car Country Auto Salvage cleared an area near the fence line to stop the fire from spreading. KCCI
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Des Moines man, Cedrick Thomas Jr., was sentenced to life in prison without parole after a bench trial in January found him guilty of first-degree murder for his role in a 2022 drug deal robbery that led to Charles Lovelady’s death at a hospital—he must also pay $150,000 in restitution while his accomplices received sentences of up to five and 35 years respectively. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Central Iowa students from the Dallas Center-Grimes 11-2 Concert Band and Johnston High School Wind Symphony performed an original piece at Johnston High School Sunday afternoon to honor band director Jason Heeren’s daughter, who died from cancer nearly three years ago. The Heeren family also started the Anna Heeren Memorial Foundation through the Des Moines Community Foundation to support causes important to Anna and help families facing similar diagnoses. KCCI
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Iowa farmers who grew up during the 1980s farm crisis have learned to farm more carefully with smart money choices. USDA census data shows nearly 10,000 farms closed from 1997 to 2022, marking a 10.1 percent drop in Iowa farm numbers. The Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Johnston High School seniors celebrated their prom on April 12th at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines—students danced and posed for photos during the evening. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Tonight, the Iowa DOT will close Hickman Road and its ramps at 9 p.m. and northbound I-80/35 at 10 p.m. near the interchange as crews work until early morning while drivers follow marked detour routes from NW Urbandale Drive to Valley West Drive and exit the western mixmaster to use I-235. On April 21, the agency will close the Hickman Road on- and off-ramps for 120 days — work that is expected to finish mid-August. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Iowa State University was awarded more than $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to perform six research projects aimed at preventing and combating animal disease outbreaks—part of a $15.3 million APHIS effort for livestock health. The projects will develop online training and resources for producers and animal health workers while enhancing biosecurity protocols ahead of further disease challenges. KCCI
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!!
-
Toddler Tales: Rabbits
3:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Easter Lake Event Center — Free entry — Engage your toddler's imagination with a delightful nature-themed story about rabbits followed by fun activities.
-
Des Moines Career Fair
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Des Moines Marriott Downtown — Registration needed — Connect with top employers in various fields and boost your career prospects.
-
Trivia Night at Exile Brewing
6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints during happy hour — Test your knowledge with Trophy Husband Trivia while enjoying great brews.
-
First Friday Art Open House
5-8 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Explore 181 artist studios, enjoy themed festivities, and support local creatives during this monthly open house.
-
Pajama Party Yoga
10-11 a.m. — Surety Hotel — Donation-based class — Unwind with yoga, live DJ music, and complimentary mini massages in a cozy atmosphere.
-
Taps & Tags Music Night
7:30-10 p.m. — Westown Tap Bar and Restaurant — Free entry — A lively social evening for singers and music lovers to showcase their talent and enjoy live performances.
-
Korean Mythology Escape Room
6:30-7:15 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Outwit ancient myths and recover missing artifacts in an engaging escape room experience.
-
Low School Group Traffic
All day — Science Center of Iowa — Standard admission — Enjoy a quieter visit at the Science Center with minimal school group traffic expected.
-
CPCU Society and RISE Professionals Joint Event
3:30-5:30 p.m. — Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company — Contact for tickets — Network with insurance professionals and enjoy drinks and appetizers while learning about career resources.
-
Freedom in Freeform
4-5:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A welcoming stage for local poets to share their original works and celebrate the passion of poetry.
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
Simple and easy are not the same thing.
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