Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, April 17th, 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 Thursday, the 17th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Today, Iowa Cold Case Unit's attorney general office unveiled a playing card deck with 52 unsolved cases—one card shows realtor Ashley Okland who was shot at a 2011 open house in Des Moines, while another marks the fire in Bill Wood's Norwalk home that left him dead; the deck will be distributed to inmates to help spark new leads among over 400 cold cases under review since 2023. KCCI
- ➤ Indianola patrol lieutenant Justin Keller, 43, is charged with stalking a woman for nearly four months & allegedly entered her home earlier this week & faces a preliminary hearing on April 29 while he remains on unpaid leave. WHO 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Zoo officials announced on April 16 that starting in July, Blank Park Zoo will temporarily be renamed Dino Park Zoo and will feature 15 life-size animatronic dinosaurs created by Dino Don, who worked on Jurassic Park. The zoo will host dinosaur-themed events such as Zoo Brew and Night Eyes until it reverts to its usual name in October. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ After his mural of John Lewis and Black Lives Matter was removed on April 12 from University Laundry at 1215 Sixth Ave, local artist Reuben Cheatem said he was hurt that JBD Investments LLC did not inform him before selling the building—he added that the lack of communication lessened the work's impact. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Educators Michelle Huber and Janis Logan taught first-grade students at Cornell Elementary in Des Moines on April 14—students worked on reading assignments and interactive lessons. The Des Moines Register
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Des Moines-based Harkin Institute hosts an all-day symposium on the Future of Clean Water at Drake University — event organizer Adam Shriver says climate change and state plus federal policies are threatening water quality. About 150 people will attend in person and 100 will join online as speakers explain how chemical use and high nitrates in Iowa’s waterways affect public health. Radio Iowa
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the best time to hunt morel mushrooms is early April through mid-May and recommends hunting during the daytime when temperatures reach the 60s and soil warms to at least 53 degrees—forest areas with dead elm trees and old apple orchards are prime spots. Mushroom hunters should avoid early mornings and late afternoons to steer clear of turkey hunters and wear blaze orange for safety. The Des Moines Register
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.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Iowa women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder recounted on Monday evening at Central College in Pella how she learned from star player Caitlin Clark that the school still had a spot when the player called during dinner — she answered 'absolutely.' Former NBC News correspondent Harry Smith led the hour-long discussion that detailed the memorable moment. WHO 13
-
New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
-
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.
-
Bluegrass Matinee at Exile Brewing
11 AM - 1 PM — Exile Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy live bluegrass music from Stringfield in a vibrant beer hall atmosphere.
-
Soul Sunday with Gospel Artists
3 PM — Noce — Food and drinks available for purchase — Experience uplifting gospel music alongside a soul food inspired brunch.
-
3D Printer Training Class
5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free registration — Master 3D printing with hands-on training on top-of-the-line printers and software.
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
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
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