Daily
Des Moines
Friday, April 18th, 2025
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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lisa Campbell of Tama was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Iowa and will spend the year traveling the state to highlight the abilities of people who use wheelchairs. She will work to make amusement parks more accessible and represent Iowa at the Ms. Wheelchair America National Competition in Grand Rapids in August (Campbell was born with spina bifida and received her first wheelchair at age five). Radio Iowa
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A second suspect was arrested in connection with a February 27 Ames robbery and shooting during a drug deal when Juan Davila Moore, 23, was taken into custody on charges of first-degree robbery and attempted murder—he is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 28. WHO 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Isaac Stauffer, a tap dancer from southeast Iowa, will perform tonight at the Civic Center in Des Moines with the Chicago Tap Theatre—marking his professional debut in his home state—after years of touring internationally. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Simpson College president Jay Byers was found dead at his residence near the Indianola campus on April 17th during a wellness check. The 54-year-old, a Simpson alum who had led the college since July 2023—classes have been canceled until April 22nd as investigators work to determine his cause of death. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Lyrid meteor shower—one of the oldest known—began on April 16 and will peak on April 21 and April 22. Iowans can see 10 to 15 meteors per hour and might spot bright fireballs when they look up from dark areas away from city lights. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa Senate approved a plan that will limit public access to stationary camera footage at the Capitol without a court order—only body camera video from police and state troopers will be released if a crime is committed, and the list of badge swipers will be kept private. Radio Iowa
- ➤ On April 17, a House committee in Des Moines voted to create an Iowa income tax credit for homeowners who install radon mitigation systems to reduce lung cancer risk. Representative Austin Baeth said the credit may cover up to $1,000 of the $2,000 cost—an important step amid a cancer crisis—and may encourage more Iowans to test for radon. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Governor Kim Reynolds said she prayed while weighing her decision on reelection when speaking at the Iowa Prayer Breakfast today, after announcing last Friday that she would not run in 2026. She thanked attendees for praying for her husband (whose lung cancer is in remission) during her brief remarks. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Iowa House lawmakers voted 60 to 33 to send a bill to Governor Reynolds that would require high schoolers to pass a 100 question U.S. citizenship test (with at least 60 correct answers needed) before graduating; the rule would apply to public, private and charter schools. 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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Soul Sunday with Gospel Artists
3 PM — Noce — Food and drinks available for purchase — Experience uplifting gospel music alongside a soul food inspired brunch.
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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.
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Open Mic Night
6-9 p.m. — Fireside Grille — 2-for-1 Pasta Night with Happy Hour — Showcase your talent with comedy, music, and more at a vibrant venue.
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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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