Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ottumwa native Christie Cellman, a disability advocate, is proposing a gun-free crisis response team that pairs social workers+medical professionals and trusted community members to safely handle emergencies involving people with disabilities. She expects pilot programs may be planned in Iowa City and Des Moines to show positive results. Iowa Starting Line
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ University of Iowa energy expert Tyler Priest warns that rising diesel costs and a potential LNG shortage are set to affect farming — diesel now averages $5.36 a gallon and higher fuel prices may boost costs for fertilizers. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a charter school funding bill at Des Moines Prep on May 12 that sets new funding for local charter schools and supports expanded educational opportunities. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Yesterday, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law at Des Moines Prep (boosting charter schools with $1.3 million extra for teacher salaries and facilities) while expanding school choice by letting homeschoolers charge for teaching unrelated children and requiring public districts cover charter students' tuition for college courses. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Gov. Kim Reynolds signed House File 2754 at Des Moines Prep on Tuesday—expanding charter school funding and easing homeschool restrictions—and added private enrollment options. Supporters say the law boosts school choice—although critics worry it may divert funds from public schools. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City leaders expect that state tax reform may force cuts to library hours & branch closures; library director Melissa McCollum will update City Council on May 18 with details at a work session. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new law that speeds up cancer screenings by removing insurance pre-approval and setting deadlines for insurers to report— the law will take effect July 1. KCCI
- ➤ Grimes grew by 2,417 people between 2020 and 2025 to reach 17,809 residents (a 15.7% increase) according to its special census released May 12, which also recorded 1,870 new housing units and is set to add $1.75 million in federal funds for road maintenance, snow removal, and infrastructure improvements over the next four years. The Des Moines Register
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A central Iowa nonprofit is moving ahead with the Oakridge Neighborhood’s $15-million Cynergy project in Des Moines, set to create 33 affordable family apartments with three to four bedrooms plus reserved one- and two-bedroom units for low-income residents, along with services for workforce training and wellness. Radio Iowa
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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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Emo Nite at Wooly's
10 PM – 1 AM — Wooly's — Tickets from $64 — Experience an unforgettable night filled with emo music and nostalgia.
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Clue: High School Edition
7-9 p.m. — Stoner Theater — Check the details for ticket prices — A madcap comedy where iconic characters race to solve a murder mystery at a dinner party.
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Clue: High School Edition
7-9 p.m. — Stoner Theater — Admission fee required — A comedic whodunit unfolds as guests race to find a murderer in Boddy Manor.
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Summer Concert Series Performance
11 AM – 12 PM — Heritage Carousel of Des Moines — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful summer concert in a charming carousel setting.
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Spring Music Series: Forrest McCurren
5-7 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy great live music while sipping on discounted beers during the Spring Music Series.
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Alpha Wolf Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Ticketed event — Experience the electrifying performance of Alpha Wolf at Wooly's in Des Moines, IA.
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Meet Me @ The Altar Concert
7-9 p.m. — Wooly's — Concert tickets available — Enjoy an evening with Meet Me @ The Altar in Des Moines, IA.
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Cultivating Careers Program
9:30-11:30 a.m. — Project IOWA — Free participation — Empowering community members through holistic workforce training and one-on-one coaching.
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World Pork Expo
June 2-3 — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Admission varies — Explore the pork industry's latest innovations and meet thousands of fellow enthusiasts.
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Blue Light Jazz with NOLA Jazz
5-7 p.m. — Surety Hotel Lobby Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy Stiff Drinks, Smooth Grooves, and Chill Vibes with live Jazz music.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The more complete the despair, the more complete the awakening.
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