Daily Des Moines Logo Daily Des Moines

Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

SHARE
SPONSORED BY
Advertiser Logo

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 Wednesday, the 18th of June.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Des Moines pizza pioneer Abbie Polito, who co-founded La Pizza House in southeast Des Moines in 1952, died June 11 in Surprise, Arizona at 101—funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. June 21 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home with interment at Highland Memory Gardens.  The Des Moines Register

ACCIDENTS NEWS

  • Around 6:55 a.m. on June 17, the Iowa Department of Transportation reported a car caught fire in the grassy median on US 65 near SE Army Post Road—first responders blocked the left shoulder and managed a separate crash that blocked I-35’s northbound left lane about 5 miles south of Bevington, slowing traffic.  KCCI
  • A two-year-old boy was hit by a car on Tuesday morning in the 3600 block of E. University Avenue and is now in hospital where doctors expect him to survive—police credit the quick actions of two westbound drivers for preventing a fatal crash.  WHO 13

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • Central Iowa Water Works’ lawn watering ban, imposed on June 12 due to high nitrate levels from farm runoff in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, cut water use by 30% and officials say residents must conserve water for weeks while new nitrate treatment projects are planned—$344 million in improvements will gradually add the needed capacity. Utility experts warned that water use may spike once the ban is lifted as demand grows during the summer.  The Des Moines Register
  • Some firefly species in Iowa are declining due to habitat loss, light pollution, pesticide use and drought, but experts say the insects are not going extinct. Residents may still see glowing bugs in late spring and early summer—when moist, humid conditions boost their activity—if weather improves.  The Des Moines Register

HEALTH NEWS

  • Iowa health officials expressed concern after three measles cases were confirmed since May, including an unvaccinated child who visited a Costco and Marshalls in Coralville and a Walmart in Iowa City, as the immunization rate for two-year-olds stands at 84%, which is below the 95% level needed for herd immunity. Dr. Nathan Boonstra warned that lower vaccination rates in many counties could lead to larger outbreaks — experts stress that reaching the 95% threshold is critical.  WHO 13

REAL ESTATE NEWS

  • Chipotle at Valley West Mall in West Des Moines will close on June 22 and move to 10001 University Ave in Clive. The mall has been in foreclosure since 2022 & its future redevelopment remains unclear as CBRE continues its sale.  The Des Moines Register

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

    This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

    Fri, 1/10/25

    View event
  • Kindermusik Class

    5:30 – 6:15 PM — Hoyt Sherman Place — Cost not specified — Explore children’s music to enhance learning and growth.

    Thu, 6/19/25

    View event
  • Jake Schrodt Duo Live at Annie’s Irish Pub

    8-11 p.m. — Annie's Irish Pub — No cover charge — Enjoy an evening of live music from the Jake Schrodt Duo in a cozy pub setting.

    Fri, 6/20/25

    View event
  • Ride for a Reason

    12-5 p.m. — SingleSpeed Brewing Co - DSM TapRoom — $25 Early Bird ($35 after) — Participate in a fun 17-mile ride while benefiting Dorothy's House and enjoying live music and prizes.

    Sat, 6/21/25

    View event
  • Summer Music Series: Jonas Magram at Exile Brewing

    5:00–7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer at the Summer Music Series.

    Sun, 6/22/25

    View event
  • Overcoming Writer's Block Workshop

    7-9 p.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — $30 — Explore how to navigate writer's block and unlock your creativity in this intensive workshop.

    Mon, 6/23/25

    View event
  • MY PAINTING ERA CAMP! Day 1: 1989

    9 a.m.–12 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Cost varies — Create a unique painting with friends and local artists' guidance.

    Tue, 6/24/25

    View event
  • Avey Grouws Band Performance

    6-10 p.m. — Gray's Station — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live music, local food trucks, and summer vibes in Downtown Des Moines.

    Wed, 6/25/25

    View event
  • Disney Trivia Night at Exile Brewing

    6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints during happy hour — Test your Disney knowledge every Thursday evening with Trophy Husband Trivia.

    Thu, 6/26/25

    View event
  • Scott Davis Trio Performance

    7 PM — The Cave DSM — Cost info not available — Enjoy an evening of captivating music from the talented Scott Davis Trio.

    Fri, 6/27/25

    View event
  • Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

    6-9 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown — $67.95+ — Experience an interactive comedy murder mystery while enjoying a delightful dinner.

    Sat, 6/28/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

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.

Get started with The Buy today

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Des Moines.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Character is much easier kept than recovered.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

Reveal the author
About 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.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

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