Friday, July 25th, 2025

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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 25th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ After heavy rain on July 20, mud washed into the Holiday Aquatic Center pool in West Des Moines and led to a Monday morning closure. Staff drained, refilled, and reopened the pool by Tuesday afternoon—completing the cleanup in 24 hours. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ 13-year-old Ava Grace Weitl (after a 682-day hospital stay that included a heart transplant in February 2024 and a kidney transplant in January) celebrated a surprise homecoming on July 23 at Wildwood Park (honoring her missed fifth-grade clap out tradition) as teachers and friends gathered to support her return. Ava will start seventh grade in-person this fall and plans to learn new skills as she continues her recovery. The Des Moines Register
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines police investigated an armed bank robbery at a U.S. Bank on University Avenue on July 24 — the suspect, a Black male in a dark hoodie and gloves armed with a handgun, fled on foot and no one was injured. KCCI
- ➤ The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said two suspects were charged with first-degree robbery for an armed incident at Git N Go on July 6 at 4224 Northwest 2nd Street—Blake Christy faces charges for robbery, firearm possession, and a sex offender warrant while Samantha Buchman is charged with robbery and conspiracy with preliminary hearings set for August 4. WHO 13
- ➤ Polk County Sheriff's Office said Blake Allen Christy (35) and Git N Go clerk Samantha Lynn Buchman (38) were arrested on July 24 for planning a July 6 armed robbery at a north side Git N Go store, with cell phone data and surveillance linking them as Christy faces charges including first-degree robbery and firearm possession while Buchman is charged with aiding the crime. The Des Moines Register
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Recent heavy rains have nearly ended drought conditions in Iowa, with central and northern areas receiving 4 to 8 inches of rain while southern regions saw enough rainfall to ease dryness. The latest drought monitor update shows less than 1% of the state remains in moderate drought—down dramatically from earlier levels. KCCI
- ➤ Across Iowa's cornfields, an early outbreak of southern rust is causing worry as the disease threatens crops that have just pollinated—experts report it has already appeared in at least a third of the counties. Farmers will use the new AI tool Sky Scout to detect and treat the rust early—helping to protect the season's yield. KCCI
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Iowa is hosting its first-ever National Senior Games today with over 12,500 athletes (from all 50 states and other countries) competing in 25 sports across venues in the Des Moines metro and Ames. The opening ceremony with the flaming torch on the Iowa State Capitol Grounds will take place tomorrow night and the games will run until August 4th (with free admission for spectators and volunteer opportunities available). 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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Little Explorers Program
10-11 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Discover and play with activities designed to build early literacy skills in children ages 0-5.
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Summer Music Series: Paul Little at Exile Brewing
5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Experience the perfect Sunday with live music and patio vibes.
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I Spy: Mario
12 AM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Search for your favorite Mario characters and claim a prize upon completion.
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Baby Rhyme Time
10:00 – 10:30 AM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A delightful gathering for infants and toddlers featuring engaging rhymes and songs.
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The SpongeBob Musical
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Dive into the vibrant underwater world where SpongeBob and friends unite to save Bikini Bottom from disaster.
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Wiggles and Giggles Storytime
9:15-9:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy movement, music, and rhyming with fun watermelon games and crafts.
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The Hors D’oeuvres Live at Annie’s Irish Pub
8-11 p.m. — Annie's Irish Pub — Cost TBD — Enjoy an evening filled with live music from The Hors D’oeuvres.
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City Voices Summer Recital
1:30 – 3:00 PM — Noce — Free — Enjoy captivating performances from talented students in Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Classical music styles.
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Summer Music Series with Casey Peasley
5:00-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer in the heart of summer.
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Galactic Empire Concert
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Wooly's — $47 to $157 — Experience a unique concert by Galactic Empire that combines Star Wars themes with live music.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
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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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