Daily
Des Moines
Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lieutenant Blaine Wilcox, an Iowan killed during a bombing mission over Germany in World War II, was laid to rest yesterday in Glenwood—81 years after his death on October 7. Radio Iowa
DRINK NEWS
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ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Iowa soybean farmers in Maxwell face a severe economic downturn now that China has stopped importing soybeans, leaving prices low despite an expected harvest of 550 million bushels. Farmers await a trade deal with China and a potential aid package — plans that could be announced as early as next Tuesday may help keep local farms afloat. WHO 13
- ➤ The Iowa Economic Development Authority promotes Shop Iowa Day today with deals like 30% off purchases and a $5 gift card on every $25 spent - the online marketplace features products from merchants across all 99 counties. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Former DMPS superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested after a deportation order and now faces trial on immigration and federal firearm charges. An investigation by the Des Moines Register revealed he misrepresented his credentials by claiming a doctoral degree from Morgan State and an MBA from MIT—errors that were corrected in a later resume submitted before his hiring. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Des Moines Public Schools filed a lawsuit against JG Consulting on Oct 3 for breach of contract and negligence after they hired Ian Roberts, who was arrested on Sept 26 and now faces federal gun charges. JG Consulting said they stand by their record and will defend themselves in court—claiming over a decade of work in school leadership searches proves their diligence. KCCI
- ➤ Four suburban school districts will ask voters to approve bonds on Nov. 4 to pay for projects such as a new technical hub and athletic centers in Ankeny, classroom and playground renovations in Dallas Center-Grimes, a new elementary school in Southeast Polk, and facility upgrades in West Des Moines that will raise property taxes slightly—homeowners of a $300,000 home paying about $17 more monthly if the bond passes. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa state Sen. Claire Celsi of West Des Moines died Monday at 59 after weeks in hospice care—she represented District 16 and was widely praised by lawmakers for her dedication to public service. Her colleagues from both parties noted her work for vulnerable residents and said a special election will be scheduled to fill her seat. The Gazette
- ➤ Des Moines voters will decide on a $265M bond to revamp public schools and improve services after the superintendent’s arrest, with the bond repaid over 20 years by property taxes. The ballot also features competitive school board races in suburbs like Ankeny and Johnston and a City Council Ward 1 contest on Nov. 4. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Iowa officials have published guidelines to help residents vote in city and school elections on November 4. The instructions include key dates and steps needed to cast ballots—voters should review them carefully. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Des Moines School officials are considering joining the federal E-Verify system to check that workers are allowed to work after former superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested on immigration charges and now faces gun charges and a deportation order, while the board sued the firm that recommended him and requested a U.S. Attorney to review his work documents — Senator Grassley said this follows DHS confirmation that the district had never used the system before his hiring. Radio Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Iowa woman with ALS regains her voice and connection through new AI technology provided by the ALS Association — Robin Leaper, formerly Norwalk’s Parks and Recreation Director, can now speak clearly and continue her work. Her renewed voice has brought comfort to her family and restored her sense of dignity. WHO 13
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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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Michael Blaustein Stand-Up Comedy Show
7:30-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Tickets start at $34 — Experience the laughs of one of the fastest rising stand-up comedians with viral success.
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Skizzy Mars Live Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — $50-$202 — Experience the energetic sounds of Skizzy Mars in a vibrant setting.
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The Goonies in Concert
3:30-5:00 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — $28-68 — Celebrate 40 years of adventure with a live symphonic performance of the iconic film's score.
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Evil Dead In Concert - A Live To Film Experience
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Hoyt Sherman Place — Tickets starting at $9 — Experience the cult classic film with a live concert performance.
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Paul McCartney Concert
6:00-9:30 p.m. — Wells Fargo Arena — Ticketed event — Experience a legendary evening with the iconic Paul McCartney performing live.
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Saxsquatch Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — $27.49 — Experience the mind-bending sounds of electronic music artist Saxsquatch adorned with a spectacular live show.
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Nurse Blake Comedy Show
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Hoyt Sherman Place — Ticket prices starting at $51 — Enjoy a night of laughter with Nurse Blake at this renowned venue.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
People are rewarded in public for what they practice for years in private.
~ Tony Robbins
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