Daily
Des Moines
Tuesday, October 14th, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 14th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Earlier this year in Polk County, a drive to church turned heroic when members of the Christian recovery group Sheepgate stopped to help an upside-down car in a ditch that had submerged a 74-year-old man from Kansas. Polk County deputies assisted as the group turned the vehicle right side up and nearly three months later the rescuers received a Lifesaving Award— a moment that reunited them with the man and his wife. WHO 13
- ➤ Jewish leaders and a West Des Moines Palestinian refugee expressed cautious relief—following a recent ceasefire and hostage release in the Middle East—and noted that despite the milestone, more dialogue is needed after two years of conflict. KCCI
- ➤ Animal Rescue League acquired two veterinary clinics in Des Moines to offer low-cost pet care, using the former Low Cost Spay Clinic on East 14th Street and the former Afford-A-Care Pet Hospital on Southeast 14th Street (both set for renaming); the organization said the change will boost its support programs (vaccine clinics and spay/neuter efforts) across the community. KCCI
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Baker & Taylor, a key supplier for Iowa public libraries, announced it will shut down by the end of the year due to financial difficulties—libraries are shifting orders to other vendors to avoid longer wait times for books. Iowa Public Radio
- ➤ DMPS teacher Amber Graeber said the $265 million bond will expand classroom space and modernize old buildings at Roosevelt High School, where her class of 35 lacks room to move. The district held three community sessions Monday—offering details on the referendum—and early voting begins on Wednesday. WHO 13
- ➤ Des Moines Public Schools warned that if the $265 million bond does not pass, hundreds of layoffs may occur and four key buildings—three schools and the district central office—will close. The bond aims to expand preschool, daycare and other programs but must reach a 60% vote to prevent more cuts. WHO 13
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A weak La Niña pattern in the Pacific Ocean is expected to influence Iowa’s winter by keeping ocean waters about half a degree cooler than normal—this means the state may see some colder air and scattered rain, though the overall impact will be small. Forecasts from the Climate Prediction Center show that the weather pattern will have a limited effect compared to stronger events. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Yoni Diller, a survivor of the Nova music festival attack on Oct. 7, told his story at the Iowans Supporting Israel banquet in Des Moines—he described how missiles from Gaza sparked panic and forced people to run for safety. Local leaders, including Sen. Grassley, showed strong support for Israel as Diller aimed to curb hate through his account. KCCI
- ➤ During National Fire Prevention Month, the Des Moines Fire Department advised residents to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly, replace batteries twice a year, and use only UL-listed devices to keep homes safe as winter approaches. On Sunday, fire crews rescued two people from a house without working alarms & officials stress that following these steps can help prevent tragedies. KCCI
- ➤ A celebration of life is scheduled for Iowa Senator Claire Celsi—who died last week at 59 after battling an undisclosed illness—from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on October 25 at Valley High School’s cafeteria in West Des Moines. A special election to fill her District 16 seat is set for December 30. WHO 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ankeny resident Casey Sigler said Buddy Check 13—WHO 13’s monthly campaign encouraging self-breast exams and annual mammograms—helped detect her Stage 2A breast cancer soon after her 41st birthday; she started chemo in June and will finish next month before having surgery. WHO 13
- ➤ On Sept. 23, the Iowa Society of Anesthesiologists retracted its public letter that raised concerns about MercyOne’s switch to Vituity for anesthesia care at its central Iowa hospitals, including the downtown Des Moines facility. MercyOne said it confirmed its physician-led model and will continue working with Vituity—ensuring safe and quality care for patients. The Des Moines Register
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa State Cyclone men’s basketball team begins the season ranked #16 after finishing last year 25—10 and will play an exhibition game against #23 Creighton on Friday, October 17th at 7:30 p.m. in Omaha. 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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Fall Author Series: Hank Phillippi Ryan
7 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan shares insights on her latest thriller, featured in scenes set at this very library.
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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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Turn it On! Mural Festival
1-3 p.m. — 901 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Celebrate the unveiling of an AR mural by Leon Keer while enjoying live jazz music.
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Doom Gong with Evander Ellsbury
7:00-8:30 p.m. — xBk Live — Tickets start at $38 — Experience an unforgettable evening with Doom Gong in Des Moines.
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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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Storytelling with Analogies
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Principal Financial Group — Free entry — Enhance your communication skills by crafting analogies that simplify complex concepts.
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Light+ Iowa
2:30-7:30 p.m. — The Tea Room — Free entry — Explore innovative lighting solutions with expert insights and enjoy live music and appetizers.
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Tyler Rich Concert at Wooly's
7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets from $49 — Experience the energetic vibes of Tyler Rich live in Des Moines.
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To Grandmother’s House We Go
9 a.m. — Brown's Woods — Entry Fee $40 — Tackle a spooky trail run on the unpaved paths of Brown's Woods with options for 5k, 10k, or 15k distances.
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Beggar's Brunch at Exile Brewing
10 AM – 2 PM — Exile Brewing Company — Free entry — Celebrate Beggar's Night with costume fun and bingo for prizes.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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