Daily
Des Moines
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Erin Kiernan, a longtime anchor at WHO-TV, announced she will step back from the main newscast role to spend more time with her family, with her final newscast scheduled for Nov. 24. The station expressed strong support for her decision—highlighting her nearly 30 years of dedicated service in Central Iowa. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ On Tuesday morning, members of the Urbandale Food Pantry received a refrigerated van from Whole Foods Market’s Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program at a local Whole Foods, which will help transport perishable food to residents in need. Pantry leaders said the donation is timely as they welcomed over 150 new families in October and expect rising need when SNAP benefits may stop on November 1—potentially affecting more than 130,000 households. WHO 13
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Former DMPS superintendent Ian Roberts pleaded not guilty to federal charges of falsifying his I-9 form and illegally possessing multiple guns—he resigned in September after his ICE arrest and his attorneys waived his appearance at today's arraignment, with the judge accepting his plea. The Des Moines Register
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines heavy metal band Slipknot filed a federal lawsuit in Virginia — claiming the Slipknot.com domain misleads fans by linking to counterfeit merchandise — and seeks to gain legal control of the website. KCCI
- ➤ The National Balloon Museum in Indianola is getting back restored artifacts after a fire in early 2024; a truck carrying 25,000 pounds arrived Friday with 350 items as volunteers helped unload it — a second truck will bring more artifacts on October 24th — and museum officials will check which items can be displayed before reopening for Balloon Classic in July. WHO 13
- ➤ Residents are preparing for Halloween as many kids search for KPop Demon Hunter outfits from a summer Netflix movie, said Juanita Cameron of the Theatrical Shop in West Des Moines — she noted that adults are buying accessories to create DIY looks. Some customers are also ordering costumes for Halloween-themed weddings set for the weekend of October 31. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Southeast Polk School District voters will choose three board members from five candidates on Nov. 4. The race features incumbent Brigid Ernst and challengers Karla Jensen, Tracy Dawson, Grant Gillon, and Adam Krell, with each candidate emphasizing the need for safe schools and strong student support. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Des Moines Public Schools placed chief academic officer Robert Lundin on paid leave on Oct. 6 with no reason provided. District officials said it was a personnel matter—questions remain about whether his absence may affect academic data amid recent administrative changes. The Des Moines Register
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Polk County officials approved about $200,000 to help the University of Iowa’s water quality monitoring program study key rivers as federal and state budget cuts threaten the system—this funding will begin in June and comes partly from leftover study funds and American Rescue Plan Act money. County leaders are urging nearby counties to join the effort to keep the program running. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines officials approved a 20-year lease-purchase agreement with homeless services nonprofit Joppa for the old Chesterfield Community Center in the 2500 block of Maury, with Joppa planning to buy the property in five years. The project will create a tiny home village with 54 units — 50 for residents and 4 for staff—up to a $10 million cost, with groundbreaking set for next year and move-in by 2027. KCCI
- ➤ Des Moines City Council approved a plan to redevelop the Market District—covering 260 acres of former industrial land near the East Village—into a mixed-use neighborhood with housing, dining, and retail spaces. City officials said the project will use new state law to secure extra funding and is expected to take about 20 years. KCCI
- ➤ Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig said (in a statement) that warm weather and dry conditions helped farmers make strong progress on harvest last week while the USDA crop report is on hold due to the government shutdown. He reported that farmers are on pace to reach the five-year average with about 85% of soybeans and 60% of corn already harvested. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Iowa Department of Health and Human Services warned that about 131,000 households relying on SNAP will not get November benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown—local food banks and community organizations are stepping in to support those in need while the agency works to process payments once the shutdown ends. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines hospitals report a steep rise in e-scooter and e-bike injuries, with rates increasing over 1,000% since 2022 and pediatric cases growing from 4 to 43 this year—local cases like Jordan Dean and Brandon Hobby show lasting health impacts that stress the need for proper safety gear and clearer regulations. WHO 13
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LaQuita Lucas and Jami Behun received City Council approval to open Heroics Sports Lounge on Ingersoll Avenue, a bar that will exclusively show women’s sports and is set to launch before Thanksgiving. A preview event will be held at Exile Brewing on November 4—fans will have a chance to see the space in action early. Iowa Starting Line
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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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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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Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad
6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with a new hands-on art activity each week.
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K-pop Meet-up
5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with fellow K-pop fans, trade photocards, and enjoy snacks and music.
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Halloween Party
11 AM - 1 PM — Des Moines Women's Club — Paid entry — Enjoy ghoul-themed games, a catered buffet, and craft activities at this festive Halloween gathering.
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Trivia Night: Halloween Edition
6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints during happy hour — Test your knowledge at this fun weekly trivia event with Trophy Husband Trivia.
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The Outreach Project
1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with community resources and advocate support for health and ID assistance.
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An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma
7:30-9 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma in a special performance blending music and reflections on art and humanity.
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