Daily
Des Moines
Tuesday, October 28th, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 28th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Residents of Sherman Hill are getting ready to turn their neighborhood into a Halloween wonderland to raise donations for DMARC Food Pantry Network — the event will take place on Thursday, October 30th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with food vendors and themed yard displays inviting visitors to drop off non-perishable food items or donate money via a QR code. WHO 13
- ➤ Electric bikes and scooters are raising safety concerns in Des Moines suburbs as Blank Children’s Hospital reported a 1,000 percent increase in emergency room visits due to these devices. Local police and metro chiefs are working on possible new rules — officials stress that parents must ensure children wear helmets and ride safely. WHO 13
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Late Sunday night, a fire at 534 S. 19th St. in West Des Moines forced residents from four apartment units and caused about $60,000 in damage—firefighters saved five cats and no one was hurt. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Beloved Snookies Malt Shop on Beaver Ave was remodeled with a new pitched roof—paid for with a $40,000 upgrade half-funded by Invest DSM—to fix past leakage issues and keep the shop dry for the 2026 ice cream season. The 70-year-old landmark, known for its iconic pink neon sign, will welcome customers next season. The Des Moines Register
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Country artist Cody Johnson announced he will perform at Casey’s Center on Saturday, May 9. Tickets will go on sale November 7 at 10 a.m. for online purchase. WHO 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Waukee Community School District lost about $2.3 million in revenue this fiscal year after a correction reduced the Apple data center’s valuation from $192 million to $60 million—an adjustment stemming from a 20-year tax abatement agreement made in 2017. District officials are working with legal and financial partners to decide next steps, and they stated that the loss will not lead to staff layoffs. WHO 13
- ➤ Since July 2023, Iowa public schools have recorded 24 formal challenges to educational materials, including 21 books, two curriculum items and one film. Most challenges have been denied—with only one movie removed—amid debates over the content taught in classrooms. The Des Moines Register
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa DNR completed taking public input on updating drinking water standards to protect supplies, including the Des Moines River where nitrate levels and algae toxins have raised health concerns. The agency will consider stricter limits on nitrogen, phosphorus and microcystin to address pollution from factory farms. Iowa Starting Line
- ➤ An invasive spotted lanternfly was found in Des Moines in September, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship urged residents to watch for the insect in areas with heavy truck traffic. The department said that if the bug spreads, it could damage many plants including trees and crops—report sightings by phone or email immediately. Iowa Starting Line
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ SNAP benefits will not be issued after November 1 due to the ongoing federal shutdown, affecting about 131,000 Iowa households during a critical month for food supplies. Governor Reynolds has asked HHS to review the food insecurity plan & local food banks are working to keep supplies ready amid the expected delays in benefits. Iowa Starting Line
- ➤ West Des Moines voters will decide on a $135 million bond referendum to fund eight school district projects including modernizing classrooms, building a new multipurpose activities facility, and a performing arts center with Election Day on November 4 while early in-person voting runs until November 3. The bond would raise property taxes by $1.52 to a total of $13.74—ensuring the district maintains the lowest rate in the Des Moines metro. WHO 13
- ➤ The Iowa DOT announced that a section of the northeast mixmaster will close at 8 p.m. on October 29 through 5 a.m. on October 30, with a repeat closure Thursday for new concrete pouring—drivers using I-235 must detour via I-35 and Southeast Corporate Woods Drive to reach westbound I-80 safely. The Des Moines Register
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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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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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Iowa Reptile Show
10 AM – 4 PM — Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines — Tickets available at the door — A family-friendly event featuring thousands of reptiles, amphibians, and supplies to explore.
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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 hands-on art activity each week in a fun and welcoming environment.
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Monthly Writing Night
7-9 p.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — A casual evening for writers to create and share inspiration over coffee.
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RC Coffee Networking Event
9-10 a.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — Connect with local remodelers over coffee and networking opportunities.
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Holiday Social 2025
5-9 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $30 per person — Enjoy a casual evening of appetizers and drinks while mingling with fellow locals.
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Elevated Dining Experience at Judges
5:45-7:45 p.m. — Judges — Cost varies — Enjoy shareable starters and inventive cocktails in a modern comfort food setting.
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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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