Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, November 6th, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 6th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Habitat for Humanity launches its first Home Preservation for Heroes event in Des Moines today, where staff and volunteers repair and upgrade five veterans' homes to improve safety and accessibility. The work benefits veterans from the Army—Navy—Marine Corps—and Air Force and will continue through Friday. KCCI
- ➤ The Food Bank of Iowa received nearly 72,000 pounds of food from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — including canned vegetables, pasta, and pancake mix — to help fight hunger. The donation marked the church’s second contribution and helped the food bank deliver two trucks of food quickly. KCCI
- ➤ Paul Tullis, who started the free Parks Community Thanksgiving Dinner, is now among the hundreds receiving meals as rising economic challenges boost demand — Hilary Whitfield, who now manages the program, said it reached a 2,400 meal quota in eight days and will offer 600 meals for dine-in or takeout on Thanksgiving Day at Chuck’s Restaurant. WHO 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Des Moines Register's photojournalists selected their best photos from October, featuring community gatherings, sports events and local celebrations—capturing the diverse spirit of Iowa. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Southeast Polk voters elected three school board members—Bridig Ernst, Tracy Dawson, and Grant Gillon—and approved a $51 million bond to build a new elementary school and improve playgrounds at existing schools. The bond, which passed by a 62% margin, will fund an approximately $40 million school for about 750 students and additional district enhancements. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Interim Superintendent Matt Smith said he was grateful after 73% of voters approved the $265M Reimagining Education bond referendum, beating the 60% threshold despite recent controversies. The district will address near-term budget challenges with declining enrollment and pending state supplemental aid—using the bond funds only for approved building changes as detailed on the website. WHO 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines closed its Section 8 waitlist on November 5 after receiving a record 7,500 applications, forcing thousands to be turned away. Director Chris Johansen said rising rents & unmet federal funding show that incomes are lagging behind housing costs. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Two Head Start programs ran out of funding when their grants ended on Oct. 31, forcing Community Action of Eastern Iowa to close five centers—leaving 139 children without care and leading to 45 staff layoffs. The South Central Iowa Community Action Program is using contingency funds to stay open until Nov. 14 but may close if the shutdown continues. WHO 13
- ➤ Construction on the new $557 million Des Moines Airport terminal is ahead of schedule—approval has been given for a third phase that will add four new gates sooner because of lower building costs. CEO Brian Mulcahy said the terminal will open starting early in 2027 and phase three gates will be ready by late 2029, with the old terminal set to be torn down for taxi and rideshare services. KCCI
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Raccoon Valley Little League in Des Moines faces an uncertain future as its private road must be replaced—if the league raises $150,000 to pave a new route and fills volunteer positions, it will only continue playing in 2026 and beyond. The league will update supporters during a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, Nov 11, at 7 p.m. 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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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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The Fitch Building Open Studio
6-9 p.m. — Fitch Studios LLC — Free entry — Explore a vibrant array of local artists showcasing their creative works in an interactive studio environment.
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Des Moines Holiday Boutique
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — EMC Expo Center — $12 online, $14 at the door — Discover unique gifts from over 130 small businesses this holiday season.
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Novel November Write In
4-7 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Keep your writing momentum going with fellow novelists during this collaborative write-in session.
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Free Holiday Portraits at Exile Brewing
5-7 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Free — Capture festive memories with free holiday portraits for your family or friends during your visit.
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VolunTEENS Work Opportunity
4-5 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A fun and rewarding volunteer chance for teens aged 12-18 at the library.
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Les Miserables
1:00 – 2:30 pm — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the epic tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption in this acclaimed musical masterpiece.
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Beaverdale Holiday Boutique
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Holy Trinity Catholic Church & School — $5 cash, $6 e-payment — Experience the festive holiday spirit with artisan crafts, baked goods, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
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AC/DC Tribute Concert by Black Jacket Symphony
7:30-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $35-$40 — Experience an electrifying live recreation of AC/DC’s iconic album 'Back in Black' with a stunning visual show.
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Iowa Files: Over the Hill to the Poor Farm
3-4 p.m. — West Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Explore the history of poor farms through stories from a long-time administrator.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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