Daily
Des Moines
Wednesday, November 12th, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 12th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hy-Vee celebrated its 26th annual Free Veterans Breakfast yesterday for veterans, active-duty members, and their spouses where each guest received a unique challenge coin—a collectible memento honoring their service. All Hy-Vee locations served the meal—and the chain offered a 15% discount on grocery purchases for veterans and active-duty personnel for the rest of Veterans Day. WHO 13
- ➤ Raise the Bar Initiative, a nonprofit founded by local women to meet the need for a dedicated strength training space, will open its 1800 square foot gym at 1430 Locust St. in mid November. The facility will offer access 24 hours a day and programs designed to build strength and confidence—memberships cost $50 a month. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Polk County families can register for the Toys for Tots program after Des Moines Parks and Recreation received approval to serve as an official distribution site. Families can sign up for children ages 14 and under and pick up toys at Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center, 2100 SE 5th St., or at Fourmile Community Recreation Center, 3711 Easton Blvd—sign-ups end on Nov. 30. KCCI
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A downtown street was closed between 9th and 10th streets while Walnut Street School was evacuated during a natural gas odor investigation; responders from MidAmerican Energy Company and the Des Moines Fire Department were on scene—officials monitored the situation—and further updates were expected. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Two cousins received their great-great-grandfather's flag — a symbol of respect for his Civil War service — during his burial with full military honors last September at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery after his cremated remains had been kept at a funeral home since 1929. KCCI
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Urbandale schools named Pam Dodge as interim superintendent after Superintendent Rosalie Daca took medical leave for extended illness — the board said Dodge will lead daily duties while ensuring students continue to receive quality instruction. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ With no USDA weekly crop report due to the government shutdown, Ag Secretary Mike Naig said his state travels showed the corn and bean harvest is nearly complete, with almost all soybeans and most corn usually finished by mid-November—dropping temperatures into the teens and low 20s marked the end of the growing season. Radio Iowa
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Blake Bonta, a 12-year-old from Urbandale diagnosed with rare brain cancer, will be honored as the Iowa Hawkeye Kid Captain at the USC game this weekend in Los Angeles—his fundraising efforts have raised over $100,000 for pediatric cancer research. KCCI
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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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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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Holiday Portraits at Exile Brewing
5-7 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Free Holiday Portraits — Capture festive moments with family and friends at this community event.
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Baby Rhyme Time
9:30-10:00 a.m. — 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Explore rhymes, songs, and stories designed for babies and their caregivers.
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Comedy Penthouse Featuring Reena Calm
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Bash Events & Catering — $10 adv / $15 DOS — Enjoy a night of laughter with top-notch talent in an intimate setting.
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Downtown Winter Farmers' Market
10 AM – 2 PM — EMC Expo Center — Free entry — Explore local holiday food and gifts while enjoying live entertainment and supporting small businesses.
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Winter Storytime with The Grinch
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Meet The Grinch and enjoy a reading of his classic tale along with a fun holiday activity.
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Turkey Trails Thanksgiving Run
9 AM - 12 PM — Gray's Lake Park — $25.98 — Participate in a Thanksgiving-themed 5k/10k run complete with custom swag and family fun.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Des Moines
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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