Daily
Des Moines
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Food pantries across central Iowa are calling for turkey or cash donations as demand surges ahead of Thanksgiving, with Urbandale already running out of its pre-ordered 1,000 turkeys while expecting to serve over 3,000 families this month. The Grimes Storehouse Food Pantry and the Johnston Partnership also need help to meet rising demands—local contributions are key to keeping supplies available. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bill Knapp, a visionary businessman who founded Iowa Realty and Knapp Properties, died on Saturday at age 99 and left a lasting impact on Des Moines — his funeral will be held today at Iles Dunn's Chapel. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The newly expanded Hinterland Music Festival—set for summer 2026—has announced its lineup with headliners KATSEYE, Lorde, Mumford & Sons, and Kali Uchis, with shows from July 30 to August 2. Presales begin tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. on the festival’s website. WHO 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The By Degrees Foundation announced every North High student in Des Moines is now eligible to open a free 529 account to help pay for college—expanding a program that previously served Findley Elementary and Harding Middle Schools. The plan offers a $200 deposit plus up to $300 more as students meet milestones to ease future education costs. WHO 13
- ➤ Des Moines native Melissa McCollum will lead Iowa's largest public library system starting Feb. 9. She was chosen after a nationwide search following Sue Woody's retirement in June—bringing over 20 years of library expertise to the role. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners launched an investigation of Urbandale Superintendent Rosalie Daca after allegations that she failed to protect students and staff + broke laws + left out key details in her reports. Daca, who has served since mid-2021 and is on medical leave, will be supported by the Urbandale School Board through the legal process. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Climate experts from 26 Iowa colleges warned that extreme weather has raised insurance rates and made it harder for Des Moines homeowners to secure coverage — a situation that has experts and officials urging tougher building codes and legislative action. University of Iowa professor Peter Thorne said improved construction practices and policies to curb greenhouse gas emissions may help reduce future losses — as more severe weather is expected. WHO 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Achieva Enterprises sued Iowa state agencies after they abruptly terminated its Honey Creek Resort management contract—firing over 50 employees, closing the resort, and launching a smear campaign that hurt its reputation. A Polk County judge approved a temporary injunction that blocks further state actions at the property while the case moves forward. KCCI
- ➤ Construction on the I-80/35 interchange at Hickman Road remains on schedule— the southbound ramp will reopen in late December, and the northbound ramp will open in mid-January— after being closed since May. DOT officials say the $87 million project aims to ease detours and improve traffic near Menards access points. KCCI
- ➤ City leaders approved a new application on Nov 18—an effort aimed at reviving Merle Hay Mall—that seeks state funding for an ice arena that will host youth hockey, figure skating, and Drake University’s club team. The updated application now awaits approval in Urbandale before it is sent back to the Iowa Economic Development Authority. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Two metro EMS departments in Des Moines and West Des Moines are testing a new program that gives blood transfusions to patients before they reach the hospital. 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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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.
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Baby Rhyme Time
9:30-10:00 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy rhymes, songs, and stories while bonding with your baby in a playful setting.
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Open Studio Holiday Shopping
11 AM – 3 PM — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Shop for unique art pieces and discover local talent in a festive atmosphere.
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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 hands-on art activities for all ages and skill levels.
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Monthly Writing Night at Smokey Row
7-9 p.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — A relaxed evening for writers to create together or explore new ideas with prompts.
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Christmas With The Celts
7:30-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $29.50-$69.50 — Experience a lively blend of Irish traditions and contemporary Christmas music with humor and dance.
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Central College Dance Team Championship
6:00 PM — Casey's Center — Free entry — Witness the Central College Dance team compete against ISTDA State in an exciting showcase of talent.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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