Wednesday, November 26th, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of November.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Melisa Cox, who admitted stealing hundreds of thousands from the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce while serving as CEO and already received a suspended sentence with probation for three felony charges, will face her former employer in court on Dec. 7 for more than $300,000 in damages (the charges stem from using the chamber's credit card for personal expenses and altering financial records). KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Urbandale lit one of Iowa’s largest holiday displays Tuesday at Charles Gabus Memorial Park. The "Miracle on 86th Street" featured over 50,000 lights and festive displays — free hot cocoa was offered and the display remained until the end of the year. KCCI
- ➤ Erin Kiernan concluded her nearly three-decade run as WHO 13 anchor on Monday night—she left central Iowans with a lasting legacy of in-depth reporting and heartfelt storytelling. Colleague John Bachman and others shared tributes that highlight her impact in the field. WHO 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Kim Reynolds described what Thanksgiving at Terrace Hill means to her after the turkey pardoning ceremony — she detailed her family's cherished holiday traditions. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Thanksgiving in Iowa will have government offices, banks, grocery stores and post offices closed while UPS offers limited service and FedEx Custom Critical will be available. Trash pickup in Des Moines will be delayed and DMVs along with schools will resume normal hours after the holiday—residents should plan ahead. 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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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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Freedom in Freeform Poetry Showcase
4-5:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A vibrant space for poets to share their original works and celebrate the art of poetry.
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Holiday Movie Night
5:30-8:00 p.m. — Science Center of Iowa — $2 for kids, $3 for adults — Enjoy a festive screening of 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' with free snacks and goody bags.
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Disenchanted! The Hit Musical Comedy
7-9 p.m. — Temple Theater — Tickets available — Experience a hilarious twist on classic fairy tales with Snow White and her disenchanted princesses.
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Python for Scientists Training/Class
N/A — Mon, Dec 8 – Fri, Dec 12 — Health Tech Associates — $2250 — Enhance your Python skills in a specialized training designed for scientists.
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DNA Holiday Party
5:30-7 p.m. — The Royal Mile — Free entry — Cozy up with neighbors for a festive evening celebration.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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