Daily
Des Moines
Friday, November 28th, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 28th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Scouting America Troops 43 and 96 are hosting a Christmas tree, wreath, and garland sale on Merle Hay Road near Haymarket Square—this effort funds their programs. They will help load trees onto vehicles and offer 650 trees in four varieties as the lot reopens at 9 a.m. today—providing a festive boost for local holiday shoppers. KCCI
- ➤ Residents on Ashby Avenue in Beaverdale decorated their homes with festive Christmas lights on Saturday, Nov. 22 using both new and handed-down decor—showing a cherished holiday tradition. Local residents such as Nick Aceto with his husband and Ian Appelgate with his wife led the festive display—efforts that even backed up traffic onto Beaver Avenue. The Des Moines Register
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Locally owned record stores in Des Moines are gearing up for today’s Black Friday—Record Store Day—by offering rare vinyl finds and special discounts for early shoppers. Jay's CD and Hobby opens at 6 a.m., Marv's Record Shop at 7 a.m., Vinyl Cup Records and ZZZ Records at 8 a.m., and Rogue Planet Music at 11 a.m. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Jeff Chelesvig, a northwest Iowa native, retired as president and CEO of Des Moines Performing Arts after nearly 31 years—he expanded educational and cultural programs at the Civic Center and Temple Theater. The interim chief financial officer will lead until Monica Holt takes over in January. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A Drake University professor said AI appears to threaten entry-level jobs for software developers and computer programmers while workers with more experience seem more resilient. He urged students to build both technical and ethical skills and gain real-world experience — a mix that prepares them for employers who use AI in business decisions — as they finish their studies. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa DNR biologist Todd Bogenschutz said early pheasant hunting was so popular that schools closed and season openers were changed—once moving an opener from Veteran’s Day and later delaying it to avoid a football game. He explained that as bird numbers rise and the 100th season wraps up in January, these scheduling conflicts have become less common—marking a shift in local tradition. Radio Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ IEDA board members approved CEO Liz Holland's revised plan to build a multi-use arena at Merle Hay Mall—replacing the original hockey-focused design with one that will host volleyball, pickleball and other events. Demolition of the old store will begin in March and construction is expected to finish by 2027. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Iowans are urged to watch for signs of memory loss (like forgetting things or having trouble with daily tasks) when they gather with family over Thanksgiving weekend, according to Megan Benzing of the Alzheimer’s Association. Families may call the 24/7 helpline if they notice these changes. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Iowans noticed early signs of Alzheimer’s over the Thanksgiving weekend—such as memory lapses and trouble with simple tasks—as families gathered at the dinner table, according to Megan Benzing of the Alzheimer’s Association. She said if any changes are seen, families can get help through a 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900. Radio Iowa
- ➤ On Thanksgiving Day, studies showed that cooking fires were more common than on any other day and fire prevention expert Amanda Swenson warned Iowans to learn how to use a fire extinguisher—she advised keeping a large metal lid nearby to cover a burning pot. The Iowa Fire Marshal’s Office reported that 40 lives were lost in house fires this year, three more than at the same time last year. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Peter Teahen of Cedar Rapids and a pilot from New Jersey flew across the Atlantic for 37 day missions this fall to raise awareness for Rotary's effort to end polio and raised one million dollars for the Rotary Foundation - each vaccine shot costs two dollars with donations matched by the Gates Foundation. They will speak at local Rotary clubs to share details of their global fundraising drive. Radio Iowa
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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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