Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Last night, Zion Lutheran Church hosted a toy giveaway for refugee families (with about 300 children and law enforcement deputies as personal shoppers) which Pastor Robert Buchanan and PD Chaplain Al Perez said built trust and raised over $10,000 from fundraisers across Iowa. KCCI
- ➤ Iowa DNR is promoting First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2026 — an outdoor event for friends and family. More than 40 state parks and forests will host guided and self-guided hikes with treats at the end. Radio Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Senator Joni Ernst traveled from Iowa to Germany and accompanied the remains of two soldiers, including Des Moines’ Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar, back to the U.S. this afternoon in Delaware — a solemn transit where local officials and families honored their service. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Summit Carbon Solutions is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to avoid hearing a case brought by Shelby and Story county leaders who raised health concerns about its carbon pipeline proposal. The company, which won previous rulings, expects a response in January. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Knoxville Hospital and Clinics will use a $3.5 million grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust to buy a linear accelerator for the South Central Iowa Radiation Center in Pella, set to open in early 2027, which will deliver faster, more precise + more comfortable cancer treatment. 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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The Outreach Project
1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with community resources including meal sites and shelters.
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Russian Conversation Club
1-2 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage in light-hearted conversations while practicing or learning Russian with community members.
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Drake Bulldogs Women's Basketball vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
1-3:30 p.m. — Knapp Center — $10-$40 — Witness an exciting basketball showdown between the Drake Bulldogs and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
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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 a new hands-on art activity every week for all ages and skill levels.
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Disenchanted! The Hit Musical Comedy
7-9 p.m. — Temple Theater — Cost info not provided — Laugh along as Snow White and her friends redefine their story in a must-see musical comedy.
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Baby Rhyme Time
9:30-10:00 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage in a delightful mix of rhymes, songs, and stories designed for caregivers and babies up to 18 months.
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Dome for the Holidays
5-9 p.m. — Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden — Adults $17, Children (2-12) $11 — Experience a dazzling display of lights and joyful festivities in a tropical oasis.
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NAMI Family Support Group
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free of cost — Connect with others in a supportive environment for loved ones of individuals with mental health conditions.
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Disenchanted! The Hit Musical Comedy
7-9 p.m. — Temple Theater — Tickets required — A hilarious reimagining of classic princess tales with Snow White and her disenchanted friends setting the record straight.
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Jeff Dunham Live
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Casey's Center — Tickets available — Experience a night of laughter with ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his puppet pals in a comedic performance infused with innovative material and AI humor.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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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