Des Moines News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

The Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, damaged by a 2024 hailstorm, is undergoing a $7 million renovation to reduce its size and improve sustainability. Despite budget constraints and staffing reductions, the refuge remains operational and is planning an outdoor pavilion, native plant garden, and grassy seating areas to enhance visitor engagement. The refuge aims to reopen in fall 2028, focusing on core conservation efforts. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/97b447c4721ac5f9

Iowa immigration lawyers face a surge in cases due to new Trump administration rules targeting refugees, including a memo from Homeland Security allowing detention without bond for those without a green card after one year, and a November order freezing final approvals on green card applications. This has trapped refugees in a difficult situation, with groups like Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice calling for urgent legal aid to navigate the process and prevent mass detentions. Polk County is asked for $300,000 to hire more attorneys and train volunteers, as the demand for legal assistance continues to grow with an influx of refugees from places like Afghanistan and Ukraine. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9bd31629d9fa5538

Man Sentenced for Fatal Horse & Buggy Crash

HeatWaves Robotics Team from Waukee, Iowa, secures spot at FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston. Known for their hands-on approach, they design, weld, code, and refine their robot. Local pride surges as they prepare for global competition, showcasing real skills like teamwork and problem-solving. Intense practice sessions ahead as they aim to outperform hundreds of international teams. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/09171f0f43fd5fe1

Des Moines Lit Up by Intense Lightning Show

Intoxalock Faces Class-Action Lawsuit After Cyberattack: Thousands Stranded, Personal Data Compromised Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9c6f9456014ae8e5

Waukee Elementary Schools in Iowa transform snack vending machines into book dispensers, fostering a love for reading among students. With grants from the Waukee Community Schools Foundation, kindergarten through fifth-grade students can now select free books tailored to their grade level. The initiative, currently piloting with fifth graders, aims to expand school-wide next year, with every student receiving a free book on their birthday or half birthday. This innovative approach to promoting reading is gaining attention in education circles. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/33dd26177303d0a2

The Madrid Register, a beloved weekly newspaper in Madrid, Iowa, faces closure, threatening to erase vital local history. Despite a dedicated readership and a close-knit community, the papers future hangs in the balance as the Williams family, who owned it for decades, and locals, like Mary Swalla Holmes, hope for a last-minute savior to preserve this irreplaceable piece of Iowas past. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3b69b9e3220a705a

NuCara Pharmacy, a parent company facing a lawsuit for misusing funds, is closing four Iowa locations, impacting small towns and community health access. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c24dbde0803c995b

Iowas facing severe fire risks with twelve counties under burn bans due to dry conditions and winds. Fires have broken out, threatening homes and causing injuries. Emergency managers warn of the danger, urging residents to check local bans before any outdoor burning to avoid fines and potential disasters. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e21d69284dcdb64c

Las Vegas entertainer Maren Wade, known professionally as Maren Flagg, has filed a federal lawsuit against Taylor Swift, her team, Universal Music Group, and merchandise company Bravado. Wade claims Swifts new album, The Life of a Showgirl, and its merchandise infringe on her trademarked brand, Confessions of a Showgirl. Wade, who has built her brand since 2014, argues that the similar names and structures could confuse fans, especially since the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected Swifts attempt to register her mark due to similarity. Wade seeks to halt Swifts use of the name, recover merchandise profits, damages, and legal fees. Swifts team has not yet responded to the lawsuit. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5834090079cbb6e0

Des Moines shatters heat records, with March temperatures soaring to July-like levels. This is the third record high this month and the sixth in 2026. The heat surge has everyone talking about changing weather patterns. Seventeen daily record highs since October 2022 and zero record lows. Experts are watching closely as records are all about the heat. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a59233c56b5c74e2

Manure Spill in Iowa: DNR Investigates Hovick Hauling Incident A tanker from Hovick Hauling overturned in Hamilton County, spilling liquid manure into a drainage system. The incident occurred on March 28th near Ellsworth, with an unknown amount of manure flowing into an unnamed tributary of the South Skunk River. The DNR is investigating, considering enforcement actions against the hauler, and monitoring the local ecosystem for any impacts. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/27b8da4488bda7a9

Des Moines police officer Noah DeVenney shoots and kills a man during a welfare check, leading to the discovery of a womans body. The incident, captured on body cams, leaves the community shaken and investigators working to uncover the full story. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4f53eb9c3e478b2d

Suspicious Backpack in Norwalk: No Explosion, Investigation Ongoing

Des Moines police officer Noah DeVenney fatally shot Zakar Jeffrey during a welfare check at the Flats on Fifth complex on March 24th. Jeffrey, armed with a knife, charged at officers, leading to the shooting. Another officer discovered McKenzies body in a bedroom, prompting a homicide investigation. DeVenney is on admin leave as the Iowa DCI reviews the use of force. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8d30b41d02d3d63d

Norwalk, Iowa police discover potential explosive device on bike trail, promptly secure the area and reroute traffic. No public danger confirmed, investigation ongoing. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f51f1f53514d2632

Kyle Gamble Takes Helm at Hubbell Realty

Severe storms threaten Des Moines and central Iowa, with a level two risk Monday night. Expect hail up to two inches and wind gusts from sixty to seventy miles per hour. Tuesday brings a level one risk, focusing on eastern parts, with thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Secure outdoor items and stay updated on local conditions. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1650643b4493cdbd

A tragic explosion at a salvage yard in Iowa claims the life of a sixty-six-year-old worker, Blaine Schoening, highlighting the inherent dangers in salvage work. Investigators are probing the cause to prevent future incidents, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols in hazardous jobs. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e9f723eb5c817e01

Iowa Field Fire Sparks Evacuations, Highway Closure

John Fetterman, the Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania, has been causing a stir with his bipartisan moves, voting to reopen the government and supporting Israel and Trumps policies. This has led to backlash from his party, with constituents and local party chairs expressing their disapproval. Fetterman has responded by accusing his party of Trump Derangement Syndrome. Despite his high favorability among Republicans, a recent poll shows a low favorability among Democrats. Some experts doubt hell win reelection in 2028 due to potential challengers and party tension. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1c56e2181a869521

Dads Master Girl Dad Skills at Fort Dodge Workshop

Exira EHK Adapts Football Program for Safety

Corn Syrup Train Derailment in Knoxville

ICE agents and Iowa state troopers are collaborating to apprehend truck drivers suspected of being in the country illegally at interstate weigh stations. This tactic escalates minor traffic violations into full-blown immigration detentions, sparking controversy and protests. Recent cases, such as Suraj Vasal and Pardeep Saini, highlight the issue, with immigrant advocates criticizing the practice and lawyers challenging the legality of detentions. This trend mirrors broader efforts from the Trump administration to increase trucker checks nationwide. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ce3bfc7540e6b6d1

76-year-old Richard Hoesing pleads guilty to second-degree murder, sentenced to life in prison for killing his 74-year-old wife, Jean, in March 2025. Hoesing claimed he did it to end her suffering from multiple sclerosis and other health issues. Family members grapple with forgiveness and shock, with Jeans son Ben struggling to reconcile his love for his father with the horrific act. The judge emphasizes no justification for the crime, with Hoesing also ordered to pay $150,000 to Jeans estate. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0e12d483468f36bb

Lindsey Mollenhauer, a seasoned hairstylist, addresses the neglected realm of curly hair in beauty school training. She opens a salon exclusively for natural curls, transforming clients experiences and launching the Atelier program to train future stylists, aiming to revolutionize the industry. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ad1091347f303b54

Hundreds marched in Des Moines, blending faith and anti-authoritarianism, following statewide No Kings protests. Organized by the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, the event was part of over thirty similar nationwide. Reverend Beth Wartick emphasized the importance of loving neighbors through actions, tying it to Palm Sundays story. The march focused on rejecting strongman rule, supporting vulnerable communities, and standing up for democracy, rooted in Bible teachings. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c0b3114e9047c28b

Beaverdale Books in Des Moines, Iowa, is thriving against the national trend, set to double its space this May. With a dedicated local fanbase, the store has seen steady growth, bucking the one point three percent annual market shrinkage. The stores success, driven by community events and homegrown authors, proves that local loyalty can outshine big chains. Social media trends like Book-Tok are further boosting demand for physical books, helping the store weather past challenges. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3582152961a15faf

Spring arrives early as a new eaglet hatches in Decorah, Iowa, on the famous Decorah Eagle Cam. The parents, Hatchery Dad and Hatchery Mom, welcomed the tiny new arrival around six forty a.m. on Sunday. Meanwhile, at another nest, a single egg awaits hatching, but the odds are low due to the males absence. Tune in live to witness natures reality show unfold. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/205e7bcdeca6c8d5

Des Moines police seek publics help in recovering stolen vintage car, John Deere mower, and antique glassware. Thieves targeted a garage on North Valley Drive, taking a 1951 MG TD, a John Deere riding mower, and boxes of antique glassware. Neighbors are urged to check security footage and report any suspicious activity or sightings of the stolen items. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/dcabbc14766d28f5

Des Moines firefighter, Captain Joe Van Haalen, saves a seven-year-old boy from the Des Moines River, earning the Hero of the Heartland award. He dives in, wraps a rope around his arm, and pulls the child to safety, showcasing his bravery and commitment to saving lives. Two other firefighters also receive awards for their support during the rescue. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9c9715938b8ad894

Iowa law enforcement cracks down on speeders, with the Wright County Sheriffs Office issuing a steep fine for a driver clocked at 114 mph in a 55 zone. Iowa State Patrol stops around 1000 super speeders annually, with Sergeant Alex Dinkla warning of the dangers of excessive speeding. Lawmakers propose tougher penalties, urging drivers to drive responsibly. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/86ab02f4a6f3580a

Meagan Murray, a mail carrier from New Hampton, Iowa, was awarded the National Association of Letter Carriers Humanitarian of the Year for her heroic actions in September 2024. She saved a customer from a burning house, demonstrating her commitment to her routes residents, and was humbly honored in Washington D.C. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3df14e60bd81a5b0

20-year-old Kaylee Makenna Smith arrested for human trafficking, accused of collaborating with Bryce Alan McNeil, previously charged for similar crimes. Smith also faces child endangerment charges due to drugs and guns found in her home. Both will face court soon, as authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the operation. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/93777825a3f177af

Ankeny, Iowa family sues school district for negligence after sons brutal recess attack, alleging ignored warnings, inadequate supervision, and broken anti-bullying rules. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1a3097694edb8ac3

Ankeny Teen Found Safe After Month-Long Disappearance

Hundreds of Iowa National Guard soldiers, part of Operation Inherent Resolve, return home after battling ISIS in the Middle East. Over 800 have safely returned, with the latest group touching down in March. The phased plan ensures every soldiers role in wrapping up the mission securely. As they reunite, focus shifts to honoring their service and the stability they helped build. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4a29a15a8f1df77a

Des Moines Easter traditions span decades, with massive hunts in parks, zoo events, and church-hosted gatherings. Even during the pandemic, communities adapted with drive-in services and door-to-door egg deliveries. Recent hunts include dog parks, Hy-Vee events, and the governors mansion, showcasing the enduring spirit of Iowas Easter celebrations. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7aeeb1b70f450bd4

Westcom Emergency Communications is encrypting dispatch radio channels to protect callers privacy and first responders safety, following AI-driven misinformation from unencrypted chatter. Scanner enthusiasts, like Matt Petersen, argue this hinders public oversight. The phased rollout began last year, with full encryption expected soon. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/adf366dfe725232b

This musician, driven by a lifelong passion for music, found solace in classical piano and viola, expressing her emotions through these instruments. Her journey led her to college at the Frost School of Music, where she honed her skills and explored jazz strings. Despite her reserved nature, she performed internationally on viola. It wasnt until a blues jam in Iowa that she found the courage to improvise freely. The pandemic led to deep therapy, sparking songwriting with her sisters poetry. Now, she channels her familys passion into original tunes, proving that persistence turns quiet drive into a roaring bonfire. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/741e2e397337daad

Thousands gather in Des Moines for No Kings rally, marching to Iowa State Capitol to protest endless wars, Trump ties to Epstein, and attacks on workers, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ community. The event was part of a national wave of over three thousand actions, marking a stand for democracy and community over cruelty. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5fd810ff824620d3

Mid-America Publishing, based in Hampton, Iowa, is facing closure, threatening the existence of several small-town newspapers like the Ogden Reporter and Sigourney News-Review. These papers serve as vital community resources, but no potential buyers have emerged, and the company is set to print its final editions on April 1st. The future of these hyper-local voices hangs in the balance. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/2c7d16e29360eeab

Des Moines Bars Buzzing for March Madness

In Oskaloosa, Iowa, a group of outsiders hurled racial slurs at a Black high school soccer coach and his diverse team during practice. The incident, following a similar vandalism case last year, has prompted the district to seek trespass orders against the perpetrators, emphasizing the importance of student safety and community values. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3dc02d0d8ddc84ca

Hubbell Realty CEO Steps Down After 40 Years

Iowa farmers can save big this planting season by testing their soil for nitrates, thanks to new tools from Iowa State University Extension and the Iowa Farm Bureau. These resources help farmers spot trends and reduce fertilizer use without sacrificing crop yields, a crucial move in todays tight profit margins. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5f55a3f3580ff51f

Iowa Scam Alert: Fake Text Messages for Unpaid Fees

Thousands of Iowa homeowners may have been overcharged for property taxes due to a data file issue at Catalis, the company running the Iowa Treasurers website. The glitch affected payments made between March 16th and 18th, with reversals occurring early Monday. County treasurers report hundreds of cases, but many taxpayers may not have noticed due to quick reversals. The system is now fully operational, and treasurers urge residents to pay online ahead of the March 31st deadline. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/17a4203d6b254326