Thursday, June 26th, 2025
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of June.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A train car derailed near Swanson Boulevard and Harbach Boulevard in Clive on Wednesday evening—damaging tracks and the road and forcing the city to keep both directions closed through at least Thursday. WHO13
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines Police identified Andrew E. Verwers as the 53-year-old pedestrian fatally injured when a Dodge Ram jumped the median near Merle Hay Road and Hickman Road on Monday night—authorities are still investigating the incident. WHO13
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ AAA-Iowa spokesman Brian Ortner said that gas prices in Iowa averaged $3.04 a gallon today—4 cents more than a week ago with the lowest in Council Bluffs at $2.89 and the highest in Dubuque at $3.17—and may inch higher as summer driving picks up ahead of the 4th of July holiday. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, flash flooding overwhelmed storm sewers in the metro area, causing trail closures along Walnut Creek and high water on Euclid Avenue and Martin Luther King Road. Public works crews set up temporary barricades + officials warned that more rain will increase flooding risks. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Major U.S. insurers have voluntarily agreed to reduce prior authorizations—an effort to ease paperwork burdens and delays in care for West Des Moines patients. Dr. Wendy Woods of UnityPoint Health said doctors often spend hours on approvals that postpone needed treatments. WHO13
- ➤ Blank Park Zoo teamed with LifeServe Blood Center to process camel blood into plasma that was frozen for emergencies when a newborn camel struggled to nurse. The center also extended its support to zebras—ensuring the zoo was better prepared for animal medical crises. KCCI
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Guided Tours at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park
11-11:45 a.m. — Pappajohn Sculpture Park — Free entry — Discover the art and stories behind the sculptures in this vibrant park.
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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 — A peer-led support group fostering insight and support for adults with loved ones experiencing mental health challenges.
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Summer Music Series: David Watson
5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes at this weekly event featuring a local artist.
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Rooftop Yoga with Feel Good Frequency
7-8 p.m. — The Shop DSM - Event Center — Refunds available up to 7 days before the event — Experience a rejuvenating rooftop yoga session amidst beautiful views.
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Hoyt Sherman Art Classes
5:30-7:00 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Registration required — Explore creativity at engaging art classes designed for young artists.
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Drop-In Tech Help
2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free — Get assistance with your devices from knowledgeable staff every Thursday afternoon.
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First Friday Open House at Mainframe Art Studios
5-8 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Explore creative workspaces and enjoy food, drinks, and art from local creators.
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I Spy: Independence Day
All day — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Search for Independence Day pictures in the Youth area to win a prize!
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Summer Music Series: Riley Jane
5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with a refreshing cold beer.
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Summer Skate Day Camp
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Lauridsen Skatepark — $185.00 — A week of fun and skill-building in the art of skateboarding at Skate DSM's camp!
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
Don't find fault, find remedy.
~ Henry Ford
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