Daily
West Des Moines
Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Students at Capitol View received new winter gear on Dec. 10 from the Rotary Club of Des Moines AM and Athene—donating hundreds of coats, boots, socks and sweatpants to help kids stay warm as cold weather sets in. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At the Iowa State Fair, country star Lainey Wilson will debut with guest Tigirlily Gold on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, while rock legend Rod Stewart returns on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 & tickets ranging from $69.50 to $134.50 go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12. KCCI
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Workforce Development reported that the September unemployment rate fell to 3.7%—a decline of one-tenth point—with 3,700 more jobs overall and a 600-job boost in manufacturing. Officials advised caution since delayed data from the shutdown means more workforce figures will come in October and November. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Strong winds earlier in the week caused power outages for over 2,100 customers and delayed classes at Jefferson Elementary in the Des Moines metro (including West Des Moines) while officials closed a mile-long Iowa 415 bridge, which reopened around 8 a.m. as conditions improved. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ MercyOne Birth Centers revealed that Iowa’s Class of 2025 is led by popular names like Theodore for boys and Charlotte for girls from hospitals in Des Moines, West Des Moines and Waterloo. The annual tally shows a mix of timeless and trendy picks (MercyOne data). KCCI
- ➤ UnityPoint Health said the union vote remains unresolved after more than 250 ballots were challenged at four central hospitals. Officials noted 871 nurses voted in favor while 666 opposed unionizing — the challenged ballots continue to delay a final decision. KCCI
- ➤ MercyOne patients were notified that an unauthorized party used stolen credentials to access a vendor storage account nearly a year ago, which may have exposed personal medical and insurance details. Veradigm said no data misuse has been found & patients with questions should call 833-745-2336. KCCI
- ➤ Iowa State University researchers studied how H5N1 attaches to milk glands in livestock like sheep, goats, cows and pigs — findings published Nov. 27 advise farmers to pasteurize products and monitor animal health. KCCI
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The Nutcracker
7-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $35-$89 — Experience the magic of Clara and her Nutcracker in this beloved holiday ballet production.
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Last Chance! Open Studio Holiday Shopping
11 AM – 3 PM — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Explore local art and find unique gifts just in time for the holidays.
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A Christmas Carol
2-4 p.m. — Stoner Theater — $25-$45 — Experience Iowa's beloved holiday tradition in a heartwarming tale of redemption and community.
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Make it Yourself Monday — Terre Vici
1-9 p.m. — Elevator Co-Warehousing Community — Registration required — Create your own unique jewelry for the holiday season with a variety of charms and beads.
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Disenchanted! The Hit Musical Comedy
7-9 p.m. — Temple Theater — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy a hilarious twist on classic princess tales with Snow White and her disenchanted friends.
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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas - The Musical
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticketed event — Enjoy the classic tale of the Grinch brought to life in a musical spectacle.
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Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring 'The Nutcracker' & More
6 p.m. — World Food Prize Hall of Laureates — $41.34 — Experience a magical evening filled with holiday music under the glow of candlelight.
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Iowa Pro-Am Archery Tournament
Daytime — EMC Expo Center — Registration required — Experience one of the premier archery tournaments in Central Iowa.
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A Christmas Carol
2-4 p.m. — Stoner Theater — $45 standard, $25 community-sponsored — Experience the heartwarming tale of redemption and the true spirit of Christmas with Iowa's beloved holiday show.
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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
1-2:30 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Cost info not provided — Experience the whimsical tale of the Grinch discovering the true meaning of Christmas.
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