🌱 Des Moines March Madness 2023 + Waukee Student Walk-Out

Happy Friday, Des Moines! Let's start today off on an informed note. Here's everything happening today in Des Moines.

---

First, today's weather:

Clouds and sun; windy, warmer. High: 51 Low: 25.

---

Here are the top three stories today in Des Moines:

1. As the end of 2022's March Madness approaches, Des Moines is already preparing for 2023. Next year, the Wells Fargo Arena will host the first- and second-round games for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, making it the city's third time hosting in seven years. According to Catch Des Moines president and CEO Greg Edwards, "Our community totally embraces this event, you'll see restaurants hang banners for the different schools. Everybody just gets behind it." (WHO TV 13 Des Moines News & Weather)
2. On Wednesday morning, about 100 students across Waukee's two high schools walked out in protest of Iowa's new transgender athlete law. The students marched out of the school and across the street to a park, where they took turns giving speeches. The young speakers discussed how high school sports are not just about winning, but about community, and they do not want their transgender friends to be kicked off of their teams. (KCCI Des Moines)
3. Des Moines police responded to a crash that took out a power pole and fire hydrant just north of the downtown area. Yesterday morning, a driver lost control at 14th Street at University Avenue, at which time they hit and snapped a power pole as well as a fire hydrant. Though the car's airbags were deployed and the front end of the car was smashed, the driver only had minor injuries, according to police. (KCCI Des Moines)

---

From our sponsor:

Today's newsletter is brought to you in part by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. We all know that Ring is the leader in video doorbells for home security. But did you know that Ring now makes a home security system that is getting raves from consumer electronic experts?

To learn more about Ring Alarm Pro, the system CNET called "the future of home security," or to build your own custom system, visit Ring here.

---

Today in Des Moines:

• Story Sprouts - Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (10:30 AM)
• Classic Cinema: Casablanca - Urbandale Public Library (1:00 PM)
• Dome After Dark - Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (6:00 PM)
• Comedy DSM Presents...Stand Up Comedy Night! - Hawk Heaven Tavern (8:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• Following multiple incidents of violence on-site, The Yacht Club will not lose its liquor license; however, the city's board of adjustment plans to amend its permit to reduce crime. (KCCI Des Moines)
• Loretta Stone, the "real dragwife of Des Moines," was featured in an interview with Little Village. Get to know the drag queen before seeing her out on the town. (Little Village Magazine)

---

Loving the Des Moines Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

---

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you around!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.