🌱 LifeServe Ukraine Fundraiser + WDM Students Fined For School Damage

Rise and shine, Des Moines! Let's get you started this Wednesday with everything you need to know going on in Des Moines today.

First, today's weather:

A t-storm late in the p.m.. High: 68 Low: 47.

Here are the top three stories today in Des Moines:

1. A Des Moines blood center is raising funds for Ukraine to help the country buy life-saving equipment. LifeServe Blood Center is partnering with other blood centers throughout the country to raise funds for equipment that has been destroyed in Ukraine such as machines and blood bags. Those who donate blood or plasma will receive online store points for donating. Following their donations, they have the chance to give the funds back to LifeServe for money sent to Ukraine. The fundraiser will end this Saturday, Apr. 30. (Local 5 - weareiowa.com)
2. Emmanuel Totaye, 21, and Daishawn Gills, 23, have been found guilty of three counts of second-degree murder and three counts of first-degree robbery in the 2020 slaying of three teenagers on Des Moines’ south side. A third man, Leontreal Jones, 18, is expected to plead guilty and will be tried separately this Thursday. Said Detective Brad Youngblut of the case: "Des Moines police responded and found ... three victims, all had been executed inside of the walk-in closet inside the home and had been left in a pile on top of each other." (KCCI Des Moines)
3. A group of high school students has been fined for damaging their school's ceiling while filming a video for social media. The teens, who go to Valley Southwoods, were attempting to create a video showing one person being tossed into the air by the others and doing a flip. The person who was tossed ended up damaging the ceiling of the school. Instead of formally disciplining the students, the school is planning on having each of the 11 students equally cover the cost of the damages. (KCCI Des Moines)

Today in Des Moines:

• Board Of Adjustment Meeting At Des Moines City Hall (1:00 PM)
• Paddington Gets In A Jam At The Des Moines Civic Center (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Des Moines Police's mobile radar locations today are the 2500 block of George Flagg Pkwy, the 2400 block of SW 9th St, and the 400 block of Fleur. Please drive safely! (Facebook)
• Cubbies, relays, scavenger hunts, and bike rides — it's all happening right here in Des Moines this week! Get the details from We Are Iowa. (Local 5 - weareiowa.com)
• These Des Moines-area pets need a home with loving local families. Meet Sundance, Pia, and other adoptable animals in this week's Patch pet roundup. (Des Moines Patch)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— 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.