Good morning, Des Moines.

A memorial ride will honor Alex Pretti (shot by federal agents in Minneapolis) with a 7-mile round-trip route from Union Park to the Statehouse on Saturday at 1 p.m. The event is open to bikers, skaters, and walkers and will end with a moment of remembrance.

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center will lay off 67 revenue cycle workers on March 17 to counter reduced government reimbursements and rising operational costs.

Trinity Health, its owner, will also shift some non-patient functions to an external partner.

An after-school program is in limbo after the City Council approved the demolition of Moulton Elementary, where it has operated since the 1960s (as the Children and Family Urban Movement).

Volunteer Michael Hardat says families may face transportation challenges until new plans are set.

Polk County approved $300,000 in funding for five wetland projects to improve water quality and reduce flooding as part of a $3.8 million effort that includes county and state funds.

The projects will extend the Wetland Wave Program to sites like Terrace Hills Golf Course and Spring Creek near Runnells.

State deer biologist Jace Elliott said nearly 102,000 deer were hunted this season, similar to last year, though numbers varied by region with central, southern, and western areas lagging behind average.

The department will adjust future license allocations based on surveys (including effects of EHD outbreaks) on deer populations.

A bill cleared a House subcommittee that will require the university board to study if Iowa State University should revive its historic VEISHEA celebrations.

Sponsored by Rep. Taylor Collins, the study comes amid safety concerns after off-campus incidents in past decades.

During a school tour Thursday in Des Moines, Gov. Reynolds heard a success story at Great Oaks High School and announced her proposal that state dollars follow students from public districts to charter schools + permit charter students to access local school athletics and concurrent courses.

Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team, 18-2 overall and 9-0 in Big Ten play, will face USC at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Galen Center — a win will set them up to vie for sole conference leadership on Sunday against UCLA.

The Gazette unveiled its final draft of high school girls basketball pairings for the 2025-26 season using IGHSAU rankings and BC Moore ratings.

Games are scheduled (Feb. 18, Feb. 21, Feb. 24) for several classes, and real rankings will arrive next Thursday for select divisions.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

Couple Shuffle - Des Moines

2-9 p.m. — Aeroporto Internacional de Des Moines — Registration fees apply — Celebrate love with a Valentine-themed family fun run featuring multiple distances and festive activities.

Dungeons & Dragons Monthly Gathering

12:30-3:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Immerse yourself in a fantastical D&D adventure with new friends and seasoned players.

Writers' Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — No registration required — Share your writing and receive constructive feedback in a supportive environment.

Wayne Hancock Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — xBk Live — Ticket info available — Experience the master of hillbilly swing in a vibrant live setting.

Andrew Hoyt Live at the Iowa Newspaper Foundation Convention

5-9 p.m. — Des Moines Marriott Downtown — Cost info not provided — Experience the musical talents of local singer/songwriter Andrew Hoyt in an engaging convention setting.

Candlelight Concert: The Beatles

6 p.m. — World Food Prize Hall of Laureates — $37.63 — Experience The Beatles' hits illuminated by candlelight in a stunning venue.

Iowa Wolves Basketball For All Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA — Special discounted tickets available — Enjoy an inclusive family basketball night with a sensory-friendly environment.

TV Buddha Live Performance

6-7 p.m. — xBk Live — Tickets start at $38 — Enjoy an unforgettable evening with the band TV Buddha in Des Moines.

Baby Rhyme Time

9:30-10:00 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy rhymes, songs, and stories for caregivers and babies aged 0-18 months.

Iowa VMA Winter Conference

7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — The Meadows Events & Conference Center — $149/night for hotel — Engage with veterinary professionals at this comprehensive conference featuring sessions and networking opportunities.