Daily
Des Moines
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, the 2026 Iowa Ag Expo kicked off in Des Moines (Iowa Events Center and EMC Expo Center) with demos of genetically modified soybeans, tractor GPS, and jack lifts as farmers explored new technology. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Fareway donated over 69,000 lbs of ham to help food-insecure Iowans; over 41,000 lbs will be distributed in 55 counties by the Food Bank of Iowa while 27,600 lbs go to Siouxland and River Bend Food Banks, with the $300,000 donation set to fill 276,000 plates. KCCI
- ➤ Animal Rescue League of Iowa is hosting a fundraiser called Neuter Your Ex that lets donors name a feral cat after an ex for $15 and fund spay/neuter services. The campaign runs until Feb. 14 to help control the community cat population. KCCI
- ➤ Girl Scouts in Iowa began their annual cookie fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 3, and orders are now being accepted. Local buyers can enjoy the new Exploremores Cookie flavor and free shipping on nine to 12 packages (Feb. 6 to Feb. 8) as Girl Scouts boost confidence and skills. Radio Iowa
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Target's new CEO Michael Fiddelke visited a Waukee store on Tuesday, greeting staff personally and emphasizing guest experience and his Iowa roots — a first move in his new role under leadership change. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At Blank Park Zoo, lion Zarina predicted the Seahawks will win Super Bowl 2026 on Sunday, Feb. 8 as part of a fun animal enrichment activity; the zoo also will debut a new conservation center with three additional lions in summer 2026. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The West Des Moines City Council approved plans for a new trail connector at 1st Street and Raccoon River to improve safety and access for cyclists and pedestrians. The project is part of an effort to enhance local recreation and connectivity. KCCI
- ➤ Iowa DOT will close the northbound Hickman Road on-ramp at I‑80/35 at 10 p.m. today for overnight construction to install a pedestrian bridge and reopen at 5 a.m. tomorrow. Drivers must use a detour (west on Hickman Road, north on 128th, then east on Douglas Avenue). The Des Moines Register
- ➤ The Des Moines Fire Department recorded nearly 34,000 calls in 2025 with less than a 1% increase from 2024 - a leveling off that Chief Lund credited to prevention programs like Mobile Integrated Healthcare which eased staff burden and improved response times. KCCI
- ➤ A portion of NW Beaver Drive in Johnston was reduced to one lane after a water main break that city officials called active on Feb. 3, and crews worked to repair it while urging motorists to use caution at the four-way stop at NW 90th Ave & NW 73rd St. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ MercyOne used a Barostim device in late December at the Iowa Heart Center and Des Moines Medical Center to treat advanced heart failure. The outpatient procedure, lasting about an hour, sends gentle electrical pulses (targeting the carotid artery to reduce the body's stress response) and helps improve quality of life. KCCI
- ➤ Hy-Vee now offers Dietitian Dishes—a line of over 15 frozen, medically tailored meals designed for quick heating and chronic dietary needs—and these meals are available in stores and online today. KCCI
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Zach Stoppelmoor, a 26-year-old from West Des Moines, is the first Iowan on the U.S. Olympic speedskating team and will race in the men's 500m at Milan Cortina on Feb. 15. Iowa Public Radio
-
New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
-
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.
-
Play and Learn Group
10 AM – 12 PM — Forest Avenue Library — Free entry — Discover, learn, and play with interactive toys and activities for children ages 0-5.
-
Iowa Wild Pink in the Rink Night
6 p.m. — Casey's Center — Ticket prices from $30 — Cheer on the Iowa Wild as they face off against the Springfield Thunderbirds for a fun-filled night of hockey and community spirit.
-
Koo Koo Concert
1-5 p.m. — xBk Live — Tickets available — Experience an exciting concert by Koo Koo in Des Moines.
-
Disenchanted! The Hit Musical Comedy
7-9 p.m. — Temple Theater — Cost info not specified — Enjoy a hilarious twist on storybook princesses as they set the record straight in this hit musical comedy.
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
You can't wake a person who is pretending to be asleep.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Des Moines
Welcome to the Daily Des Moines, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Des Moines, Iowa community. If you like the Daily Des Moines, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Des Moines.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Des Moines and across Iowa. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Des Moines
A free Des Moines community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailydesmoines.com/sitemap