Daily
Des Moines
Friday, February 6th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 6th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Greater Des Moines Partnership has opened vendor applications for three community events with Downtown Farmers’ Market running Saturdays from May 2 to Oct. 31, World Food & Music Festival scheduled Aug. 28‑30, and Out to Lunch on Wednesdays from May 13 to June 24; applications close at 5 p.m. Feb. 13. Downtown Des Moines
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Michael J. Gerdin, Michael R. McCoy and Kirt A. Walker will be inducted into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame at the Annual Induction Dinner on April 16 at The Meadows Events & Conference Center at Prairie Meadows in Altoona. Downtown Des Moines
- ➤ Panka Peruvian Restaurant on Ingersoll Avenue announced on social media it will close in early April after nearly seven years of service since opening in Feb. 2019. Owner Mariela Maya said the decision was difficult (a blow for regulars) and invited customers to join for one last meal. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The I'll Make Me a World festival returns this weekend to honor Black culture with food, music and art despite funding challenges from political rhetoric. The event runs from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Horizon Events Center in Clive with Grammy-nominated recording artist MAJOR headlining. KCCI
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new analysis shows Des Moines finance leaders are watching for AI's impact after a West Des Moines data center housed the supercomputer behind ChatGPT. Local firms warn that AI may reshape job roles as they plan for future workforce shifts. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ DMPS officials fielded questions today at the Iowa House Education Committee about the hiring process for former superintendent Ian Roberts as lawmakers examined the credentials on his résumé. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Kim Reynolds is proposing to hike Iowa's cigarette and tobacco taxes as public health officials study elevated cancer rates, with the plan calling for raising the cigarette tax from $1.36 to $2.01 + imposing a 15% tax on vape and consumable hemp products. The measure aims to support evidence-based cancer prevention in affected counties. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Gov. Kim Reynolds shared her family's cancer journey by recounting her husband Kevin's battle + presented initial findings on Iowa's cancer rates today. The Des Moines Register
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New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Koo Koo Concert
1-5 p.m. — xBk Live — Tickets available — Experience an exciting concert by Koo Koo in Des Moines.
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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.
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Baby Safety Class
11:30 PM - 2:00 AM — Visitor Parking Ramp — Registration required — Learn vital tips on baby-proofing your home and nursery safety from experts.
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Winnie The Pooh
7-11 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved adventures of Winnie The Pooh in a delightful children's theater performance.
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
Buy your winter clothes in summer and summer clothes in winter.
~ Benjamin Graham
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