Good morning, Des Moines.

Kevin Baskins is a business reporter at the Des Moines Register who covers metro jobs and the economy; the Iowa native grew up in Cedar Falls and Columbus Junction and lives in Ankeny after studying at Columbus Community High School and Wartburg College.

He enjoys reporting good stories on uncrowded golf courses and fishing spots—his recent features include a 108-year-old WWII veteran golfer and Iowa’s only American Cream draft horse.

A Des Moines man, Andy Vo-Luu Johnson (25), was arrested on charges of attempted murder after he allegedly attacked three family members with a 30-pound dumbbell on Wednesday morning on East 14th Street, injuring a 73-year-old woman critically while two others sustained serious injuries, police said.

37-year-old Allen Schultz was convicted of first-degree murder on Monday after he shot 19-year-old Colby Nelson in Clearfield on July 4, 2024 and he will be sentenced next month.

Although parts of Iowa face thunderstorms or blizzard conditions today, farmers are preparing for spring planting starting tomorrow — they plan to check soil conditions carefully to keep planters working efficiently.

Four new multipurpose athletic courts will be installed at Des Moines Public Schools with help from the Caitlin Clark Foundation.

The court at Weeks Middle School will open later this spring while three more courts will be completed by the end of summer—costing more than $500,000.

House lawmakers passed Gov. Kim Reynolds' bills that require school boards to ban cellphones during classroom instruction starting with the next school year and to boost math scores with frequent tests, personalized plans for at-risk students, and expanded teacher preparation support. Educators voiced concern that the math improvement measures demand extra work without additional funding—issues that now await review in the Senate.

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is the sole co-sponsor on a joint resolution proposed by Rep. Diana Harshbarger to reverse an EPA rule that would ban most production of TCE—a chemical linked to cancer and used in consumer products—by the end of this year.

The rule, passed in December, comes as concerns grow over TCE pollution at 15 Iowa Superfund sites, including one near Des Moines Water Works' intake.

Iowan astronaut Peggy Whitson, a record-setting former NASA leader with 675 days in space, will be inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in May and will command a commercial mission this spring with Axiom Space—she was the first female commander of the International Space Station.

Central Iowa Shelter and Services will limit its emergency shelter to 150 beds during very cold or very hot weather because extra costs are too high.

The shelter will change its hours and meal service in May and keep 20 overflow spots for partnering communities — officials say the move will manage funds and help care for people.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

Tyler Utter Trio Concert

7-9 p.m. | The Cave DSM | Entry info not specified | Enjoy an evening of local music with the Tyler Utter Trio in a cozy venue.

Great Train Show 2025

The Great Train Show features a wide array of trains, accessories, and activities for enthusiasts of all ages at the Iowa Events Center.

Great Train Show 2025

The Great Train Show features over 200 tables of trains for sale, large model train displays, and offers free workshops and demonstrations.

Texas Legends vs Iowa Wolves

6:30 PM | Iowa Events Center | Ticket prices vary | Witness the excitement of the NBA G League clash between Texas Legends and Iowa Wolves.

Bowl For Kids' Sake

Bowl for a Cause with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa! Bring your team together for a fun-filled event that supports life-changing mentoring programs while giving your company the spotlight it deserves!

Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End - A Biographical Play

A heartwarming and humorous play that celebrates the life of renowned humorist Erma Bombeck, highlighting her unique voice as a chronicler of everyday women's experiences.

Trivia Night at Exile Brewing

6-8 p.m. | Exile Brewing Company | Free entry | Come have fun and test your knowledge with a night of trivia.

The Remember Balloons Concert

2-4 p.m. | Des Moines Performing Arts | Ticket details not provided | Experience the vibrant performance of The Remember Balloons in the heart of Des Moines.

Building Show of Iowa

9 AM - 6 PM | Iowa Events Center | Free entry | Connect with local building experts for your remodeling and construction needs.

Senior Living Awards Showcase

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. | 3717 6th Ave, Des Moines | Free entry | Celebrate the best in senior living with awards for meals, activities, and community friendliness.