Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Urbandale Food Pantry celebrated one year in its new facility along Douglas Avenue and now serves over 2,000 families each month, up from fewer than 900 two years ago. CEO Christine Sandquist said the expanded space will support new programs and community partnerships. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Applications are now open for the Scale DSM Business Accelerator led by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, which helps small businesses boost revenue and create jobs; the program runs from June 23 to Dec. 8 (graduation on Dec. 15) and requires biweekly in-person sessions, with the deadline on April 30. Downtown Des Moines
- ➤ Consumer Reports says doorbell cameras record footage either to a company's cloud or to local storage that improves privacy and avoids monthly fees. Dan Wroclawski advises buyers to verify storage options before purchase — since cloud recordings may be deleted without a subscription. KCCI
- ➤ Yesterday, Mid-America Publishing ceased operations and began selling its 19 newspapers and four shopper publications across Iowa due to long-term financial struggles and a changing media market. Buyers have been found for most papers, but the Eldora Herald-Ledger remains unsold and faces closure, leaving uncertainty in small towns. The Des Moines Register
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Wells Fargo will lay off 62 employees at its Jordan Creek Parkway campus on May 30 and 49 more workers will lose their jobs on April 4 — the bank has cut over 200 positions since last September. KCCI
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students at Horizon Science Academy are coding drones to mimic the Artemis II mission by rising, orbiting, and descending to showcase hands-on lessons in math and computer science; they will visit the Drake Municipality Observatory this weekend to study moon cycles + view telescopes. KCCI
- ➤ Des Moines Prep, Iowa’s first public charter school, is planning growth after its successful first year and wants a nearby gravel lot rezoned for a soccer field and community park. The city's Plan and Zoning Commission will consider the request today at 6 p.m. — staff may require metal fencing. KCCI
- ➤ Former Morris Elementary principal Carrie Ratliff resigned after a review found she was under the influence on school property, with the school board accepting her resignation on Monday. The superintendent said her actions violated board policies and Iowa professional standards. KCCI
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium at Iowa State University reports that monarch butterflies increased numbers at overwintering sites in Mexico, covering 7.24 acres for the second consecutive year. Researchers say *additional habitat is needed* to reach the sustainable 15-acre goal for long-term survival. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Today, central Iowa may see a round of storms around 1 p.m. that could bring hail and tornadoes as they move northeast, with the highest threat in eastern areas after 4. Friday, a new low-pressure system will push warm, humid air into southern & southeast Iowa where severe storms could form in the late afternoon and reach into the evening. KCCI
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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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Church Basement Ladies
7:30 p.m. — The Ingersoll Tap — Tickets starting at $131 — Experience the unforgettable performance of Church Basement Ladies in Des Moines.
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Iowa Barnstormers vs. Green Bay Blizzard
7-8 p.m. — Casey's Center — Tickets starting at $54 — Iowa's thrilling indoor football showdown awaits at Casey's Center.
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Koffin Kats Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — xBk Live — Tickets starting at $56 — Koffin Kats is coming to Des Moines for an unforgettable live performance.
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Tim Hawkins Live Show
7 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Tim Hawkins at a local venue.
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LimeLife Beauty Evolution Tour
2-4 p.m. — AC Hotel Des Moines East Village — Free entry — Discover natural skincare and professional makeup in a vibrant atmosphere.
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Des Moines Makers Market & Bar Hop
1-6 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Celebrate spring with handmade goods and local brews at this family-friendly market.
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Glowforge Laser Engraving Training
5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Learn to expertly use the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver in this comprehensive training session.
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Coffee with Baton Global
8:30-10:30 a.m. — La Mie Elevate — Free entry — Sip on great brews while engaging in meaningful conversations and networking opportunities.
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Build My Future
12:00 am - 11:59 pm — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Free entry — A day dedicated to showcasing future career opportunities and pathways for attendees.
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Home Improvement Loans Workshop
6-7 p.m. — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Learn about home improvement loans and how to confidently renovate your home with NFC's financial assistance.
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Project Manager - Sheet Metal
We’re seeking a talented Project Manager to join our Sheet Metal team in Cedar Rapids. This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful projects, collaborate with a great team, and make a real impact. Become an Employee Owner and grow your career in a supportive environment at Baker Group.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Reading changes your mind, applying changes your life.
~ James Clear
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