Daily
Des Moines
Saturday, April 4th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Construction has begun on a 100,000 sqft expansion of the RecPlex next to the current building, featuring a 3,000-seat sports area plus 1,000 extra seats for events and a new 500-space parking lot. The expanded facility is set to open in October 2027. KCCI
- ➤ Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines announced that 16-year-old Bronevik, an Amur tiger, was euthanized last week after his health declined rapidly. KCCI
- ➤ The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden will begin renovating its lobby and entrance next year with work starting in 2027. To maintain access during construction, officials plan to build a temporary south-side entrance and present the proposal at the Urban Design Review Board meeting (April 7, 7:30 a.m.). KCCI
- ➤ Urbandale City Council has approved plans to convert a former motel site on Douglas into The Enclave— an apartment complex with 50 to 60 affordable units for working families that awaits about $1.7M in state funding, with construction expected to begin in 2027 if credits are secured. KDSM 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ West Des Moines City Council will consider rezoning for a new Dutch Bros. Coffee store (5950 Mills Civic Parkway) during Monday's 5:30 p.m. meeting. The chain, which has no Iowa location yet, will soon expand as a second store is planned for Southeast 14th Street in Des Moines. KCCI
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Candidate Lahn said on Iowa PBS that economic development funds should target Iowa businesses + local farmers by revoking tax credits for out-of-state companies and adjusting property tax rates for data centers. His proposal aims to secure local investment and boost regional growth. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines Prep’s plan to turn a gravel lot on East Sixth Street into a soccer field and community park moved forward after passing the Planning and Zoning Commission; it will serve as an athletic facility after school + open to the public pending City Council approval. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines Water Works offers a free lead pipe replacement program in the Drake neighborhood, with 350 eligible homes and 100 properties still unscheduled. Crews will begin checking pipes in May (built before 1940) to reduce future health risks, and DMWW urges residents to contact them with any questions. KCCI
- ➤ Sixty Iowa National Guard members returned home Thursday afternoon after nearly a year abroad as part of Operation Inherent Resolve—arriving at Cedar Rapids airport after stops in Germany and Texas while families welcomed their safe return, and a ceremony for 140 troops is expected to be announced soon. KCCI
- ➤ The Military Homeownership Assistance Program supporting service members and veterans has been fully funded with $75,000 for this fiscal year—providing 15 grants of $5,000 each for qualifying home purchases until June 30. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Bronevik, a 16-year-old Amur tiger at Blank Park Zoo, was euthanized on April 3 after his health rapidly declined due to neurological concerns; the zoo is moving forward with an 18-million expansion that will convert its lion exhibit into a tiger conservation center for breeding purposes. The Des Moines Register
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa Demon Hawks women’s indoor soccer team won the MASL national title during an undefeated season from mid-December to late March at SIG Sportsplex in Urbandale & celebrated at Heroics Sports Lounge. Formed in 2024, they will start their next season mid-to-late December. KCCI
- ➤ RAGBRAI organizers announced the 2026 ride covering 391 miles from Onawa starting Sunday, July 19 to Dubuque on Saturday, July 25. The 2026 route climbs 16,027 feet and goes through Turin, Harlan, Panora & Nevada, making it the shortest and one of the hilliest rides in RAGBRAI history. 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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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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Fred Hersch Live Performance
7-9 p.m. — Sheslow Auditorium — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the artistry of jazz legend Fred Hersch in a memorable live performance.
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Backgammon for Young Minds
8:30-10:30 a.m. — Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe — Free entry — A fun game day for kids to learn and enhance their Backgammon strategy skills.
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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.
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