Daily
Des Moines
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A massive, century-old oak tree fell at about 5:15 p.m. Thursday in the 300 block of 51st Street and crushed two parked cars, though no one was injured. KCCI
- ➤ Drivers on Interstate 235 faced delays Thursday morning when a dog dodged eastbound traffic by crossing from the median to the roadway near MLK Jr. Parkway and officers later caught it on 24th Street north of Drake Park. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Painted Tree Boutique in Clive declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy earlier this week and forced about 300 vendors to clear out their booths—leaving many worried about lost deposits and unpaid sales. KDSM 17
- ➤ John Deere is hosting tours at its Des Moines Works — visitors can see new manufacturing methods that are reshaping modern farming. The event offers a firsthand look at innovative processes aimed at boosting farm productivity. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ UnityPoint Health will cut 207 IT jobs and outsource some work later this year as part of its long-term plan to address rising labor, supply, and drug costs. Affected employees will receive severance packages, benefits continuation, and career transition support. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Recent rains eased drought across Iowa with Des Moines recording 5.06 inches in April, reducing affected areas from 73% to 22%. However, moderate drought continues in parts of the west and south (as shown in the latest Drought Monitor report). The Des Moines Register
- ➤ The Insect Expo will take place Sunday, Apr. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown Exhibit Hall, offering displays with live insects (hosted by the North Central Branch of the Entomological Society of America) to help families learn why bugs are vital to nature. Radio Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa House passed a bill on April 16 exempting sales tax for restart costs at the Duane Arnold Energy Center — the state’s sole nuclear plant — to boost nuclear energy projects; the law includes a 25-year sunset and a repayment requirement if projects do not advance within 12.5 years. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Polk County Health Department in Des Moines is finalizing a Community Health Improvement Plan to boost support for care access, housing, mental health and economic stability. The project, developed with local organizations (said Michelle Seibert), will launch in June. Radio Iowa
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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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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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Billy Nation: A Tribute to Billy Joel
3-7 p.m. — Temple Theater — Cost info not provided — Experience the musical celebration of one of the best-selling artists of all time.
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Waldorf Alumni Meet-Up
5-7 p.m. — Confluence Brewing Company — First drink complimentary — Reconnect with Waldorf friends and enjoy great conversation in a welcoming atmosphere.
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Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour
7 p.m. — Casey's Center — $95 — Enjoy a night of outrageous comedy with Nate Bargatze as he brings laughter to Downtown Des Moines this spring.
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NAMI Family Support Group
10:30 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with others facing the challenges of supporting loved ones with mental health conditions.
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Clue - High School Edition
2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling high school rendition of the classic mystery game.
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Clue - High School Edition
2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a high school rendition of the classic mystery game.
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City Voices Spring Recital
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Free admission — Enjoy a showcase of talented students performing a variety of songs from Classical, Contemporary, and Music Theater repertoires.
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Jimmy Failla Live
7-10 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Ticket prices starting at $73 — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Jimmy Failla at a premier venue.
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Wiggles and Giggles Storytime
3:15-3:45 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime filled with movement, music, and rhyming fun for little ones.
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