Daily
Des Moines
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A week ago, a sinkhole opened on a street north of Hickman Road near Westpointe Apartments in Urbandale and remains open as workers remove branches and install barriers; officials said repairs will begin soon — they are checking for causes like old coal mines and decayed tree roots. KCCI
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Waukee-based psychologist Dr. Erin Rae Honke faces her second disciplinary case in three years as the Iowa Board of Behavioral Professionals charges her with violations tied to her practice in West Des Moines, and a board hearing is set for July 28+29. KCCI
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Consumer Reports advises local residents to check streaming bills to fight rising costs as many households see their fees grow; it recommends canceling unused subscriptions, switching to ad-supported tiers, and bundling services to help save money. KCCI
- ➤ Economist David Oppedahl from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago spoke with Des Moines Rotary Club members today in central Iowa, explaining that while crop producers face tight margins due to high input costs (notably for fertilizer and diesel), livestock incomes are steady; he said farmers manage risks through cycles. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ About 5,000 agricultural students will attend the 98th annual Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference starting Sunday at Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University in Ames. The three-day event focuses on leadership, career development, and competitions plus a meal packaging service project with Meals from the Heartland. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Communities can apply for Iowa Tree Planting Grants that cover tree purchase, mulch, staking and watering on public property with awards from $10,000 to $30,000 for a two-year project (application details are available online) and must be submitted by Monday, June 22. Radio Iowa
- ➤ An EF-2 tornado with 120 mph winds swept east of Graettinger on Monday, leaving nearly five miles of damage in farm fields and homes. The National Weather Service and local officials are surveying and responding under a state disaster proclamation covering several counties. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Data from the Iowa Cancer Registry shows Iowa remains one of the worst for new cancer cases, with 21,000 Iowans expected to be diagnosed this year and 6,400 expected to die. Researchers found farm workers had 13% fewer cases than the general population (a healthy worker effect that may relate to lower smoking and drinking rates). Iowa Starting Line
- ➤ The S.A.F.E. Center of Iowa will open in fall at DMU 32 Business Complex on Grand Avenue, providing medical and forensic exams, follow-up care, and creative therapy in a 9,300 sqft space. It will be open 24-7 with free services, and a fundraising gala is scheduled for April 30. KDSM 17
- ➤ During Black Maternal Health Week, doctors and the American Heart Association remind pregnant women in Des Moines to watch for signs of heart issues. Dr. Wanakee Carr of The Iowa Clinic warns that Black women face higher risks for stroke, high blood pressure, and postpartum complications + she urges self-advocacy. KCCI
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Iowa State University announced that women’s wrestling will be added as a Division I varsity sport starting in the 2027-28 school year, expanding opportunities for athletes from over 200 high school programs and boosting the sport's growth statewide. KDSM 17
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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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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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Iowa Horse Fair
3:30 PM - 5 PM (May 8-10) — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Varies — A celebration of equestrian culture featuring competitions, vendors, and entertainment for all ages.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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