Good morning, Des Moines.

Tanner Bandy, a 28-year-old from Nevada, was arrested on April 17 after sending violent and threatening messages—federal documents say he planned a mass shooting at Iowa State’s spring commencement following a report on April 16.

Historic homes in Des Moines have been restored to preserve their stories—featured projects include a tour of the Jordan House on March 22, preservation work at a River Bend home on Feb.

28, and a renovated 1896 house in the Drake neighborhood by Invest DSM.

Seven historic homes in the Des Moines metro are open for tours and special events — serving as museums, bed and breakfasts, and event venues — with locations including Terrace Hill, Jordan House, Salisbury House, Hoyt Sherman Place, Rollins Mansion, Butler House on Grand, and Judge Lewis House.

Community members at Simpson College will gather today at 8:00 p.m. at Cowles Fieldhouse on the Indianola campus for a candlelight vigil to honor late president Jay Byers.

The college confirmed he was found dead at his residence last week during a wellness check—he had been a 1993 graduate and served as president since July—and the event is expected to draw a large crowd.

Lawmakers are studying a bill to create the Iowa Major Events and Tourism Program — the measure cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee and proposes depositing $15 million annually from sports wagering taxes to fund grants that cover up to 50% of incentive costs for non-profit groups bidding for tourism events. The program aims to help Iowa compete with states that already support major event bids with similar funding.

At a town hall in Northwood on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, around 100 Iowans pressed Sen. Grassley with tough questions over federal policies while one woman apologized for his early-day grief, prompting shouts and expletives from others.

Grassley defended his approach to border enforcement and stressed that stricter law by the current administration could have prevented these issues — a moment that underscored deep local political divides.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

Freedom in Freeform

4-5:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A welcoming stage for local poets to share their original works and celebrate the passion of poetry.

Bluegrass Matinee at Exile Brewing

11 AM - 1 PM — Exile Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy live bluegrass music from Stringfield in a vibrant beer hall atmosphere.

Soul Sunday with Gospel Artists

3 PM — Noce — Food and drinks available for purchase — Experience uplifting gospel music alongside a soul food inspired brunch.

3D Printer Training Class

5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free registration — Master 3D printing with hands-on training on top-of-the-line printers and software.

Open Mic Night

6-9 p.m. — Fireside Grille — 2-for-1 Pasta Night with Happy Hour — Showcase your talent with comedy, music, and more at a vibrant venue.

After School Adventures - May Baskets

3:45-4:30 p.m. — West Des Moines Public Library — Registration required — Create festive paper May baskets to celebrate spring fun.

The Fail Forward Event Spring 2025

4:30-7:30 p.m. — Bash Events & Catering — Snacks and first drink included — Celebrate learning from mistakes with inspiring speakers and engaging discussions.

Blooming with K-pop!

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month with K-pop activities and fun prizes.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

6-9 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown — $67.95 + taxes & fees — Enjoy a night of interactive comedy as you solve a hilarious murder mystery while dining.

The Nocturnal Affair Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets available — Experience the haunting sounds of Las Vegas dark rockers The Nocturnal Affair.