Daily
Des Moines
Saturday, April 25th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 25th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Iowa State Fairgrounds planted a Bur Oak tree Friday morning with local 4-H, FFA students and state leaders to mark America's 250th birthday and Arbor Day; the tree stands south of the administration building near the Bill Riley Stage and is the first of many planned for the state. KCCI
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, Apr. 24, the National Weather Service confirmed five tornadoes in Iowa from severe thunderstorms. An EF-1 tornado touched down in Weldon, another EF-1 occurred near Little Sioux, two brief EF-0 tornadoes hit southwest Iowa, and an EF-unknown tornado was spotted in Audubon County without causing damage. KCCI
- ➤ After a quiet weekend, residents should prepare for strong to severe storms on Monday morning that may bring hail and heavy rain. A second round of storms in the afternoon (especially east of I-35) could include high winds and tornado risks (check local forecasts). KCCI
- ➤ Recent rains eased drought in Iowa as the U.S. Drought Monitor report on April 23 shows 17% of the state in drought, down from 22% on April 16 & Des Moines has recorded 6 inches of rain this month, well above normal. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ USDA announced plans to build its largest food safety center in Urbandale (to serve as the hub for its Food Safety and Inspection Service) with 200 staff members focused on resource management, training, and education. KCCI
- ➤ West Des Moines officials are considering a $110 million plan to demolish and redevelop Valley West Mall and will hold a public hearing on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. City documents show the project may be funded by loans, grants, and public infrastructure investments. KCCI
- ➤ Ankeny city leaders clarified updated riding rules for electric bikes, scooters (including e-motos over 39 mph that must use city streets) and motorized bicycles on Friday, allowing low-speed e-bikes on residential sidewalks and requiring riders to be at least 14 and licensed. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Every Step, a central Iowa non-profit, received nearly $500K from the Oberkotter Foundation to hire navigators who will help families whose newborns fail hearing screenings connect with state or University of Iowa testing and resources (addressing language and transportation barriers). The program will begin in central Iowa and expand statewide. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Today, hundreds will gather for the Purple Stride walk at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research. The event starts at 8 a.m. with gates opening, includes face-painting at 8:30 a.m., and offers a 5K or shorter route for families. Radio Iowa
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Habitat for Humanity broke ground on six affordable homes, named Pope Leo Village, near the corner of Clark and Arlington (north of downtown) on Friday. Volunteers will start building in the fall, and families can purchase them at an affordable price early next year. KCCI
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The former home of the Des Moines Buccaneers on Hickman Road closed permanently after the 2020 derecho damaged the 1961 arena and seven-figure maintenance costs forced the team to relocate to the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex in West Des Moines. KCCI
- ➤ Drake Stadium has been a historic track destination for world-class athletes and legendary Drake Relays fans, with its famed Blue Oval first introduced in 1989 to replace older track surfaces. Drake University will begin a $6 million renovation next year to resurface the oval + add a new press box. 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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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.
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Iowa Hope Run (5K)
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Des Moines Water Works Park — Registration required — Participate in a community race honoring local teens affected by brain tumors.
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Mother's Day Brunch at Big Grove
9 AM - 2 PM — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Special brunch menu with prices ranging from $12 to $18.75 — Celebrate mom with delicious food and a free Mom-mosa.
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Emo Nite at Wooly's
10 PM – 1 AM — Wooly's — Tickets from $64 — Experience an unforgettable night filled with emo music and nostalgia.
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Clue: High School Edition
7-9 p.m. — Stoner Theater — Check the details for ticket prices — A madcap comedy where iconic characters race to solve a murder mystery at a dinner party.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.
~ Warren Buffett
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