Good morning, Des Moines.

Iowa’s Labor4Learning program pairs experienced farmers with newcomers to teach essential farming skills and ease farmland transitions.

The mentorships also help retiring farmers find successors (a benefit organizers did not initially expect) as they share practical knowledge.

Hy-Vee said it will close its food production facilities in Chariton and Ankeny in late June, affecting over 450 employees — the company will offer job opportunities at Hy-Vee stores as it shifts to take-out food to improve service and quality.

This move marks a strategic change as both facilities, opened in 2018, adjust operations.

Center at Sixth— a business incubator for Black and Brown business owners— held an open house in Des Moines on April 24 with a Maker's Market, live music, and speeches by local leaders.

Derry & the Dirty Dishes will debut their album Three Day Weekend on Saturday, May 3 at xBk Live in Des Moines with DJ Kitty Cat Twins starting at 10 a.m. and the band performing at 10:30 a.m. The album blends indie rock, folksy country and punk and was recorded at Trilix Studio to connect with kids and their families.

Des Moines Public Schools Early Childhood Programs Director Kristin Rourk said that proposed DOGE cuts might lower funding for early learning and family support—she warned that the reduction could impact essential resources for young children.

On April 19, a special traffic safety project allowed Des Moines and Altoona police with eight other agencies to pull over drivers outside city limits under Iowa law—a 1994 Supreme Court ruling supports this practice.

The eight-hour effort from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. led to 14 arrests and 325 citations to deter impaired and unsafe driving.

Governor Kim Reynolds sued the Des Moines Register on April 25 over its public records request for email exchanges among her staff and a West Des Moines city councilwoman, head of Lutheran Social Services.

She said the lawsuit aims to protect executive privilege—her office turned over over 800 pages but withheld four documents with private advice from her senior advisors.

Today the Iowa House voted to start a fund that may give grocery stores up to $100,000 for new equipment, technology, and improvements if owners match the amount.

Representative Latham said food deserts and rising closures in small towns have pressed lawmakers to act — a funding level is still under discussion.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Future Islands Concert

7-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Ticket prices from $32 — Catch Future Islands live in an intimate venue setting with great acoustics.

Postpartum Support Group for New Parents

9:30-11 a.m. — Downtown Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Gather with fellow new parents and find community support during your baby's first year.