Daily
Des Moines
Wednesday, April 29th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa State Fair will host free concerts this August across four stages—Susan Knapp Amphitheater, Anne and Bill Riley Stage, MidAmerican Energy Stage and Fun Forest Stage—showcasing genres from country and rock to indie and comedy. Admission costs $11 in advance or $16 at the gate. The Des Moines Register
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A U.S.D.A report said that corn planting jumped from 2% to 22% and bean planting rose from 1% to 11% last week despite wet fields slowing progress. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig noted that farmers can plant more crop quickly when dry conditions return in April. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Drake University law students saw the Wrongful Convictions Clinic close after professor Erica Nichols Cook was fired over a $154,000 check dispute from a client estate — the school says the funds are legally its resources and plans to reopen the clinic next year, leaving students worried about their training. KCCI
- ➤ Gilbert Schools superintendent Christine Trujillo took leave on Monday, Apr. 27 after her husband died from pancreatic cancer, and the board approved interim superintendent Matt Patton — an experienced leader — at a special meeting. The district remains focused on steady leadership during this time. KCCI
- ➤ Iowa public charter schools will receive an extra $1.3 million to boost teacher salaries under a bill Governor Reynolds will sign. The law creates a revolving fund for low-interest facility loans and expands homeschooling limits to allow unlimited unrelated children. Radio Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ West Des Moines City Council raised its investment for the planned renovations of Valley West Mall from $95 million to $110 million to include restaurants, retail, townhomes, trails, green spaces and seasonal activities such as paddleboarding and ice skating - the development deal remains uncertain as ATI Group missed a deadline. KCCI
- ➤ Gov. Kim Reynolds declared April 28 as Workers’ Memorial Day near the Capitol; a ceremony by the South Central Iowa Federation of Labor honored fallen workers with names read aloud and recognition for the local fire honor guard — emphasizing workplace safety. KCCI
- ➤ A bill to ban kratom in Iowa is heading to the governor's desk, with lawmakers split over its research impact. The legislation would classify first-time possession as an aggravated misdemeanor and repeat offenses as a class D felony — health experts warn kratom has opioid like effects. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ MercyOne South Des Moines will end its urgent care and family medicine services on July 26 — the provider cited rising costs, staffing shortages and low reimbursements, and patients will transition to other nearby MercyOne practices. KCCI
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Waukee Northwest sprinter Katie Willits impressed at the Drake Relays last weekend when she ran six races, won the 100-meter dash and helped set three relay records, and she committed to Iowa State—continuing a family tradition built on her grandpa Fran Long's celebrated track career. KDSM 17
- ➤ Drake Stadium’s iconic Blue Oval (replaced with its blue hue in 1989 and featured in a special display at Cowles Library) has long symbolized the Drake Relays and Iowa sports history. Drake University announced plans to resurface it next year to update this cherished track. 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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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.
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Clue: High School Edition
7-9 p.m. — Stoner Theater — Admission fee required — A comedic whodunit unfolds as guests race to find a murderer in Boddy Manor.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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