Thursday, April 30th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 30th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Panka Peruvian Restaurant at 2708 Ingersoll Ave. Suite 200 will remain open this month after announcing a new partnership with the Flame Group. Owner Mariela Maya told Facebook on Wednesday that the change ensures continued service to the community. KCCI
- ➤ Summerset Winery, a renowned venue in Indianola, is closing permanently after a waterline rupture caused significant damage. Owners said high rebuild costs forced the decision and will share auction details soon. KCCI
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Heavy rain delayed planting at Marquardt Heritage Farm in Van Meter as fields turned muddy after 7 inches fell in April. Ryan Marquardt said work will resume when weather clears + 10 days of sunshine dry his 450 acre field before the window ends by May 10. KDSM 17
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa DNR officials netted walleye over 12 nights from Rathbun Lake, Storm Lake, Spirit Lake and the Mississippi River to collect 1,254 quarts of eggs—above their 1,173-quart goal—that are expected to yield over 106 million fry for stocking in local waters. Radio Iowa
- ➤ West Des Moines is moving ahead with Legacy Woods—an upcoming natural haven with trails, orchards, and community spaces that celebrate local history. The project will offer residents new outdoor leisure opportunities soon. Iowa Starting Line
- ➤ The American Lung Association's report found six Iowa counties earned failing grades for ozone pollution—extreme heat and Canadian wildfire smoke drove higher levels. Few counties tracked pollutants accurately, and Polk County received a D for both ozone and particle pollution. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The West Des Moines City Council increased its investment for a potential renovation at Valley West Mall from $95 million to $110 million to update the site with restaurants, shops, townhomes, trails, and green spaces. Mayor Russ Trimble said he is still in talks with developers and tenants (ATI Group missed a key deadline) as the project awaits further agreements. KDSM 17
- ➤ Senator Grassley said lawmakers will vote on a measure to allow year-round sales of E15—an action supported by Iowa’s Congressional Delegation and farmers to help lower rising gas prices and reduce input costs. KCCI
- ➤ Senate candidate Zach Wahls presented plans to create a Strategic Fertilizer Reserve and support a federal right to repair law for farmers during a campaign stop in Orance City on Thursday, April 30 — emphasizing limits on pharmacy benefit managers to help families and rural communities. Radio Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ MercyOne will close its South Des Moines Family Medicine and Urgent Care clinics on June 26 due to expected Medicaid cuts, rising costs, and staffing pressures. Affected patients will be directed to other MercyOne locations that may require a longer travel time. Iowa Starting Line
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ El Bait Shop in downtown is celebrating 20 years on May 5 & will offer a free taquito with each pint purchase. The event coincides with Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday and will feature a tribute tap of Rogue Dead Guy Ale honoring a craft beer pioneer. KCCI
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines fans can support women's sports at the new Heroics Sports Lounge, Iowa’s first dedicated bar for live games, which launched earlier this year. Iowa State will introduce a women's wrestling program next academic year while Pro Iowa plans a stadium for a women's soccer team. Iowa Starting Line
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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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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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Summer Concert Series Performance
11 AM – 12 PM — Heritage Carousel of Des Moines — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful summer concert in a charming carousel setting.
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
To stop advertising to save money is to stop a clock to save time.
~ Thomas Jefferson
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