Saturday, May 3rd, 2025

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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Halftime Bar & Grill in Pleasantville was named Iowa's Best Burger for 2025 by the Iowa Beef Industry Council on Thursday + the award highlights its use of fresh, local ingredients and strong family ownership. The win comes as Iowa Beef Month begins, boosting the restaurant's profile in Marion County. Radio Iowa
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A contract botanist from Elkader who has eaten over 100 wild Iowa mushrooms says he wants to set the record straight on 'false morels' by noting that none of the seven or eight species in Iowa are poisonous while similar types elsewhere can be dangerous — he advises local foragers to learn from trusted groups like the Prairies States Mushroom Club. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ DMPS Central Campus is holding an abbreviated plant sale on County Line Road from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.—all plants, including perennials, vegetables and house plants, are grown by students to support the agriscience program. The program may not continue next school year due to low enrollment even though the FFA and MANRRS chapters remain for independent study. WHO 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa DOT staff are working overtime at select locations as appointments become booked three to five business days in advance with a surge in Real ID requests before the May 7 enforcement when travelers will need compliant IDs for flights and federal buildings — officials noted that 76% of Iowans already meet the requirements. Officials advise residents to plan ahead if they will need a Real ID for upcoming travel. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Iowa DOT said that starting May 5 the northbound on-ramp from Hickman Road to I-80/35 + the northbound off-ramp from I-80/35 to Douglas Avenue will be closed until mid-August as part of a $94 million project, and drivers must follow a detour by taking Hickman Road east then right on 128th Street + left on Douglas Avenue to reenter the freeway. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Federal cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency rescinded AmeriCorps grant funding that affected about 300 members in Iowa, leaving nonprofits like Table to Table with far fewer volunteer hours to collect and distribute fresh produce for food-insecure residents in Johnson County. The budget cuts also put 85 percent of AmeriCorps federal staff on administrative leave and led to termination notices for many grantees—raising concerns over ongoing local support. The Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ An alleged whistleblower from Fonda Specialty Care says she was fired after being told 'keep your mouth shut'—a directive given following the death of 87-year-old Marvin Jacobs on February 18 due to failed suctioning during an overnight shift. Schultz is suing the nursing home, its parent company, and a nurse after state inspectors fined the facility and the nurse pleaded guilty to neglect charges. The Des Moines Register
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Early deals season has begun for the Iowa State Fair with advance adult tickets saving $5 off regular prices if bought before Aug.7. Special wristbands are on sale until Aug.6 and a Value Pack with food and ride tickets must be ordered by July 23—shoppers are urged to buy early to save money. The Des Moines Register
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Des Moines Big Band Swing Night
7-9 p.m. — Noce — Check venue for details — Enjoy an evening of swing dancing and live music with the Des Moines Big Band and Heartland Swing.
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Pop Evil Concert
8-11 p.m. — Wooly's — $43+ — Experience the electrifying performance of Pop Evil in Des Moines.
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Architecture on the Move
5:30-7 p.m. — Capital Square — Free entry — Experience architectural treasures on a guided sidewalk tour in Downtown Des Moines.
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Joyann Parker Band Performance
7 p.m. — Noce — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful and genre-blending sounds of Joyann Parker, a rising star in roots music.
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Summer Music Series: Taylor King
5:00-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes every Sunday.
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I Spy: Iowa Wildflowers
Discover Iowa wildflowers — May 12-24 — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Learn to identify local wildflowers and hunt for them in the children's area for a prize.
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Sensory-Friendly Hours
4-7 p.m. — Science Center of Iowa — Check website for details — Explore the wonders of science in a quieter, sensory-friendly environment tailored for all visitors.
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Welcome to the Daily Des Moines, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Des Moines, Iowa community. If you like the Daily Des Moines, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Des Moines.
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