Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Polk County supervisors approved $200,000 to help Oakridge Neighborhood buy a vacant lot at 1230 Oakridge Dr. for a $15M affordable housing project called Cynergy. The mixed-use project will add 33 apartment units for low-income families and wellness services — supporting local efforts amid rising rents. The Des Moines Register
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Pella Tulip Time festival, a top spring event celebrating Dutch food, culture and blooms, begins today in Pella. Early warm weather finished many tulip beds, so visitors may spend extra time finding late bloomers before exploring local shops and bakeries. KCCI
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A report shows Iowa’s labor force participation has shrunk since 2010 as more young workers move away while retirees remain, with maps revealing areas of strong growth and *structural loss* in some parts. These findings point to shifts impacting local economic health. Iowa Starting Line
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines Public Schools have lost nearly $47.5 million in state funds since Iowa implemented its voucher program before the 2023-24 school year — a move that lets parents use public money for private school tuition. Lawmakers and educators remain divided on whether categorical reimbursements can offset these losses. Iowa Starting Line
- ➤ Iowa public school teachers received a pay raise during Teacher Appreciation Week but still earn less than they did 10 years ago because inflation has reduced their earnings. Meanwhile, local employers such as Wells Fargo and CNH Industrial announced layoffs scheduled later this month that will cut jobs through December. 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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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.
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Spring Music Series: Forrest McCurren
5-7 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy great live music while sipping on discounted beers during the Spring Music Series.
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Alpha Wolf Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Ticketed event — Experience the electrifying performance of Alpha Wolf at Wooly's in Des Moines, IA.
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Meet Me @ The Altar Concert
7-9 p.m. — Wooly's — Concert tickets available — Enjoy an evening with Meet Me @ The Altar in Des Moines, IA.
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
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Des Moines
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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