Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
Good morning, Des Moines.
🏘️ Community
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.
🎭 Culture
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.
📰 Economy
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.
🎓 Education
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 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.
🎉 Des Moines Events
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New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
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.
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.
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.
Emo Nite at Wooly's
10 PM – 1 AM — Wooly's — Tickets from $64 — Experience an unforgettable night filled with emo music and nostalgia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🏠 Des Moines Real Estate
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💼 Des Moines Job Board
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📣 Des Moines Announcements
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