Good morning, West Des Moines.

A seminar hosted by the Greater Des Moines Partnership will cover equity financing options for startup companies and will feature a bonus free 1-hour SWOT analysis for entrepreneurs in West Des Moines.

The event includes a light continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments and is limited to 40 participants.

Des Moines metro man Christopher Kern, who in February broke into an animal shelter to retrieve his dog and shot at Cedar Rapids police, assaulted a deputy while being transported from a dental appointment on Tuesday—and now he faces charges including assault on persons in certain occupations with injury, interference with official acts, and attempted escape.

A Des Moines man, Brantlee Austin Gage Rainey, received a 50-year prison sentence after entering an Alford plea for fatally stabbing 20-year-old Alyssa Anne Maher at a hotel on November 14, 2023—he was reportedly using methamphetamine when he attacked her.

Local car dealerships are preparing for higher prices on new imports as a 25% tariff on foreign vehicles and parts will take effect next week—cars already on lots will not be affected.

Manufacturers have yet to decide on price changes, so buyers in West Des Moines may face higher costs in the near future.

Broadlawns Medical Center’s TECH — TEACH program gives hands-on healthcare training to adults with employment barriers and high school students from at-risk areas in Des Moines.

The program offers cultural training, soft skills, and financial literacy to help participants build long-term careers in healthcare.

A petition with 1,200 signatures was delivered to Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office at the Hoover Building urging her to withdraw from a federal lawsuit challenging changes to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Critics, including Tommy Elias and his father Jim, fear the lawsuit could remove vital protections — such as wheelchair ramps — that have supported people with disabilities for over 50 years.

Des Moines City Council has approved up to $5 million in HUD grants to help Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing purchase the downtown Holiday Inn—once a well-known building now in disrepair with unusable parking—and turn it into a supportive housing facility with 160 units and services like case management and a food pantry. The group has secured $8.75 million for the purchase and will raise another $25 million for necessary renovations.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen

Experience a live, multi-sensory tribute to Queen performed by the Listeso String Quartet in an atmospheric candlelit setting at the Scottish Rite Consistory.

NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience

NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience is a live concert featuring a film montage accompanied by a live orchestra performing original scores and popular songs from the anime, creating an immersive experience for fans.

String Art Crafting for Adults

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration recommended — Create a unique string art project or make progress on your own piece.

Encounter the Eucharist: An Evening with Fr. Mike Schmitz

7 p.m. — Community Choice Convention Center — $100 — Experience an inspiring evening with the #1 Christian podcaster and celebrate 20 years of Iowa Catholic Radio.

Glowforge Laser Engraver Training

3-4 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Master the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver in a hands-on session at Tech Central.

The Outreach Project

1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Discover community resources and support from local advocates at this helpful outreach event.

Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Offensive Skills Camp

Apr 5-6 — SportsPlex West — Limited spots available — Elevate your game with pro-level shooting techniques and offensive skills training.

Cocktail Techniques 101 Class

6-8 p.m. — Table 128 — $65 per person — Learn vital mixology skills in a sold-out, hands-on cocktail class with expert guidance.

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

10:00-10:30 a.m. — North Side Library — Free entry — Engage with rhymes, songs, and stories tailored for infants and toddlers.

School Group Attendance Update

All day — Science Center of Iowa — N/A — Today's school group traffic is expected to be low, making it a great time to visit.