Daily
West Des Moines
Tuesday, April 1st, 2025
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 1st of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Black Cat Ice Cream is opening its second 1,700-square-foot location at 134 Fifth St today—featuring a cat-themed mural on one wall and over 500 framed black cat photos on the other—and will offer a variety of flavors including the award-winning Killer Bee with gluten-free and vegan options. Des Moines Register
- ➤ West Des Moines young professionals will learn golf basics and network at the West YP Golf Social: From Rough to Ready on May 20 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM CDT. The event offers expert instruction — a practical boost for their confidence on the green — with guidance from a pro to help them shine at future outings. Greater Des Moines Partnership
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A report from the Common Sense Institute found that fewer working-age men are working in Iowa, showing a 6.5 point drop in labor participation from 1977 to 2024—this decline is steeper than the national 6 percent drop. Ben Murrey said men with less education, those who are never married, and those living with relatives are less likely to work, leading to a $10 billion annual loss in output and a $4 billion drop in personal income. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa Department of Education reported that high school graduation rates in 2024 reached 88.3%—the same as the class of 2019—with female rates 3.2% higher than male rates, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels after 2020. The report also showed that only Missouri and Wisconsin had higher rates than Iowa. Radio Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Lottery said Friday night's final drawing of the old Mega Millions game will mark the end of the current system before it changes overnight—tickets will cost $5 and a built-in multiplier will boost all prizes including a starting jackpot of $50 million. Radio Iowa
- ➤ The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s proposed overhaul of state tax credits cleared initial review in the House and Senate—limiting research and development credits to $40 million a year, increasing housing credits, and adding a $5 million credit for sustainable aviation fuel while critics raised concerns over changes affecting programs like Endow Iowa. Radio Iowa
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Jazz on the House with Saxophonist Wayne Page & Co.
7-10 p.m. — Noce — No cover — Enjoy jazz tunes and $5 green tea shots during the all night happy hour.
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Turn It Up Dance Challenge Competitions
April 11-13 — Iowa Events Center — Registration required — Enjoy a weekend filled with dance competitions, awards, and scholarships.
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NAMI Family Support Group
10:30 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Peer-led support for adults with loved ones facing mental health challenges.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily West Des Moines
Welcome to the Daily West Des Moines, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the West Des Moines, Iowa community. If you like the Daily West Des Moines, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in West Des Moines.
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