Good morning, West Des Moines.

Griff II launched its annual pet food drive to feed central Iowa pets when Jason Parkin interviewed Drake University’s Live Mascot Director Erin Bell on April 4th—she explained how residents could help throughout central Iowa.

By April 4, Iowa had 52 road deaths including two motorcyclists, and Des Moines police say no motorcycle deaths have occurred in the city though minor crashes happened—experts warn both riders and drivers to stay alert as motorcycle season begins.

Black Cat Ice Cream opened its second location on 5th Street in Valley Junction this week.

Owner Alex Carter said the new shop has more space for enjoying ice cream, a wall of framed black cat pictures, and offers 10 daily flavors from a menu of 300, and it is open every day except Monday with summer hours starting in May.

Universal Frequency will hold its Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting on April 14 from 11:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. CDT as the Urbandale Chamber hosts a ceremony featuring demonstrations of new technologies and a tribute to Maryann Tolson's leadership.

The event marks the beginning of the company's innovative journey.

Car shoppers in Des Moines are rushing to buy cars early because a 25% auto tariff will take effect Wednesday, and dealers are waiting to learn more about its effect (the tariff impacts imported vehicles only) while keeping many cars in stock (vehicles already in the U.S. remain unaffected).

Alan Feirer of Group Dynamic will host a book reading on April 25 to celebrate the second edition of Leadership in Action: Eight Virtues, with events running from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.—coffee and pastries open the session followed by a project preview, Q&A, and book signing while books are not sold at the event.

Edgar Rosa, a Des Moines native, returns home today to premiere his new film 'Bob Trevino Likes It' at Varsity Cinema after Friday’s show sold out, with some tickets still available.

The movie—based on a true story about a friendship found on social media—will also play at Jordan Creek through next week.

Today, Iowans are invited to Poetry Palooza in central Iowa to celebrate National Poetry Month by attending workshops, readings, and poetry slams on the Viking Stage at Grand View University in Des Moines.

This free two-day event — featuring nationally recognized poets and local talent — offers a chance for the community to explore creative expression.

Plans for a new arena at Merle Hay Mall are moving forward as a revised state funding application goes before the Des Moines City Council on Monday; the project has secured three new tenants — Drake University's club hockey team, the Central Iowa Figure Skating Club, and the Iowa Demon Hawks — and if approved by the Urbandale City Council on April 15 and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, construction could begin this summer with completion expected in about a year and a half.

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.

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.

Turn It Up Dance Challenge Competitions

April 11-13 — Iowa Events Center — Registration required — Enjoy a weekend filled with dance competitions, awards, and scholarships.

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.

Spring Collaging Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Cost TBD — Unlock your creativity with Madeline Maser in this engaging collaging class using various artistic materials.

Spring Needle Felting Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — All materials provided — Create delightful felted spring flowers in a beginner-friendly setting.

Workshop on Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse

1-4:30 p.m. — UnityPoint Health - Blank Children's Hospital — Free entry — Engage in vital training to help prevent child sexual abuse and learn to address concerning behaviors.

MercyMe Concert

10:30 p.m. — Wells Fargo Arena — Tickets available — Experience a night of faith and music with MercyMe in Des Moines.