Daily
West Des Moines
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ DMARC received 40,000 pounds of food from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Wednesday morning for its America 250 Celebration. The donation – one of 250 for food banks across 50 states – came as nearly 29,000 Iowans accessed food last month amid rising living costs. KCCI
- ➤ Nominations have opened for Iowa's annual search for the state's best pork tenderloin sandwich. Restaurants must serve hand-breaded tenderloins year-round and submit nominations by June 1 so undercover judges can select the top five, with the winner receiving $500 + a plaque and statewide recognition in October. Radio Iowa
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ UnityPoint Health announced it will cut 207 IT jobs to strengthen its long-term financial sustainability and maintain high-quality care, with some IT work shifting to third-party vendors. KCCI
- ➤ Painted Tree Boutiques in Clive closed after filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, forcing about 300 vendors to pack up booths at the former Bed Bath & Beyond space. Vendors voiced concern over lost deposits and pending payments as they planned their next moves. KCCI
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Over 7,300 Iowa students attended the Build My Future event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Wednesday, exploring trade careers in healthcare, trucking, law enforcement, military and emergency services — 30 students took part in the Skilled Trades Signing Day. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa legislature passed a bill requiring parental consent for HPV and hepatitis B vaccines — a change that means minors must now get their parents' approval, which could reduce access to these vaccines if the governor signs the law. Radio Iowa
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English With Friends
10-11 a.m. — West Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Engage in relaxed conversations while enhancing your English skills alongside neighbors.
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ChildServe's Bubble Ball Fundraiser
5:30 p.m. — EMC Expo Center — Varies by sponsorship and ticket level — Experience a creative runway show with BUBBLE WRAP® creations while supporting children with special healthcare needs.
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Spring Sip N' Thrift
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Captain Roy's — Free entry — Discover unique finds from local vendors while enjoying food and beverages.
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12th Annual Changemakers Luncheon
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Iowa Events Center — Fundraiser — Celebrate impact in stillbirth prevention and support Healthy Birth Day, Inc.
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2026 Commercial Real Estate Forum
7-9 a.m. — Hilton Des Moines Downtown — $ — Explore insights on trends and opportunities in Greater Des Moines' commercial real estate market.
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Clue - High School Edition
7 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a thrilling rendition of the classic mystery game brought to life by local students.
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The Lubben Brothers Concert
2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a live performance from The Lubben Brothers in a vibrant venue.
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Clue - High School Edition
2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticketed event — Enjoy a high school twist on the classic Clue game in an engaging live performance.
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Clue - High School Edition
2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket information available — Enjoy a modern twist on the classic mystery game with high school performers.
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City Voices Spring Recital
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Free admission — Enjoy a delightful program of songs from Classical, Contemporary, and Music Theater by high school students.
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 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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