Daily
West Des Moines
Friday, April 18th, 2025
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lisa Campbell from Tama won the crown of Ms. Wheelchair Iowa and will travel across the state this year to advocate for wheelchair-friendly amusement parks by visiting parades, fairs and sporting events. She will represent Iowa at the Ms. Wheelchair America National Competition in Grand Rapids in August — a contest that will spotlight her platform — and she plans to push for changes that make rides more accessible. Radio Iowa
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Southeast Iowa native Isaac Stauffer, a veteran tap dancer with Chicago Tap Theatre, is performing at the Civic Center in Des Moines tonight, marking his professional Iowa debut. Stauffer, who started dancing at six (at the Iowa State Fair), said he is honored to return to his roots. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Iowa high school students must answer at least 60 out of 100 questions correctly on the U.S. Citizenship Test to graduate, a rule that will take effect for the Class of 2027 after lawmakers gave final approval yesterday. The test will be multiple choice with questions provided in advance, and students can retake it until they pass. Radio Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa House and Senate approved the governor’s disaster response bill, which will provide $11.6 million for home repairs, $2 million to demolish unsafe buildings, and $19 million in a revolving loan fund for future disasters—Governor Reynolds said she will sign the bill when it reaches her desk. Radio Iowa
- ➤ A House committee voted on April 17th to create a state income tax credit for Iowans installing radon mitigation systems in their homes — a measure that aims to prompt more residents to test and remedy high radon levels, which can cause lung cancer. Representative Austin Baeth said the credit may cover up to $1000 for installations that help protect lives. Radio Iowa
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Grand Blue Mile 2025
12:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Western Gateway Park — $10 registration — Celebrate healthy habits and family achievement with sprints for all ages during the Grand Blue Mile.
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Grand Blue Mile and Set the Pace Challenge
6-8 p.m. — Western Gateway Park — Free entry — Compete to win $10,000 for your community by promoting health and wellness in this fun and engaging event.
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Know Your Farmer Dinner at Ray Family Farms
5:30-7 p.m. — The Wallace Centers of Iowa — Cost unknown — Savor a delicious 3-course dinner featuring fresh ingredients from Ray Family Farms while engaging with the owners.
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Game of Thrones Trivia Night
6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Enjoy happy hour with $4.50 pints — Test your knowledge of the Seven Kingdoms at Trophy Husband Trivia.
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The Outreach Project
1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with community resources through advocates providing essential information.
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Maria’s Cerveza-Ride
10 AM – 5 PM — Exile Brewing Company — $30 per rider — Enjoy a fun-filled 14-mile ride with friends while supporting a local non-profit.
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Cancer Patient & Survivor Self-Care Retreat
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — UnityPoint Health - John Stoddard Cancer Center — Free entry — Immerse yourself in healing with forest bathing and art therapy designed for cancer patients and survivors.
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Mini Gardens Workshop
3:00 – 3:45 PM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Create whimsical Mini Gardens in honor of National Garden Month with all materials provided.
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Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year
9-11 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A weekly postpartum support group offering valuable insights for new parents and their babies.
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After School Adventures: May Baskets
3:45-4:30 p.m. — West Des Moines Public Library — Registration required — Craft your own paper May baskets to celebrate spring and May Day festivities.
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
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
~ Theodore Roosevelt
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