Daily
West Des Moines
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Healthy Birth Day, Inc. and Count the Kicks hosted the 12th Changemakers Luncheon Tuesday at the Iowa Events Center, where nearly 1,000 attendees heard more than 20 families share how the program helped save babies' lives. KCCI
- ➤ Chickita, a young chick rescued near Saylorville Dam, has been adopted and is now thriving in her new home. The Animal Rescue League said her new owner, an experienced chicken and duck keeper, praises her curious nature. KCCI
- ➤ More than 1,000 lilac shrubs at the Ewing Park Lilac Arboretum in Des Moines are expected to peak next weekend, showcasing 250 varieties across 35 acres. The arboretum is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the city advises visitors to plan ahead for large crowds. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Breakfast Club will expand in Iowa, opening a new location in Waukee on Grand Prairie Parkway in May and relocating its East Village venue to a larger building on East Grand in June — owner Annie Baldwin said future plans include Kansas and Missouri. KCCI
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Police departments are urging residents to clean out unused prescriptions ahead of National Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday to protect local waterways from chemicals and landfill leachate. A University of Iowa expert warned that improper disposal may let traces of medications enter drinking water. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Polk County supervisors approved on Tuesday, Apr. 21 an agreement with Ankeny-based 1 Source Solar to install panels on the county jail as phase two of a plan to cut the carbon footprint by 50% by 2040. The project costs nearly $1.9 million + is expected to save taxpayers money. KCCI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ In a 93-0 vote on Apr. 21, the Iowa House approved sending $3 million to the University of Iowa to boost pediatric cancer research & clinical trials, a move aimed at attracting federal grants and private funding for child-specific treatments. Radio Iowa
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ World-class pole vaulters returned to Jordan Creek Town Center today after a two-year break & thrilled local fans with near 19-foot jumps. Several athletes will perform at Drake Stadium for relays this weekend. FOX 17
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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.
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Walk to Cure Arthritis
8 a.m. — Principal Park — Free to participate, donations accepted — Get moving for a good cause with fun activities to support those living with arthritis.
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LeadingAge Iowa Spring Conference & Solutions Expo
May 6-7 — Iowa Events Center — Attendance: 250 — Network with industry leaders and explore innovative solutions in aging services.
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Iowa Horse Fair
3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Check website for costs — Experience equestrian events, competitions, and vendor shopping all weekend.
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Race for Hope DSM
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Des Moines Water Works Park — Fundraising entry — Join the community in honoring a local hero battling brain cancer through this inspiring race event.
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