Daily
West Des Moines
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Sunday night, a 17-year-old Dowling Catholic student in Johnston rescued a woman from a burning home after spotting flames at Hyperion Golf Club; he pulled her outside before propane tank exploded, and the fire department said the cat (safe in the basement) survived while the house was lost. KCCI
- ➤ The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is heading to Wisconsin to rescue dozens of beagles from Ridglan Farms — 40 of which will soon arrive in central Iowa for care. Many of the dogs are expected to need medical and behavioral treatment before adoption. KCCI
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A new $34 million trades and industry center at DMACC will train future firefighters, HVAC workers and skilled trades students in a nearly 72,000 sqft facility to meet local workforce needs. DMACC secured $2 million in federal funding to support the project and create career pathways. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa DNR is updating its fishing atlas to work better on mobile devices and allow map printing before May 14 (a handy tool for anglers to quickly find fish habitats). Fisheries research biologist Lewis Bruce says the update will help shorten the time between bites. Radio Iowa
- ➤ On Monday, May 11, the Iowa Department of Education said it is taking steps to protect Iowans after last Thursday’s cyberattack on Canvas's parent company restored access for thousands; the department clarified it uses Canvas solely for on-demand educator courses and does not oversee school contracts. KCCI
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Des Moines Dinner Club: Giving Back Edition
7-10 p.m. — Fresko — Individual meal cost — Enjoy cozy dinners while making new friends and supporting local businesses.
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2026 Power Breakfast #2: Community Health Discussion
9-11 a.m. — Krause Gateway Center — Free entry — Engage in insightful discussions on health challenges and solutions for Central Iowa's community vitality.
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Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
1:30 p.m. — Scottish Rite Consistory — $42.27 — Experience Vivaldi’s masterpieces illuminated by candlelight in an enchanting setting.
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Ballet Des Moines - Cinderella
7-10 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Tickets start at $35 — Experience the enchanting world premiere of Cinderella set to Prokofiev's iconic score.
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Dog Days of Summer at Principal Park
5:30-9 p.m. — Principal Park — $16 — Enjoy a night at the ballpark with your pup featuring a dog parade and dog-friendly activities.
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Tech Yeah! 2026 Q2 Networking & Happy Hour
4-6 p.m. — P3+Uplift (Professional Project Partners, Inc.) — Non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks available — Grab a beverage, meet new people, and enjoy casual conversation.
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Morning Yoga with Feel Good
8-9 a.m. — Kava DSM — In-person session — Start your day with rejuvenating yoga in a calming atmosphere.
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Spring Music Series: Forrest McCurren
5-7 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live tunes in the Beer Hall during the Spring Music Series with happy hour specials.
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Community Cooking Class: Artists Around A Table
6-9 p.m. — Culinary Annex — $50 — Engage in a hands-on cooking class creating classic dishes from the 1920s-40s with Chef Cass in a lively social setting.
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Learn to Play Mah Jong
10 AM – 1 PM — West Des Moines Public Library — Registration recommended — Discover the exciting world of American Mah Jong with a hands-on introduction to the game.
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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