Daily
West Des Moines
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Meals from the Heartland resolved a labeling issue with South Africa's health ministry and is catching up on packing meals in new bags for schoolchildren, with special packing events planned one week a month through November. KCCI
- ➤ U.S. News ranked the Des Moines suburb of Ankeny as the nation’s fourth best place to live based on factors like air quality, job market and leisure — while West Des Moines was placed 40th among Iowa cities — when evaluating over 850 communities. Radio Iowa
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hy-Vee honored longtime employee Dawn Hilderbrand by featuring her smile on a semi-truck unveiled Tuesday morning at the Grand Avenue store in West Des Moines — a tribute to her 45 years of service. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Erin Moore of Des Moines won the Iowa State Fair T-shirt contest and her design will be sold at fair merchandise stands from Aug. 13 — 23, with the top five designs available online starting next Friday. KCCI
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The U.S.D.A. report shows that 88% of corn and 80% of soybeans have been planted, with corn reaching nearly last year's pace and six percentage points above the five-year average — while almost half of corn and 28% of soybeans have emerged. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Dowling Catholic celebrated a campus transformation with a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday in West Des Moines. The project includes a new arena, a storm shelter (serving as an athletic court), enhanced parking and security upgrades, and work is set to begin on June 1. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ DART is cutting West Des Moines’ bus routes from 20 to 10, launching routes on June 14 with free rides (until June 30). An open house on June 4 at the West Des Moines Library will review the changes as DART commissioner Fannette Elliot aims to serve high-need riders. KCCI
- ➤ Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law requiring radon mitigation systems in new single-family homes and duplexes — builders must install them under House File 2297. Iowa has high radon levels and the measure aims to reduce lung cancer risk. KCCI
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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.
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Blue Light Jazz at Surety Hotel
5-12 p.m. — Surety Hotel Lobby Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy Stiff Drinks and Smooth Grooves while chasing away mid-week blues with live jazz.
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Networking at Evolve Juicery and Kitchen
6-10 p.m. — Evolve Juicery & Kitchen — Free entry — Meet local professionals through guided introductions for better conversations.
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First Friday Art Exhibition: Nostalgia
5-8 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Explore art reflecting on memory and nostalgia with interactive activities and music.
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DSM Farmers' Market
8:30 AM — Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market — Free entry — Enjoy fresh local produce and unique artisan goods in a vibrant community atmosphere.
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Sensory-Friendly Game: Iowa Cubs vs. Toledo Mudhens
1:08-2:08 p.m. — Principal Park — Discounted tickets available — Enjoy a baseball game with sensory-friendly accommodations for families and individuals with autism.
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Rooftop Yoga Class
7:30-8:30 p.m. — The Shop DSM - Event Center — Beginner friendly — Enjoy a relaxing yoga session with a view on the rooftop.
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