Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 6th of June.
Good morning, West Des Moines.
Millie the food truck joined Hope Foundation to offer jobs and social chances to teens and young adults with disabilities.
The program, led by Katie Hoover and Alicia Karwal and featuring the Cups of Kindness initiative, will make its first appearance at the Iowa Craft Brew Festival this Saturday — supported by local businesses.
The Des Moines Police Department identified 40-year-old Matthew Rex Ringgenberg as the motorcyclist killed in a crash on Wednesday just after 6:30 p.m. near Blank Park Zoo at the intersection of SW 9th Street and Luster Lane— the adult female driver remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries while two passengers were uninjured.
Clive PD said 59-year-old Kevin Sanders from West Des Moines called a bomb threat at MercyOne Family Medicine on Thursday just before noon after a long wait, prompting an evacuation+ a police search that found no device before he was arrested and charged with simple misdemeanor harassment.
Governor Reynolds signed a bill today that cuts the unemployment tax rate for Iowa businesses from 9% to 5.4% by halving the taxable wage base—saving nearly $975 million in taxes over the next five years and lowering costs for companies like U.S. Erectors in Pleasant Hill, which will save about $85,000 in 2026.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill that cuts the taxable wage base for unemployment insurance from 66.7% to 33.4%, lowering business contributions while the state’s fund remains strong.
The law takes effect July 1 and is expected to save companies like U.S. Erectors $85,000 in 2026 & draw criticism from labor groups & raise concerns for workers.
Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market
7 AM - 12 PM — Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market — Free entry — Discover fresh local produce, artisan goods, and vibrant community spirit at DSM's heart.
Summer Music Series: Eliana Franzenburg
5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with an all-day happy hour.
Data Center Insights Luncheon
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Wesley on Grand — Ticket required — Explore the evolution and future of the booming data center industry with expert panelists.
VolunTEENS Work Time
4-5 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Volunteer Opportunity — Engage in a rewarding experience by helping out at the library.
Kick-Off to Summer Celebration
3-6 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Celebrate summer with great company, refreshing drinks, and tasty appetizers on a sunny patio.
Instrument Petting Zoo with Des Moines Symphony
10:00 – 10:45 AM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Children explore string instruments guided by a symphony musician.
NAMI Family Support Group
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free of cost — A peer-led support group for adults with loved ones facing mental health challenges, offering insight and community support.
Father's Day Car Show
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Hawk Heaven Tavern — $10 registration — Celebrate Father's Day with a showcase of unique cars and family-friendly activities.
Drop-in Craft: Mini Dino Parachutes
Craft times — All week — Des Moines Public Library — Free — Make mini parachutes for your favorite dino and have fun while learning at the library.
Alzheimer's Association Happy Hour
4-6 p.m. — Lua Brewing — Free entry — Unwind and connect over drinks while supporting a great cause in a relaxed atmosphere.
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