🌱 4 More Charged In East High Shooting + New Nature Playground

Happy Friday, Des Moines! Here's everything worth knowing in town today.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 53 Low: 38.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Des Moines today:

1. Four more teenagers have been charged with the murder of a 15-year-old who was shot outside of East High School earlier this month. The charges come nearly three weeks after police arrested and charged six more suspects in the death of Jose David Lopez and the shooting of two teenage girls, who survived. All ten suspects face charges of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. (ktvo.com)
2. Urbandale Parks and Recreation has announced plans to open a new park this summer at the corner of 156th Street and Waterford Road. Barrett Park will use primarily natural materials instead of traditional playground sets in an effort to help children with their sensory development skills. The park, which is funded by the Barrett Boesen Foundation, will also be handicap accessible. (Local 5 - weareiowa.com)
3. Neil deGrasse Tyson is scheduled to bring his thoughts on "The Cosmic Perspective" to the Des Moines Civic Center next week. Tyson hopes the show will inspire audiences to "treat each other more kindly" and "be more concerned about the plight of the earth." Tickets are on sale now for the performance next Tuesday, Apr. 5, at 7:30 p.m. (KCCI Des Moines)

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Today in Des Moines:

• Storytime Explorers At Urbandale Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Story Sprouts At Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (10:30 AM)

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From my notebook:

• This year's Slow Art Day is tomorrow, Apr. 2, at the Des Moines Art Center! Stop by for a free 20-minute guided audio program, "Being with Art," available in English and Spanish. (Facebook)
• Dive deep into the groundbreaking science of whale families through the awe-inspiring work of celebrated National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry with Secrets of the Whales, live at the Des Moines Civic Center! (Facebook)
• Are you looking to change up your exercise routine with your pup in order to give your furry friend new, exciting activities to do for playtime? Check out this roundup of fun doggy sports. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you tomorrow for your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.