Good morning, Des Moines.

West Des Moines hosted its sixth annual MLK Day Celebration at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex on Monday, Jan.

19, where Renee Hardman received the first Catalyst Award and keynote speaker Vicky Long Hill addressed the crowd — youth and community leadership awards were also presented.

Urban Dreams hosted MLK Day of Service on Monday with 45 volunteers cleaning the newer campus on 2nd Avenue to honor Dr. King's legacy.

Local leaders, including State Sen. Izzah Knox & Polk County Supervisor Matt McCoy, participated in the effort.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Donate and Skate event at Brenton Skating Plaza has been postponed due to the cold and will now be held Thursday, Feb.

19. Guests may enjoy free skating & donate nonperishable food and clothing to Central Iowa Shelter and Services.

Monte Shaw, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director, said biodiesel plants are at risk after many idled in 2025 and have not restarted because high overhead costs continue while they wait for federal tax credit rules and EPA blending details that may arrive by late February.

Community leaders honored Des Moines Public Schools at the YMCA’s MLK Day Prayer Breakfast on Jan.

19 at the Olmstead Center at Drake University & presented the Make a Difference Award while DMPS leaders outlined plans to expand preschool access and develop signature schools for future career readiness.

Students at St. Anthony's Catholic School were learning through computer work, reading, and spelling activities on Tuesday, Jan.

13. Teachers including Elena Nebot, Julia Bocken, and Ryley Sinnott led these tech-driven lessons in Des Moines.

Community college leaders are seeking a $20 million bill over five years to help start four-year degree programs that would serve rural areas and provide in-person options in fields (IT, healthcare, advanced manufacturing).

Lawmakers are now considering the proposal to boost local access to bachelor’s education.

The Iowa DNR said on Jan.

19 that osprey and peregrine falcon populations are thriving in metro Des Moines and nearby regions, thanks to reintroduction efforts from the late 1980s and 90s (volunteers monitored record osprey nests and nearly 60 fledglings in 2025).

Waukee City Council passed a first reading on rezoning space along East Hickman Rd and NE Alice's Rd (across from Hy-Vee), which may allow a retail grocer, parking, gas station, and convenience store pending two more readings.

A traffic study found the project would not affect flow.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa will open two low-cost vet clinics in central and southern Des Moines to offer spaying, neutering, surgeries, and training partnerships, with profits supporting additional ARL programs.

Harlem Globetrotter Zeus McClurkin visited Blank Children's Hospital on Monday in Des Moines as part of the team's Smile Patrol initiative to bring joy to young patients; the team will take over Casey's Center on Feb.

12 for its 100 Year Tour.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

2026 Iowa Pork Congress

Wed, Jan 21 8 AM – Thu, Jan 22 2 PM — Iowa Events Center — Check for admission details — Celebrate the pig industry's contributions with business insights and networking opportunities.

Wiggles and Giggles Storytime

10:15-10:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming.

The Outreach Project

1-2 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with local organizations for resources and support in the community.

Vincent Mason Live Performance

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Val Air Ballroom — Ticket prices vary — Experience expansive artistry framed by relatable storytelling and warm sonics from Vincent Mason.

Jazzy Ash and The Leaping Lizards Concert

4-7 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Get ready for an exciting live performance by Jazzy Ash and The Leaping Lizards in Des Moines.

Olivaya Dream: Stretch Series

6:00-6:45 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Cost varies — Experience a soothing hybrid class focused on gentle stretching and breath work to unlock your inner calm.

Abundance To Go Market

3-6 p.m. — The Wallace Centers of Iowa — Cost varies — Explore seasonal delights with organic preserved foods sourced from local farms.

Reading Challenge Book Club

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Dive into a captivating mystery with 'The Busybody Book Club' by Freya Sampson.

US Custom Harvesters Show

January 29-31 — Iowa Events Center — Cost info not specified — Explore a variety of vendors and enjoy live auctions for harvesters.

Des Moines Real Estate Investing Coffee Meetup

7-9 a.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — Casual discussions on real estate investing with local enthusiasts over coffee.