Good morning, Des Moines.

Crews on the $55 million ICON River project in downtown Des Moines are removing a dam this week to reveal a rocky water feature that will improve safety — offering water activities like kayaking and surfing while shoreline improvements continue this year and a groundbreaking is planned for early 2027.

The Greater Des Moines YMCA received a $65,000 Community Impact Grant from USA Swimming + USA Swimming Foundation to improve aquatic training and create new opportunities for young swimmers.

Officials said the funds aim to make competitive swimming more accessible in the community.

Tuesday morning, a Des Moines driver experienced sticker shock at the gas pump as rising prices forced him to tighten his budget while a student and a work-from-home commuter reported increases up to a dollar over several weeks.

Local drivers said the surge is straining finances and changing fueling habits.

St. Anthony's Catholic school holds bilingual classes as Spanish-speaking teachers help students learn the language today (the new program is expected to boost the school's language skills).

Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines is planning campus upgrades amid a growing student body.

The commission-approved proposal includes expanded parking, a new entrance off 17th Street, extra seating for events, and a new student union (City Council review is expected later this month).

Waukee Community School District named Andy Crozier as its new superintendent pending board approval on Mar.

12—he will begin on July 1. The district became Iowa’s third-largest after surpassing Iowa City and Sioux City last school year.

The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City will shrink its 43,000 sqft visitor center — to about 21,000 sqft — cutting capacity from 150 to 50 after 2024 storm damage.

An open house runs Friday from 2 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon for education input.

The Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division handled over 4,000 complaints last year, with 783 involving used car issues and imposter scams.

Residents are urged to avoid unsolicited messages & check repair work carefully.

US Senate candidate Josh Turek addressed Iowa's healthcare challenges before meeting local healthcare professionals today — his remarks focused on improvements to access and quality that benefit the community.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

Wiggles and Giggles Storytime

10:15-10:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime with music, movement, and rhymes perfect for young children.

The Weary Ramblers Concert

5:30-10:30 p.m. — The Ingersoll — Tickets starting at $178 — Experience the unforgettable sounds of The Weary Ramblers in a vibrant Des Moines venue.

Conjunto Rienda Real & La Pocima Norteña Concert

9 PM-12 AM — Val Air Ballroom — General Admission $70-80 — Experience an electrifying night of live regional music with top artists in a vibrant atmosphere.

Demon Slayer Escape Room Adventure

6:30-7:15 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Enter the world of Demon Slayer and test your wits against demons in this exciting escape room challenge.

St. Patrick's Day Comedy Show

7-9 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $30 for 2-tops, $60 for 4-tops — Celebrate St. Paddy's Day with comedian Ryan O'Flanagan and plenty of laughs.

Twilight Zone Unscripted

7-10 p.m. — Temple Theater — Book tickets now — Experience a live interactive performance inspired by the iconic sci-fi series.

Twilight Zone Unscripted

7 PM – 1 AM — Temple Theater — Tickets available — Experience the unpredictable thrills of Twilight Zone Unscripted live.

Purple Piano with Marshall Charloff

7:30-9 p.m. — The Ingersoll Tap — Tickets starting at $136 — Experience a captivating performance by Marshall Charloff in a lively atmosphere.

Twilight Zone Unscripted

2-5 p.m. — Temple Theater — Ticketed event — Experience an interactive performance inspired by the iconic series in a vibrant live setting.

The Seagull

2-4 p.m. — Stoner Theater — $56.00 — Experience Chekhov’s classic as it explores the intersection of art, love, and ambition in a fresh adaptation.