Good morning, Des Moines.

JB Conlin, who bought his Jeep Wrangler 4xe in 2022, filed a lawsuit last month against Stellantis because he fears the vehicle’s battery may catch fire or explode—after a firefighter's video showed the car on fire and five recalls warned of battery issues.

He said the suit aims to warn other buyers about the safety risks of the plug-in hybrid.

The Iowa Senate unanimously passed Gov. Kim Reynolds' bill that requires public school boards to ban cellphones during classroom instruction starting in the 2025–26 school year—districts must use a state model by May 1 and adopt their own rules by July 1 as the bill goes back to the House.

The Iowa Senate passed the Freedom to Garden Act on March 25, which forbade state and local governments from regulating vegetable gardens on property Iowans own or rent— the law also allows home gardeners to sell their produce while keeping marijuana cultivation illegal.

Rep. Charley Thomson urged Summit Carbon Solutions to cancel its approved permit to build a carbon sequestration pipeline in Iowa after South Dakota banned eminent domain actions, saying the permit does not follow Iowa law.

Summit said it will keep working on its project that has support from local farmers and energy leaders—while the Iowa Utilities Commission maintained that the permit is still valid based on its conditions.

Iowa's youngest lawmaker, Blaine Watkins, 23, was sworn in on Monday after winning a special election to fill the seat left by former Rep. Martin Graber—who died in January.

He said he will work to lower property taxes and high living costs and will serve until 2026.

The Iowa DOT’s $94 million project to widen I-35/80 and Hickman Road is starting this spring and will force detours and ramp closures on the west side of the metro—drivers should plan ahead as some ramps may close for up to 110 days until work ends in 2028.

The Iowa Senate passed the Freedom to Garden Act on March 25, giving Iowans the right to grow vegetables on land they own or rent—this law stops officials from making rules that ban home gardens.

Senator Cherielynn Westrich from Ottumwa said the bill lets gardeners sell what they grow—except for marijuana.

Over the past four weeks, Iowa inspectors found hundreds of food-safety violations at restaurants and stores across the state—issues ranged from unsafe sushi practices and improper food temperatures to wild deer parts discovered in a freezer.

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing reported that many establishments corrected the violations during inspections.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

Trivia Night at Exile Brewing

6-8 p.m. | Exile Brewing Company | Free entry | Come have fun and test your knowledge with a night of trivia.

The Remember Balloons Concert

2-4 p.m. | Des Moines Performing Arts | Ticket details not provided | Experience the vibrant performance of The Remember Balloons in the heart of Des Moines.

Building Show of Iowa

9 AM - 6 PM | Iowa Events Center | Free entry | Connect with local building experts for your remodeling and construction needs.

Senior Living Awards Showcase

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. | 3717 6th Ave, Des Moines | Free entry | Celebrate the best in senior living with awards for meals, activities, and community friendliness.

Crafting for Adults: String Art

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration recommended — Create a unique string art piece or progress on your current project.

Blake Shaw with The Des Moines Big Band

7 p.m. — Noce — Ticket information not provided — Experience an extraordinary night of jazz with vocalist Blake Shaw leading the storied Des Moines Big Band.

Author Event with Amina Luqman-Dawson

6:30-8 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Celebrate the award-winning author of 'Freewater' and enjoy a book signing and Q&A session.

Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention

2 PM - 8 PM — EMC Expo Center — All ages welcome — Celebrate tattoo artistry and explore the vibrant world of body art.

WHS PROM Starlight Soiree 2025

8-10 p.m. — Iowa Events Center Ballroom — $30 — Celebrate an enchanting evening under the stars at the WHS Prom 2025.

Des Moines Symphony Presents O Fortuna Carmina Burana

2:30-4 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — $20-80, Students half-price — Experience fate and fortune with over 100 voices in a powerful performance of Orff's Carmina Burana.