Good morning, Des Moines.

Today a new Iowa State Fair podcast gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how Grandstand acts are booked.

Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons explained that factors such as routing, ticket affordability — capped at around $125 for standing-room spots — and venue size drive the selection process and help the fair break even on ticket sales.

The Iowa State Fair will start Aug.

7 and run through Aug. 17, giving Iowans two weeks of food, live music, and fun with headlining acts like Forrest Frank, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, and more. Discounted tickets are now on sale at $11 for adults and $7 for children ages 6 to 11 — only 100 days remain until Fair Sweet Fair begins.

Organizers unveiled the free concert lineup for the Iowa State Fair on April 29 — covering events at Susan Knapp Amphitheater, Anne and Bill Riley Stage, and MidAmerican Energy Stage from Aug.

7 to Aug. 17. Adult admission tickets cost $11 in advance or $16 at the gate — required for entry to enjoy performances by The Nadas, PetRock and others.

A new Iowa policy limiting groups to one event at the State Capitol forced unions to move their worker memorial service from the Capitol to Union Labor Park on April 28.

Legislators plan to change the rule with an amendment that could allow up to six events per year as unions said the move hurt their ability to honor fallen workers.

The Iowa Board of Medicine has charged Dr. Douglas Selover—an emergency-medicine doctor at MercyOne Des Moines—with sexual misconduct and unprofessional conduct amid malpractice claims linked to missed hydrocephalus diagnoses in a 7-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl, with a board hearing set for Dec. 12. The board has also charged Dubuque family-medicine physician Dr. Barry J. Waack with unprofessional conduct and scheduled his hearing for Oct. 24.

Documents filed by a downtown architecture firm detailed a plan to repurpose two former Wells Fargo buildings at 206 8th Street and 207 9th Street into a 170-room hotel with a top-floor restaurant and retail space.

If the firm proceeds, additional plans will outline parking, office, conference and spa areas—moves that signal continued downtown investment.

ADM's girls soccer team won three straight games with a 10-0 win over Carroll in which Jada Grove broke the career scoring record by surpassing 79, while the boys team claimed four wins after a three-game skid.

ADM track athletes set new personal bests at Drake Relays — London Warmuth cleared 5-7 and Corbin Reed improved his 110-meter hurdles time — boosting school records and statewide rankings.

Seven Perry High School student-athletes signed their official letters of intent on April 25—before graduating on May 25—to join college sports and continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

The Fail Forward Event Spring 2025

4:30-7:30 p.m. — Bash Events & Catering — Snacks and first drink included — Celebrate learning from mistakes with inspiring speakers and engaging discussions.

Blooming with K-pop!

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month with K-pop activities and fun prizes.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

6-9 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown — $67.95 + taxes & fees — Enjoy a night of interactive comedy as you solve a hilarious murder mystery while dining.

The Nocturnal Affair Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets available — Experience the haunting sounds of Las Vegas dark rockers The Nocturnal Affair.

Future Islands Concert

7-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Ticket prices from $32 — Catch Future Islands live in an intimate venue setting with great acoustics.

Postpartum Support Group for New Parents

9:30-11 a.m. — Downtown Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Gather with fellow new parents and find community support during your baby's first year.

Des Moines Big Band Swing Night

7-9 p.m. — Noce — Check venue for details — Enjoy an evening of swing dancing and live music with the Des Moines Big Band and Heartland Swing.

Pop Evil Concert

8-11 p.m. — Wooly's — $43+ — Experience the electrifying performance of Pop Evil in Des Moines.

Architecture on the Move

5:30-7 p.m. — Capital Square — Free entry — Experience architectural treasures on a guided sidewalk tour in Downtown Des Moines.

Joyann Parker Band Performance

7 p.m. — Noce — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful and genre-blending sounds of Joyann Parker, a rising star in roots music.