Good morning, Des Moines.

The Iowa Cubs announced ASL Night will return to Principal Park on Thursday, June 18.

The game will celebrate the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community as players wear special uniforms that spell out Iowa in sign language in partnership with the Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf.

In Ankeny, the Wiederin family finishes a 365-day catch challenge in honor of their late father, Cory, who fought kidney cancer, and they keep his memory alive by continuing the daily ritual at his grave.

Central Iowa will host several summer festivals starting with the 47th Capital City PrideFest from June 12-14 at 505 E.

Grand Ave and Neighbor’s Day on June 20 at Western Gateway Park — a celebration of local heritage. Additional events will feature art, music and food for families.

Central Iowa Water Works has banned watering lawns, except for newly installed sod or seed, to protect drinking water amid high nitrate levels.

The immediate ban affects 600,000 customers & aims to reduce water demand.

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Tuesday that Iowa will outsource IT operations to Amazon Web Services and Cognizant Government Solutions to save over $525 million and end 200 IT jobs by July 31.

Affected workers will be offered new roles from Cognizant at similar pay + with reduced benefits.

Des Moines launched a $7 million program on Monday to restore vacant ground floor spaces downtown by offering one to one matching reimbursement grants of up to $200,000 provided by Metro Center Urban Renewal Area Tax Increment Financing to transform them into active businesses and destinations.

LSI CEO Renee Hardman will step down July 1 to focus on her family and work in the state Senate.

The board will meet June 11 to set a timeline for hiring her replacement.

Residents cooled off at local parks Tuesday as rising heat drove families to splash pads at Columbus, Bates, and Jordan parks — a welcome escape in the city.

The Iowa Soccer Development Foundation secured a 50-year lease on the Dico site east of the Raccoon River for a planned 5,500-seat stadium where pro men’s & women’s teams will play in late 2028 or 2029; construction will begin in late 2026 or early 2027.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

World Cup Opening Match Viewing Party

2-4 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Grab a spot and enjoy the excitement of the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa.

Architecture on the Move

5:30-12 a.m. — Capital Square — $20 — Explore downtown Des Moines with guided architectural walking tours led by local experts.

Billy Currington & Kip Moore Concert

6:30-10:00 p.m. — Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park — Check website for ticket prices — Experience an unforgettable night with country hits from Billy Currington and Kip Moore.

Billy Dean LIVE Recording

Afternoon — Iowa PBS Studios — $40-$90 — Experience an intimate concert with Grammy-winning country star Billy Dean featuring his #1 hits.

Summer Skate Day Camp

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Lauridsen Skatepark — $185 per student — A fun opportunity for skaters of all skill levels to improve their skills and make new friends.

2026 IAWEA Annual Conference

June 16-18 — Iowa Events Center — Registration Open — Join industry professionals to discuss crucial water management topics and innovations.

World Cup England vs Croatia Watch Party

2-4 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Cheer on England with Pimm's Cup specials and fellow fans during the match.

The Art of Nourishment: A Sound Bath Experience

6-7 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Entry fee unknown — Unwind and recharge with soothing sounds in a chill, in-person vibe.

Secret Series Skate Contest

2-6 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 entry fee — An exciting all-ages skate contest series challenging creativity at Lauridsen Skatepark.

Rooftop Yoga Class

7:30-8:30 p.m. — The Shop DSM - Event Center — Refunds up to 7 days before the event — Enjoy a beginner-friendly yoga experience against a rooftop backdrop.