Good morning, Des Moines.

Des Moines pizza pioneer Abbie Polito, who co-founded La Pizza House in southeast Des Moines in 1952, died June 11 in Surprise, Arizona at 101—funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. June 21 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home with interment at Highland Memory Gardens.

Around 6:55 a.m. on June 17, the Iowa Department of Transportation reported a car caught fire in the grassy median on US 65 near SE Army Post Road—first responders blocked the left shoulder and managed a separate crash that blocked I-35’s northbound left lane about 5 miles south of Bevington, slowing traffic.

A two-year-old boy was hit by a car on Tuesday morning in the 3600 block of E.

University Avenue and is now in hospital where doctors expect him to survive—police credit the quick actions of two westbound drivers for preventing a fatal crash.

Central Iowa Water Works’ lawn watering ban, imposed on June 12 due to high nitrate levels from farm runoff in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, cut water use by 30% and officials say residents must conserve water for weeks while new nitrate treatment projects are planned—$344 million in improvements will gradually add the needed capacity. Utility experts warned that water use may spike once the ban is lifted as demand grows during the summer.

Some firefly species in Iowa are declining due to habitat loss, light pollution, pesticide use and drought, but experts say the insects are not going extinct.

Residents may still see glowing bugs in late spring and early summer—when moist, humid conditions boost their activity—if weather improves.

Iowa health officials expressed concern after three measles cases were confirmed since May, including an unvaccinated child who visited a Costco and Marshalls in Coralville and a Walmart in Iowa City, as the immunization rate for two-year-olds stands at 84%, which is below the 95% level needed for herd immunity. Dr. Nathan Boonstra warned that lower vaccination rates in many counties could lead to larger outbreaks — experts stress that reaching the 95% threshold is critical.

Chipotle at Valley West Mall in West Des Moines will close on June 22 and move to 10001 University Ave in Clive.

The mall has been in foreclosure since 2022 & its future redevelopment remains unclear as CBRE continues its sale.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

Kindermusik Class

5:30 – 6:15 PM — Hoyt Sherman Place — Cost not specified — Explore children’s music to enhance learning and growth.

Jake Schrodt Duo Live at Annie’s Irish Pub

8-11 p.m. — Annie's Irish Pub — No cover charge — Enjoy an evening of live music from the Jake Schrodt Duo in a cozy pub setting.

Ride for a Reason

12-5 p.m. — SingleSpeed Brewing Co - DSM TapRoom — $25 Early Bird ($35 after) — Participate in a fun 17-mile ride while benefiting Dorothy's House and enjoying live music and prizes.

Summer Music Series: Jonas Magram at Exile Brewing

5:00–7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer at the Summer Music Series.

Overcoming Writer's Block Workshop

7-9 p.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — $30 — Explore how to navigate writer's block and unlock your creativity in this intensive workshop.

MY PAINTING ERA CAMP! Day 1: 1989

9 a.m.–12 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Cost varies — Create a unique painting with friends and local artists' guidance.

Avey Grouws Band Performance

6-10 p.m. — Gray's Station — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live music, local food trucks, and summer vibes in Downtown Des Moines.

Disney Trivia Night at Exile Brewing

6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints during happy hour — Test your Disney knowledge every Thursday evening with Trophy Husband Trivia.

Scott Davis Trio Performance

7 PM — The Cave DSM — Cost info not available — Enjoy an evening of captivating music from the talented Scott Davis Trio.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

6-9 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown — $67.95+ — Experience an interactive comedy murder mystery while enjoying a delightful dinner.