Good morning, Des Moines.

Communities near Des Moines will celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks displays in Altoona, Ames, Des Moines, Perry and Urbandale—each event has its own schedule and cost.

Organizers plan both free and ticketed shows with parades and family fun—details vary by venue.

On Monday morning, June 23, traffic on central roads moved steadily with no incidents reported by 7:30 a.m.—stormy weather was forecast to impact the afternoon commute.

Storms hit the Des Moines metro Monday afternoon and caused damage that local residents captured in photos.

Viewers submitted images that show the extent of the damage from the storm.

Iowa Workforce Development merged its old unemployment claims system into IowaWorks at the start of the month (after more than 50 years using the previous system) and IWD director Beth Townsend said the new setup worked without major issues.

Extra staff answered calls and by the end of the week wait times were gone (helping people file claims and get paid), showing the upgrade made the process smoother.

Iowa business groups filed a lawsuit Monday in a Des Moines federal court challenging Senate File 383—a law that will take effect July 1 and requires pharmacy benefit managers to pay a $10.68 dispensing fee, which the groups say will raise health care costs by millions and violate free speech and federal law. The suit names the state’s insurance regulator and was brought by organizations including the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Iowa Bankers Benefit Plan, Iowa Laborers District Council Health and Welfare Fund, Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons, and Iowa Spring Manufacturing and Sales Co.

Iowa’s towing law received an F from Towinglaws.com — a Tennessee-based group that ranked the state 47th for consumer protections — because it allows tow companies to charge high fees and quickly sell cars from private lots without requiring owner reimbursements, while other states offer stricter rules.

Iowa firefighters are urging lawmakers to amend federal law so that cancers are covered in line of duty death benefits—this builds on Governor Reynolds’ recent bill that expanded state coverage.

Next week, families will testify in Washington, D.C. to show how nearly $300,000 in benefits could support them.

Studies show that the Des Moines metro will need over 57,000 housing units in Polk County and 100,000 units across the region over the next twenty years to meet growing demand—rising construction costs, labor shortages and longer build times are challenging builders as efforts to keep new homes affordable continue.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Summer Music Series: David Watson

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

Historic Corn Plot Dinner

6:00-8:30 p.m. — The Wallace Centers of Iowa — Ticket required — Savor a special meal featuring corn from the on-site Henry A. Wallace Historic Corn Plot.

Hoyt Sherman Art Classes

5:30-7 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Registration required — Engage in creative acrylic art adventures tailored for ages 7-14.

Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver Training

3-4 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Library card required — Learn to use the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver and become qualified to create your own designs.

UX Design Certificate Program

9 a.m. — Bank of America Building, Des Moines, IA — Course fees apply — Gain hands-on UX skills to launch your design career and build an impressive portfolio.

2025 Downtown Farmers' Market

7 AM – 12 PM — Court District — Free entry — Explore local produce, artisan goods, and seasonal flowers in the heart of Downtown Des Moines.