Good morning, Des Moines.

Around 7 a.m. on June 25, the Iowa Department of Transportation reported a multi-vehicle crash on I-35 near Huxley that blocked the northbound left lane and backed up traffic for two miles while heavy rain caused flooding—leading Des Moines police to close several roads.

Des Moines police arrested Alice Dacken, 56, on Wednesday after she was wanted for a violent assault that injured a 62-year-old in Highland Park in May; county jail records show she was booked at 3:27 a.m. on June 25—she is charged with willful injury causing bodily injury.

Mississippi artist H.C.

Porter's RV and trailer loaded with art for the Des Moines Arts Festival were destroyed by a fire on Wednesday when the smoke detector went off about 10 miles from her home, and while she was uninjured, she said she is saddened to miss the festival starting Friday — a setback after 35 years of showing art — as she leans on her insurance and supportive fans.

Central Iowa Water Works reported that nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers exceeded EPA limits with readings of 13.9 mg/L and 14.17 mg/L, so water is treated and blended using a nitrate removal facility that ran more than 65 days this year — a lawn watering ban was imposed on June 12 to help ease the strain on the system. The agency continues to monitor water quality as it expects nitrate levels to drop naturally later in the summer — treated water leaving the plant recorded 8.01 mg/L.

Iowa native astronaut Peggy Whitson launched her record-setting fifth spaceflight early this morning on a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center — her crew from Hungary, India and Poland will join her at the International Space Station tomorrow for a two-week mission.

A new state law now lets Iowans shoot off fireworks on July 3 and July 4 for the first time, but police stress it is not a free for all.

In Des Moines, fireworks can be set off only from 9 a.m.—10 p.m. on July 3 and from 9 a.m.—11 p.m. on July 4 and are banned in public parks and on city streets.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Summer Music Series: Riley Jane

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

Writers' Workshop 2025

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — No registration required — Share your writing and receive valuable feedback from fellow writers.