Good morning, Des Moines.

The Des Moines Fire Department will host a fire prevention open house on Saturday, July 27 at 10 a.m. at Fire Station No. 1, where visitors can see fire trucks, join hands-on activities, and learn safety tips from firefighters + Spanish-speaking staff will assist families.

Children enjoyed a bubble slip-and-slide on June 25 at Central Presbyterian Church in Des Moines — a cheerful outdoor summer activity led by camp counselors for safe play.

Thrive Iowa, a new program by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, launched on June 25 to help families access local support in 11 counties — including a site in Warren County that enrolled over 20 families — and plans to expand in July to cover 22 counties.

Blank Park Zoo is holding a contest where residents can win a lifetime family membership by guessing the birth dates of two giraffe calves expected later this summer.

Guesses must be submitted by July 1 on the zoo's website.

Tacos La Familia expanded to a new location in Riverbend on Wednesday, June 17, as owner Ricardo Arana fulfilled his plan to serve more local customers.

Polk County opened a 1,113-acre wetland park along Y Avenue between Grimes and Granger that offers hiking, birdwatching and seasonal hunting; the park features 52 acres of shallow water that attract 130 bird species (Drake University researchers are studying its wildlife and water quality).

The latest Drought Monitor report shows 41% of Iowa in drought today — down from 46% last week — after recent rains improved conditions in eastern counties.

However, a forecast heatwave starting Sunday could reverse these gains as Des Moines faces highs over 90 and nearing 95 later next week.

Belle Plaine worker Ashley Ehlen, laid off from Whirlpool in Amana, spoke in Washington on Monday at the Machinists Legislative Conference to support the Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act, warning that layoffs hurt real people (workers and families) across Iowa.

Des Moines police remind residents to follow fireworks regulations as the city prepares for America's 250th birthday celebration.

Fireworks on private property are permitted on July 3 (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and July 4 (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.) with a $200 fine for violations.

Federal funding cuts force Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice to cut immigration legal services by 40% and lay off nine staffers by September.

The nonprofit, serving over 3,000 locals across clinics statewide, is preparing for challenges amid growing legal demand.

Rick Stewart, the Libertarian candidate in northeast Iowa's 2nd District, said he received a call on June 11 from U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy Jr. urging him to drop his congressional bid and offering his advocacy if Stewart teamed up.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

Patrick Bringley Book Talk at Des Moines Arts Festival

11 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Attend a discussion with the NYT bestselling author of a memoir about his experience at The MET.

Treat Trot Des Moines

7-10 a.m. — Riverview Park — Youth registration starts at $17 — Celebrate fitness and community with a fun family-friendly race featuring a kids dash and custom swag for all participants.

Goodguys Heartland Nationals Auto Show

A full weekend of automotive excitement — July 3-5 — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Entry fees may apply — Experience Iowa's premier auto show featuring race cars, classic vehicles, and more.

Rooftop Yoga Experience

12-1:30 p.m. — The Shop DSM - Event Center — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a refreshing rooftop yoga session alongside local brand pop-ups.

Final Frontier Tour: Journey Live Concert

7:30 p.m. — Iowa Events Center — Tickets from 61 € — Experience an unforgettable night with Journey at the renowned Iowa Events Center.

Early Childhood Music Exploration

10:00 – 10:30 AM — Hoyt Sherman Place — Free entry — Kids explore music through singing, movement, and creative play.

Sammy Obeid: Dessert in Des Moines

7:30-9 p.m. — The River Center — Tickets required — Immerse yourself in a night of hilarity with Sammy Obeid's unique blend of wit and storytelling.

Western Gateway Outdoor Handmade Show

8 a.m.-6 p.m. — Western Gateway Park — Free entry — Explore vibrant handmade crafts and experience the spirit of creativity in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Legally Blonde Musical

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Des Moines Community Playhouse — Tickets required — Experience the vibrant journey of Elle Woods as she challenges stereotypes in pursuit of love and self-discovery.

Garden Bros Nuclear Circus

1-4 p.m. — Merle Hay Mall — Tickets from $29 — Experience an unforgettable circus performance for the whole family.