Good morning, Des Moines.

The Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa purchased the historic Butler Mansion on June 27 and will break ground soon to add event spaces—such as a museum on two levels and additional rooms for public events.

A federal report showed Iowa’s GDP fell 6.1% in the first three months of this year, tying with Nebraska for the biggest drop among 39 states.

Iowa State University economists said the slowdown was due to an aging workforce and challenges in agriculture that affected manufacturing and related industries—such as real estate and insurance.

On Monday morning at 7:30 a.m., Fire Chief John TeKippe recommended shutting down one fire truck at Station 8 on McKinley Avenue during a work session with the City Council and Mayor—firefighters warned the move would add to the workload since stations 6 and 10 already struggled to meet safety standards and union president Joe Van Haalen said that cutting funds was not the right fix.

A tense city council work session turned heated as the Des Moines Fire Department reported that its 18-month pilot program at Fire Station 8 showed no benefit from a second fire truck, and Fire Chief John TeKippe said funds would be better spent on staffing needs while Councilman Joe Gatto disagreed. City Manager Scott Sanders said further discussions will help guide future investment decisions—amid ongoing budget challenges.

Des Moines officials said a study will be conducted along University Avenue to improve safety for both cars and pedestrians—photos from July 7 showed heavy traffic and road issues.

The study will review conditions like potholes and signage to decide on future fixes.

The eastbound I-80 exit ramp to 60th Street, exit 122, closed Monday night at 9 p.m. for pavement repairs in West Des Moines; drivers used a detour—exiting at Jordan Creek Parkway and turning south onto Jordan Creek Parkway then east onto Vista Drive—to reach 60th Street.

The closure will last until Thursday, August 21, weather permitting.

The Sieck family of Grinnell is building Iowa’s first pediatric palliative care center to help provide free hospice and respite care for medically complex children in honor of 7-year-old Mason—its nonprofit Mason’s Light House is raising funds and working with lawmakers after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill to create a pediatric care license, with plans to open near Iowa City by 2028.

Des Moines University’s health simulation center has become one of only eight worldwide accredited for its human simulation training and uses real people to act as patients, while also employing full-body mannequins that can breathe and speak—helping students build skills and practice teamwork.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

Wiggles and Giggles

9:15-9:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime filled with movement, music, and rhymes for preschoolers.

Bad Decisions Band Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Annie's Irish Pub — Free entry — Enjoy a night of great live music at this local favorite pub.

Stone Circle Brass Quintet: Nothin’ but the Classics

2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Experience a lively performance by the talented Stone Circle Brass Quintet showcasing a diverse repertoire.

Iowa Reptile Show

10 AM – 4 PM — Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines — Tickets at the door — Connect with local breeders and explore thousands of reptiles and supplies.

3D Printer Training Class

5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Master the Bambu X-1 and Formlabs Form 3 3D printers in this informative workshop.

Jazz in July: Night #2

5:30-10 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Free entry — Enjoy a summer evening of jazz featuring the CJC Youth Combo and the Christian Ertl Quartet.

Mindfulness Meditation for Veterans

1:30-2:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Discover the benefits of mindfulness meditation in a supportive environment led by a certified instructor.

Drop-In Tech Help

2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free help — Get assistance with your devices from knowledgeable staff at the library.

Yubu Band Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Annie's Irish Pub — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of music with the Yubu Band at your favorite local pub.

Camp Read S'more Movie Crafternoon

2-4 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy crafting while watching the spooky fun of Addams Family Values in a community setting.