Good morning, Des Moines.

Emma Lynch became the new music director at St. Thomas Aquinas after leading a men's choir rehearsal on June 23 in Indianola.

She will guide the church's music programs moving forward.

Iowa will host America's Harvest Festival at the State Capitol grounds in Des Moines on Oct.

24 from 1 p.m. to sunset to celebrate agriculture and the US 250th birthday. The free event will feature historical reenactments, music, food + handcrafted goods from local vendors.

The Iowa State Fair revealed 84 new dishes on July 7 that mix patriotic treats, global fusions, and spicy-sweet mashups.

Highlights include caviar-topped nuggets, bison burgers, and creative eats available at over 200 food stands (showing fresh culinary trends).

MidAmerican Energy will propose a 5% boost to natural gas delivery rates, raising monthly bills by about $2.89 to fund infrastructure improvements.

Public meetings will be held in Cedar Rapids (Sept 8), Des Moines (Sept 9), and Sioux City (Sept 10) plus online (Sept 9 at noon).

Waukee's new superintendent Andy Crozier held a coffee chat at Smokey Row Coffee on Wednesday to listen and learn from parents amid district growth.

He said he will remain visible at local events + his next session is set for Wednesday, July 22 at Eden Coffee House at 7:30 a.m.

DMPS will resume its agriscience program this fall as students learn from farmers at Lutheran Services’ Global Greens garden.

Iowa confirmed its first measles case of 2026 in a vaccinated adult who got infected while traveling internationally; the patient visited several Des Moines-area sites between July 1 and July 5, and health officials advise those exposed to monitor symptoms for up to 21 days.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Rooftop Yoga

7:30-8:30 p.m. — The Shop DSM - Event Center — In person — Enjoy an hour of relaxation and revitalization under the open sky.

Community Craft Night: Fuse Beads

6:00-7:30 p.m. — North Side Library — Free entry — Spend an evening creating designs with Perler beads in a welcoming atmosphere.

Glizzys at the Grove: National Hot Dog Day

4-9 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Hot dog specials available all night — Savor gourmet glizzys and enjoy live music from The Sheet.

Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering

July 16-19 — Iowa Event Center, Des Moines — Registration required — Engage with inspiring speakers and workshops for women leaders in the community.

Des Moines Men's City Amateur Golf Tournament

July 17-19 — Waveland Golf Course — $150 entry fee — Compete in a prestigious local golf tournament amidst the scenic beauty of Waveland Golf Course.

Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market featuring Karley's Collections

7 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market — Free entry — Explore a vibrant market with over 300 vendors and unique handmade items including Karley's original artwork.

Basic Archery Instructor Training Course

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Grand View University Viking Events Center — $80 for training — Become a certified instructor and teach youth essential archery skills.

Outside Sales Rep 1

Outside Sales Representative 1 – Urbandale (Des Moines Metro): Join R3 Roofing & Exteriors as an entry-level sales representative, where you'll meet homeowners, schedule complimentary property inspections (no inspection experience required), and earn $600/week during your first 6 weeks of training plus $40 per qualified lead and $160 per closed deal, with realistic earnings of $8,000–$12,000+ per month. We're looking for motivated, coachable individuals who enjoy working with people and want a clear path into higher-paying sales and leadership roles. Apply today to start building a rewarding career with a family-owned company that values Loyalty, Accountability, and Community.