Good morning, Des Moines.

Bondurant held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday afternoon at 100 Lincoln Street NE to launch the Grain District—a 24-acre mixed-use area that will include commercial, residential and civic spaces.

City leaders said the project will attract over $100 million in private investment and feature a wheelchair-accessible T12 Distillery set to open in 2026.

Forest Avenue from 33rd Street to 34th Street was closed Wednesday after a construction crew struck a natural gas line—evacuations were made and police plus fire crews secured the area with detours available on University Avenue.

Deputies responded Tuesday night to a shooting on 470th Street in rural Mystic where Destry Walker died and Randy Walker was injured, and they later found Robert Barrell hiding near a motorcycle crash—he was booked on charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder.

Two Des Moines men were sentenced for fentanyl distribution, with Wour receiving 12 years for distributing over 60,000 pills and 40 ounces of fentanyl powder over 18 months—Nurani received 10 years for selling pills that led to one fatal overdose last summer and for continuing to sell after the death.

An adult male was arrested after he rammed his car into the Embassy Suites on July 16 in East Village while police investigated reports he drove on the sidewalk trying to hit pedestrians—he was taken to a hospital for a leg injury and no other injuries were reported.

The Iowa State Fair will run from August 7—17 and feature 67 new food items, including mini bacon cheeseburger balls and a pricey lobster roll topped with caviar and edible gold flakes.

Vendors spent months perfecting recipes for high-volume cooking and creative twists, with a 'High Roller' package that pairs two lobster rolls with champagne for $600.

Simpson College named Susan Stuebner interim president after a national search and she will start on July 28—her campus visit made her feel at home—and the board will review her performance later in the year to decide on keeping her permanently.

Four-year-old Madi Seivert from Granger is receiving a new leukemia treatment called blinatumomab at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines that has significantly lowered relapse rates and shown a 96 to 97 percent success rate (according to doctors).

Madi is now in the maintenance phase as her energy returns, giving her family renewed hope for her long-term health.

RAGBRAI 2025 riders will cover 62.5 miles from Oelwein to Guttenberg on Saturday, July 26 with a 15.1-mile gravel option, a DJ welcoming them at the finish, and a call to wear the 2025 RAGBRAI Jersey as they dip their tires in the Mississippi River.

The route passes through Edgewood, Stanley, Aurora, Lamont, Dundee and Garber—Guttenberg has hosted the ride previously in 1980, 1987, 1996 and 2005.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Summer Music Series: Jordan Messerole at Exile Brewing

5:00-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints all-day — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer every Sunday.

Acrylic Sunsets on Canvas

5-8 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Supplies included — Capture the beauty of a sunset on canvas using vibrant acrylics in a creative workshop led by artist Kelsey Wilson.

Sherman Hill Historic District Walk and Jazz Celebration

4-5 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Free entry — Stroll the scenic Sherman Hill followed by live jazz tunes on the beautiful lawn.

Burger & Beer Deal at Exile Brewing

11 AM - 9 PM — Exile Brewing Company — $12 — Savor a Smash Burger with Fries and a Pint for just $12 every Wednesday.

Wild on Wheels

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Science Center of Iowa — Free entry — Enjoy live music, games, and food trucks at the kickoff of the Summer Block Party!

Steve Berry: 1974 Music Retrospective

9 p.m. — Noce — Ticket prices vary — Experience a nostalgic journey through the biggest hits of 1974 featuring iconic artists like Elton John and ABBA.

Little Explorers Program

10-11 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Discover and play with activities designed to build early literacy skills in children ages 0-5.

Summer Music Series: Paul Little at Exile Brewing

5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Experience the perfect Sunday with live music and patio vibes.