Good morning, Des Moines.

Bacon Buddies paired youth with disabilities and mentors to showcase pigs at Jacobsen Arena during the Polk County Fair on Thursday.

The program, which began in 2019, will return to the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 15.

Thousands of RAGBRAI riders turned small Green Mountain into a bustling breakfast spot yesterday, drawing locals and visitors into a celebration of Iowa small-town charm.

The annual event, hosted for the first time in decades, showcased renewed community spirit.

Iowa State doctoral student Jingyi Wang was hit by another cyclist in a bike crash near campus this March and remains in a coma after treatment in Des Moines, as her family now faces growing medical bills while a fundraising campaign has exceeded $60,000.

Blank Park Zoo welcomed Hiro, a baby Japanese macaque, marking the 50th macaque birth since 1985.

The zoo, home to other new arrivals, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the rest of the year.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources noted rising coyote sightings near Gray’s Lake and cities like Johnston and Des Moines updated ordinances to allow certified operators to trap problem wildlife as experts advise residents to stand tall and wave their arms when encountering coyotes.

Blank Park Zoo has hatched about 100 endangered Wyoming toad tadpoles as a milestone in its conservation + breeding project.

Some tadpoles will be released in Wyoming while others remain at the zoo for future breeding.

Tom Alessio Jr. served as Polk County’s deputy director of general services and head football coach at Lincoln High School until a June investigation confirmed inappropriate behavior led to his firing, and he resigned on July 20; a termination letter documented the actions.

Polk County has activated its extreme heat plan starting tomorrow, July 25, until July 29, as forecasted heat indices may reach 110.

Local cooling centers (including libraries and recreation centers) open to help residents stay safe.

Paul Lawrence, the VA’s deputy secretary, visited the VA Medical Center to review preparations for a new electronic health record system that will let veterans access their records nationwide.

The center is scheduled to begin using the system next July.

Honey, a 5-month-old puppy hit by a car on Christmas Eve in Des Moines, recovered after 100 days of treatment at Iowa State University's Hixson-Lied Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Service (including multiple surgeries) and now has a permanent home with foster parents Laura and Matt Bradner.

West Des Moines native Caitlin Clark will be the first WNBA player to be featured on a global NBA 2K27 premium cover & will appear on the Deluxe Edition, which will release worldwide on Sept.

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New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

The Art of Freedom: A Sound Bath Experience

6-7 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — In-person attendance required — Immerse yourself in soothing vibrations for deep relaxation and renewal.

Prehistoric Playtime

1-3 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Dive into a Jurassic-themed adventure with hands-on activities and fun for young explorers.

GCYAA at the Iowa Cubs

6:08–7:08 p.m. — Principal Park — Cost varies — Enjoy an exciting baseball game with the Iowa Cubs and support local youth sports.

Annabelle Dinda Concert

7:00 – 11:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets start at $68 — Experience the unforgettable live performance of Annabelle Dinda in Des Moines.

CORNELIO VEGA Y SU DINASTIA & MORE

8-11 p.m. — Val Air Ballroom — Tickets available — A vibrant night of regional music featuring Cornelio Vega and his Dinastia along with exciting performances.