Good morning, Des Moines.

Residents at Marshalltown Estates Mobile Home Park woke to homes flooded with water several feet deep after heavy rain on Wednesday.

Augustine Property Management said they used water pumps + are exploring local government help to prevent future floods.

A man in his 70s died after being struck by a train near the intersection of 8th Street and N Avenue in eastern Nevada on Wednesday afternoon—police said no unusual circumstances led him onto the tracks and are investigating the incident.

A new Blue Ribbon Bar and Eatery opened on July 29 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines—set in the old Steer-N-Stein space on Grand Avenue.

The venue now features a stage, vintage decor, and restored 1955 Dodge Em bumper cars that give fairgoers a nod to local history.

The 2025 World Food & Music Festival will take place at Western Gateway Park in Downtown DSM from Aug.

22nd to Aug. 24th. Festival events will include over 50 food vendors representing 25 countries, live music headlined by Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on Friday and Son Peruchos on Saturday, a Naturalization Ceremony at 11 a.m. for 50 new citizens and additional cultural activities and resource fairs.

About 2,000 fireworks professionals are meeting in Boone from August 2nd to 9th for a convention that offers safety seminars and pyrotechnic certifications.

Two public shows set for August 3rd and 8th will feature choreographed pyro-musicals and a dramatic fusion of drones and fireworks, including a 24-inch chrysanthemum shell+ costing about $2,000 that promises a grand finale+.

Tickets for Iowa State Fair Grandstand concerts are nearly sold out as Forrest Frank, Pitbull & Megan Moroney each hit 14,500 tickets, leaving only standing room options for some shows.

The fair runs from Aug. 7-17 and the ticket office will offer standing room tickets on Aug. 7 at 9 a.m. while additional tickets remain available online.

Southern rust, a corn fungus that can cut yields, was found in over 40 counties earlier this summer.

Experts urge farmers to inspect fields every three days and consider fungicide if warm, humid weather continues—risking further spread.

Des Moines Water Works has expanded its program to replace lead water pipes in the Drake neighborhood by offering free service line replacements for nearly 400 eligible homes; the utility will notify homeowners by mail, phone, email, and meetings and the project will run from October into 2026—local Rep. Zach Nunn has introduced legislation to secure federal funds for disadvantaged communities.

A national organization UMPS Care is holding an annual youth umpire camp in Des Moines to honor former MLB umpire Eric Cooper and teach umpiring and life skills to kids aged 13 to 18.

The free program lasts six weeks and runs every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Des Moines North High School—campers will also have the chance to visit an Iowa Cubs game and learn from Triple A umpires.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

City Voices Summer Recital

1:30 – 3:00 PM — Noce — Free — Enjoy captivating performances from talented students in Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Classical music styles.

Summer Music Series with Casey Peasley

5:00-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer in the heart of summer.

Galactic Empire Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Wooly's — $47 to $157 — Experience a unique concert by Galactic Empire that combines Star Wars themes with live music.

Drop-In Tech Help

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

Iowa Cubs Summer Blood Drive

7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Principal Park — Free entry — Donate blood, save lives, and get a chance to win prizes with the Iowa Cubs.

2025 Downtown Farmers' Market

7 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Historic Court District — Free entry — Explore local produce, artisan foods, and more at this vibrant community market.

Double Date Speed Dating at Secret Admirer

2-5 p.m. — Secret Admirer — Ticket for 2 people — Enjoy a fun and interactive double date speed dating experience for singles aged 25-38.

Iowa State Fair

7 PM – 1 AM — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Waitlist available — Experience the excitement of Iowa's largest outdoor event with food, rides, and entertainment.

VolunTEENS Library Opportunity

4-5 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Volunteer opportunity — Help out at the library while gaining community service experience.

Sara Sato's 'Notes from the Sea' Exhibit Opening

6:30-8 p.m. — Heritage Art Gallery — Free entry — Explore a unique meditation on our relationship with nature through the diverse stories of water and its enigmatic inhabitants.