Good morning, Des Moines.

At the Iowa State Fair, the butter cow—sculpted from 600 pounds of salted butter on a one-sided 5½-foot frame—features quirky details including recycled butter techniques and enough butter for 19,200 slices that celebrate over a century of dairy art.

Caroline Shawk Brooks, America's first butter sculptor, brought butter art to life at the State Fair.

A new podcast explores her rise to fame and the challenges she faced — marking her unique legacy in Iowa.

In 2026, Sarah Pratt celebrates 20 years as the official butter sculptor at the Iowa State Fair.

Her lifelike butter cows & celebrity sculptures delight visitors and inspire butter sculpting classes.

A former DMPS secretary fired on May 21 for allegedly sharing a principal’s records was granted unemployment benefits by an administrative law judge on July 17 after an investigation found the district lacked written evidence and relied on coworker testimony.

Des Moines council voted to allow the demolition of a school to clear the way for the planned Joppa Village Project (a cluster of tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness).

A recent state audit found nursing home inspections now occur every 12 months — meeting federal timelines compared to 17.1 months in 2024 — even as nurse staffing remains low with care hours per resident below national averages and turnover only slightly improved from 54% to 44%.

The University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center was named Iowa’s only nationally ranked hospital in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals list, earning top marks in ophthalmology & obstetrics and gynecology along with 14 high-performing specialties.

MercyOne Des Moines and UnityPoint also received multiple high-performing ratings in key procedures.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.