Good morning, Des Moines.

Nearly 200 people gathered on the west steps of the Iowa Statehouse for a candlelight vigil after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot—bringing together both his supporters and critics.

Dylan Graham, a 22-year-old independent voter who organized the event, said the demonstration aimed to end political violence.

After a car crashed through its building in March, the Catholic Charities food pantry on Hubbell Avenue in Des Moines reopened with major upgrades — wider aisles let shoppers enjoy a grocery store experience.

The pantry operates Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

On Saturday, a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of Highway 44 and Willow Avenue in Panora killed 17-year-old Savannah Nicole Matthias of Guthrie Center—she was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier—while three others were injured, causing Panorama Community School District to postpone Homecoming events as the community grieves her loss.

The historic Ingersoll Theater in Des Moines will reopen in November after being closed for over 10 years.

The venue will host music, comedy and variety shows with dinner that includes a multi-course meal—tickets are on sale for Thanksgiving weekend shows.

Johnston Elementary School now features book vending machines that offer books instead of candy or soda thanks to a private foundation that helped librarians purchase them + the school bought the first batch of books, and the machines are part of this week’s Scholastic Spotlight.

A $265 million bond referendum for DMPS’s Reimagine Education plan received 7,500 signatures—enough to go on the November ballot—and the school board will vote on it today at 5:30 p.m. at Central Campus.

The measure will upgrade student services by opening more signature schools, expanding the Diploma+ program, and improving facilities to help offset a roughly $16 million drop in state funding, with homeowners in $200,000 homes facing nearly $200 more in yearly taxes if approved.

The Iowa DNR stocked paddlefish in Lake Rathbun and fisheries biologist Mark Flammang said the fish are now 36 inches long and weigh around 15 to 20 pounds.

He said the growing fish will offer local anglers a new trophy catch as they develop and may reach more than 50 pounds in the future.

Emergency repairs to a utility pole and wires closed part of Ingersoll Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets Monday morning—police advised drivers to detour via Grand Avenue and did not give an estimated reopening time.

Testimony in a trial at a Dallas County courthouse revealed heated disputes and secret meetings among Polk County leaders over the firing of former HR chief Jim Nahas—officials both denied and supported the claims as tensions and accusations unfolded.

The case will continue with more testimony to clarify the events and determine next steps.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

28 Days Later Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — xBk Live — Ticket info available — Get ready to rock with electrifying performances from 28 Days Later in an unforgettable evening of music and energy.

Comedy Penthouse

7-8:30 p.m. — Bash Events & Catering — $10 adv/$15 DOS — Experience top-notch comedy with headliner Jen Kuhle in a unique, intimate venue.

Kid-Friendly Brewery Tour at Exile Brewing

11:00-11:45 a.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Free entry — Explore the science behind brewing with fun machinery and hands-on activities for kids.

2025 Peace Day International Festival

10 AM – 3 PM — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Celebrate global peace with food, dance, and cultural activities at this vibrant festival.

Breastfeeding Basics Workshop

11 PM - 1 AM — Visitor Parking Ramp, Des Moines, IA — Registration required — Learn essential skills for breastfeeding success in a supportive environment.

Ballet Des Moines: Forward

7-8:30 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Tickets start at $35 — Experience a contemporary ballet exploring evolution in art, emotion, and community.

Panda Bear Concert

7:00–8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets from $50 — Experience the soothing sounds of Panda Bear live in Des Moines.

Summer Music Series: Brian Herrin at Exile Brewing

5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes during the Summer Music Series.

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with hands-on art activities every Monday night.

K-pop Fan Gathering

5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Meet fellow K-pop enthusiasts and enjoy trading photocards while snacking and listening to music.