Good morning, West Des Moines.

Today, the Urbandale and Waukee Chambers are hosting Mission Cancer + Blood's new clinic grand opening ribbon cutting at 2565 SE Encompass Dr. in Waukee from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the ceremony set for 5:30 p.m.

The Iowa Red Cross awarded four Heroes of the Heartland awards Tuesday to honor everyday Iowans who took heroic actions during emergencies, including the Des Moines Blank Children’s Hospital Advocacy and Outreach program that delivered free car seats and pack-and-plays after a tornado hit Greenfield. The awards also recognized David Tollander of Hudson, Sharlett Patterson of West Des Moine for using CPR and an AED, and Honor Flight of Sac City/Fort Dodge—nominations for 2026 may be made available later.

Iowa Lottery CEO Matt Strawn reported that fiscal year 2025 lottery sales hit nearly $292 million and beat budget by 7.88% through the third quarter—though national lotto game sales like Mega Millions and Powerball dropped sharply.

He said Instaplay, Pulltab, and Lotto America sales improved, but the lottery may struggle to match last year’s big jackpots in the final quarter.

Today, the Iowa House sent a bill to Governor Reynolds that would ban handling cell phones while driving following an 89-11 vote; the Senate passed the measure last week.

The bill will make it illegal to use electronic devices unless they are hands free or voice activated.

Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver was honored with the Uncommon Public Service award from the Herbert Hoover Presidential Foundation for his service despite a brain tumor diagnosis last spring—he thanked supporters for their prayers and support.

Drake fans learned on Monday morning that coach Ben McCollum — who won 31 games with the Drake Bulldogs — signed on as head coach for the Iowa Hawkeye men's basketball team.

His record-setting season led to mixed reactions among supporters as he moves to a Big Ten program.

Iowa Building Show 2025

The Building Show of Iowa offers businesses the opportunity to showcase products and engage with industry leaders in the building sector.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen

Experience a live, multi-sensory tribute to Queen performed by the Listeso String Quartet in an atmospheric candlelit setting at the Scottish Rite Consistory.

NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience

NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience is a live concert featuring a film montage accompanied by a live orchestra performing original scores and popular songs from the anime, creating an immersive experience for fans.

String Art Crafting for Adults

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration recommended — Create a unique string art project or make progress on your own piece.

Encounter the Eucharist: An Evening with Fr. Mike Schmitz

7 p.m. — Community Choice Convention Center — $100 — Experience an inspiring evening with the #1 Christian podcaster and celebrate 20 years of Iowa Catholic Radio.

Glowforge Laser Engraver Training

3-4 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Master the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver in a hands-on session at Tech Central.

The Outreach Project

1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Discover community resources and support from local advocates at this helpful outreach event.

Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Offensive Skills Camp

Apr 5-6 — SportsPlex West — Limited spots available — Elevate your game with pro-level shooting techniques and offensive skills training.

Cocktail Techniques 101 Class

6-8 p.m. — Table 128 — $65 per person — Learn vital mixology skills in a sold-out, hands-on cocktail class with expert guidance.

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

10:00-10:30 a.m. — North Side Library — Free entry — Engage with rhymes, songs, and stories tailored for infants and toddlers.