Good morning, West Des Moines.

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and City of West Des Moines announced that the 5th Annual Raccoon River Palooza will be held on June 7 at Raccoon River Park — a free rain-or-shine event with live music, cardboard boat races and food trucks.

Catholics in West Des Moines gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Monday to mourn Pope Francis, with many attending mass an hour after news of his death.

Bishop William Joensen said the community felt deep gratitude for his 12 years of service as cardinals will soon travel to Vatican City for the conclave—deciding on his successor.

Bishop William Joensen released a statement yesterday after Pope Francis died at age 88, noting the pontiff's strong call to care for the environment + sharing memories of personal encounters with him.

He encouraged the faithful to observe the church's nine days of mourning to honor his enduring legacy.

The Iowa House passed a bill legalizing psilocybin as a treatment for conditions like PTSD by requiring licensed providers to monitor its clinical use—this 84-6 vote sets up a seven-member board to list qualifying conditions, and the bill now moves to the Senate for review.

On Monday night, the Iowa Department of Transportation closed the southbound/westbound ramps at Hickman Avenue and University Avenue on I-35/80 in western Des Moines to add 36 feet of paving—supporting work toward a final four-lane design to open in 2027.

Drivers are advised to follow marked detours, and an additional closure near Hickman and Douglas avenues will begin on May 5 and last 100 days to continue the improvements.

John Taylor III, 66 and from Des Moines, is in Boston trying to finish his 30th Boston Marathon after a hip replacement in October, and he is using an anti-gravity treadmill to ease his comeback+ his doctors have approved his training plan.

Know Your Farmer Dinner at Ray Family Farms

5:30-7 p.m. — The Wallace Centers of Iowa — Cost unknown — Savor a delicious 3-course dinner featuring fresh ingredients from Ray Family Farms while engaging with the owners.

Game of Thrones Trivia Night

6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Enjoy happy hour with $4.50 pints — Test your knowledge of the Seven Kingdoms at Trophy Husband Trivia.

The Outreach Project

1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with community resources through advocates providing essential information.

Maria’s Cerveza-Ride

10 AM – 5 PM — Exile Brewing Company — $30 per rider — Enjoy a fun-filled 14-mile ride with friends while supporting a local non-profit.

Cancer Patient & Survivor Self-Care Retreat

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — UnityPoint Health - John Stoddard Cancer Center — Free entry — Immerse yourself in healing with forest bathing and art therapy designed for cancer patients and survivors.

Mini Gardens Workshop

3:00 – 3:45 PM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Create whimsical Mini Gardens in honor of National Garden Month with all materials provided.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

9-11 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A weekly postpartum support group offering valuable insights for new parents and their babies.

After School Adventures: May Baskets

3:45-4:30 p.m. — West Des Moines Public Library — Registration required — Craft your own paper May baskets to celebrate spring and May Day festivities.

I Spy: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

All day — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a fun picture scavenger hunt for kids.

City Voices Spring Recital

6:30-8 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Free entry — Experience a vibrant spring recital featuring talented students performing classical, contemporary, and musical theatre works.