Good morning, West Des Moines.

The Des Moines Community Orchestra celebrates 50 years of free live music and will perform a tribute to Mozart & motherhood on Sunday, May 10 at 2 p.m. inside Staplin Auditorium at Valley High School, showcasing local talent.

Journalist Harry Smith will narrate two musical pieces at Yankee Doodle Pops on July 3 at the statehouse lawn in Des Moines.

The event, marking the start of Independence Day festivities, also features spoken word artist Billy Weathers with KCCI's Stacey Horst as emcee.

Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines went into secure hold Monday morning after officials reported a potential threat; local police later deemed the threat non-credible and classes continued with enhanced security measures.

Next month the Iowa Board of Regents will consider a policy change to expand admission tests to standardized tests (the Classic Learning Test) that assess reading, grammar, and math for grades 3-12; the final reading will take place in June.

Central Iowa water utilities urged residents to save water after a Monday news conference; officials warned that if a hot, dry spell comes, a six-week irrigation ban may return to address high nitrate levels in local rivers.

Leaders drew water from Maffitt Reservoir to keep drinking water within EPA limits.

Central Iowa Water Works received a $25 million investment as part of a nearly $320 million water quality plan announced Friday by state officials.

The funding will double its nitrate removal capacity within three years to benefit about 600,000 people.

Riders can choose a new challenge during RAGBRAI as the America 250 double loop pushes them to ride 250 km — nearly 160 miles — in one day.

This add-on, part of Day 5 from Marshalltown to Independence, celebrates America's 250th birthday while an optional Karras Century Loop offers a shorter 104-mile route.

LeadingAge Iowa Spring Conference & Solutions Expo

May 6-7 — Iowa Events Center — Attendance: 250 — Network with industry leaders and explore innovative solutions in aging services.

Iowa Horse Fair

3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Check website for costs — Experience equestrian events, competitions, and vendor shopping all weekend.

Race for Hope DSM

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Des Moines Water Works Park — Fundraising entry — Join the community in honoring a local hero battling brain cancer through this inspiring race event.

Mother's Day Brunch Celebration

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Special brunch offerings — Celebrate Mom with a delightful brunch and a complimentary Mom-mosa.

Des Moines Big Band Evening

7-10 p.m. — Noce — Cost not listed — Enjoy an evening of big band music in a vibrant venue.

Des Moines Dinner Club: Giving Back Edition

7-10 p.m. — Fresko — Individual meal cost — Enjoy cozy dinners while making new friends and supporting local businesses.

2026 Power Breakfast #2: Community Health Discussion

9-11 a.m. — Krause Gateway Center — Free entry — Engage in insightful discussions on health challenges and solutions for Central Iowa's community vitality.

Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

1:30 p.m. — Scottish Rite Consistory — $42.27 — Experience Vivaldi’s masterpieces illuminated by candlelight in an enchanting setting.

Ballet Des Moines - Cinderella

7-10 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Tickets start at $35 — Experience the enchanting world premiere of Cinderella set to Prokofiev's iconic score.

Dog Days of Summer at Principal Park

5:30-9 p.m. — Principal Park — $16 — Enjoy a night at the ballpark with your pup featuring a dog parade and dog-friendly activities.