Good morning, West Des Moines.

Iowa’s unemployment fell to 3.3% in March while labor participation dropped slightly; the state's job site still listed 54,000 openings — a sign that local employers are focusing on skilled healthcare workers.

Des Moines Water Works reported that the nitrate removal facility ran for 113 days as of May 6 because high nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers pressured local testing — a situation that once led to a 40-day lawn-watering ban for 600,000 customers.

Bill Blubaugh said testing is completed Monday through Friday.

DART is overhauling bus service starting June 14 by reducing routes from 27 to 10 and hosting 12 open houses through early June — the changes include longer, faster trips and adjustments to school transportation that require new drivers and buses.

Amanda Wanke, CEO of DART, said her daughter’s anxiety and depression prompted the school to alert the family, and after long waits Norah received treatment and outdoor therapy at Orchard Place where she spent seven months getting the support she needed.

Oakridge Neighborhood is moving forward with its Cynergy project to build 33 new family-sized apartments near Oakridge Drive and Keosauqua Way, but a funding gap remains as only $425,000 of the $16 million needed has been secured.

Construction will begin in coming years if additional financing is obtained.

Iowa Cubs will host a sensory friendly game on Sunday, June 7 at Principal Park with first pitch at 1:08 p.m. against the Toledo Mud Hens.

Principal Park now features a permanent sensory room (with sensory-friendly tools, soft lighting and seating) to provide fans a quieter space.

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.

Tech Yeah! 2026 Q2 Networking & Happy Hour

4-6 p.m. — P3+Uplift (Professional Project Partners, Inc.) — Non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks available — Grab a beverage, meet new people, and enjoy casual conversation.