Good morning, West Des Moines.

Two middle school boys in Waukee started a kindness trend by decorating clothespins with messages like 'Be kind'—they skipped lunch and recess to make clips that help classmates feel included.

Their teacher, Jody Nielson, supported the project and hopes it will inspire other schools to spread positivity.

On Monday night, the Iowa Senate advanced HF 639 by a vote of 27 to 22, adding requirements for carbon dioxide pipeline companies to hold informational meetings 30 days before filing petitions and to carry insurance for pipeline damages—waiting landowners had hoped for a full ban on using eminent domain for hazardous liquid pipelines on agricultural land. The Iowa House passed a version that would ban the use of eminent domain for these pipelines, but that measure was not taken up in the Senate.

DOT director Kathleen Meradith-Eyers said Iowa driver license offices saw record visits after the May 7th Real ID deadline drove up traffic by nearly 49% over normal levels.

Offices have extended hours and shifted staff to handle longer appointment waits, from two to 14 days — officials expect service to return to normal by early June.

The Iowa legislature has sent a bill to the governor to override local bans so Iowans can set off consumer fireworks on July 3, July 4 and December 31.

Representative Bill Gustoff said the law will clear up confusing rules ahead of the upcoming 250th anniversary celebration while Representative Eric Gjerde warned it could lead to more fire-related emergencies — as the measure passed both the House and Senate.

Liz Nead – The Six Voices Luncheon

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Rollins Mansion — $50 — Experience interactive insights from Emmy-winning speaker Liz Nead on communication and self-understanding.

First Friday at Mainframe Art Studios

5-8 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Explore creative workspaces and support local artists at this themed open house event.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

6-9 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown — $67.95 + taxes & fees — Experience a hilarious interactive murder mystery dinner show while enjoying a fantastic meal.

Valley Junction Arts Festival

11 AM – 5 PM — Historic Valley Junction — Free entry — Celebrate creativity with over 50 artists showcasing their work, live entertainment, and local food vendors.

Abstract Citizen Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Ticketed event — Experience an evening of jazz with Abstract Citizen in Des Moines.

Founders Live Pitch Competition

6-9 p.m. — Confluence Brewing Company — Free entry — Experience a thrilling pitch competition showcasing local startups and their innovative ideas.

Legal Essentials for Entrepreneurs

11:30 a.m. — 204 12th St, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Learn how to protect your business ideas and avoid costly legal battles in this fun and informative workshop.

DMPL & Dragons: Monthly Dungeons & Dragons Gathering

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Unleash your imagination in a thrilling evening of Dungeons & Dragons adventures.

Iowa Barnstormers Military Night

7:05 PM — Wells Fargo Arena — Tickets available — Cheer on the Barnstormers in their annual Military Night showdown against the Tulsa Oilers.

Spa n’ B with Eden

6-9 p.m. — Surety Hotel — Mini spa treatments and refreshments available — Enjoy an evening of R&B and self-care with skincare consultations and a laid-back vibe.