Good morning, West Des Moines.

The Iowa State Fair revealed its top three new fair foods for 2025—bacon chicken ranch eggroll, three little pigs, and the scotcheroo shake—after local celebrities sampled 11 new options Tuesday.

Fairgoers will vote for their favorite dish during Fair Sweet Fair scheduled for August 7-17.

West Des Moines Water Works is expanding its water storage with a new aquifer and recovery well that will store 300 million gallons and recover about 3 million gallons a day to ease summer demand — control building construction will finish by the end of the year, and the $12.3 million project was funded by Microsoft.

On July 15, 2025, the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying Iowa native astronaut Peggy Whitson and her three crewmates on Axiom-4 splashed down about 4:30 a.m. Central in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego—completing an 18-day research mission on the International Space Station.

Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack said his 2006 veto on an eminent domain bill is similar to Governor Kim Reynolds’ recent veto of a bill affecting a carbon pipeline — both choices were made to avoid unintended consequences.

He stressed that protecting property rights while boosting Iowa's rural economy and ethanol industry remains a key priority.

Jeffrey Roberts, an Ames High football and track star, will finish high school at Dowling Catholic in West Des Moines and has committed to playing for Iowa State.

He is eligible immediately after moving for his mom’s new job and recorded impressive junior season stats—38 catches, 989 yards, and 12 touchdowns.

Glowforge Plus Training

3-4 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Library card required — Master the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver and become fully qualified to use it independently.

NBDA Doula Birth Doula Training

8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Registration required — Top-rated training for Black and BIPOC doulas addressing maternal health issues.

Monthly Critique Group Workshop

10 AM — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — Engage in deep discussions while sharing your poetry for constructive feedback.

5K Beer Run at Confluence Brewing

11 a.m. — Confluence Brewing Company — $35 — Enjoy a 5K fun run and celebrate with a craft beer from the local brewery while supporting the Food Bank of Iowa.

School of Adventure: Learn to Play D&D

3-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Explore the magical world of Dungeons and Dragons with guidance in a fun and engaging one-shot campaign.

Farm to Table Vegan Dinner

6 p.m. — The Wallace Centers of Iowa — $75/ticket — Enjoy a vibrant three-course vegan dinner featuring fresh produce from local farms.

Burger & Beer Deal at Exile Brewing

11 AM - 9 PM — Exile Brewing Company — $12 — Enjoy a single patty Exile smash burger with fries and a cold pint of beer.

Wild on Wheels Summer Block Party

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Science Center of Iowa — Free entry — Enjoy live music, games, and food trucks at this fun kickoff event.

Masao Culinary Experience

6-8 p.m. — Miyabi 9 — Check for dining prices — Explore a unique fusion of Japanese and French flavors with a standout menu by talented chefs.

Heads In Motion - Talking Heads Tribute

8-9:30 p.m. — xBk Live — $20 + Fees — Experience the high-energy tribute to the iconic Talking Heads with an 8-piece band dedicated to capturing their unforgettable sound.