Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 19th of July.
Good morning, West Des Moines.
The 52nd RAGBRAI will start in two days from Orange City and take riders 406 miles across Iowa, with Central Iowa Charters set to transport over 300 cyclists.
Participants should pack rain gear as light showers may cool the ride, and preparations are underway—tents and tarps will keep riders' gear from getting soggy.
Central Iowa Water Works voted Friday to partially lift its mandatory lawn-watering ban for residential customers effective Monday—homeowners will be allowed to water every other day until Tuesday while enforcement remains over the weekend and Monday.
Water officials said the change follows high nitrate levels and increased water demand and they will monitor impacts before permitting commercial watering.
Polk County will start its Extreme Temperature Plan on Tuesday, July 22 at noon — libraries and community centers will serve as cooling sites while DART offers free rides to these locations.
Polk County Health Department says its temperature-controlled harm reduction vending machine that dispenses free health supplies including naloxone works effectively despite summer heat—naloxone boxes in other communities remain safe even without temperature control.
Steps of Hope Iowa founder Ann Breeding explained any naloxone is better than none—her group will host Iowa Overdose Awareness Day Memorial on Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the West Terrace of the State Capitol in Des Moines.
Des Moines United Futbol Academy teams earned top finishes at the 2025 Presidents Cup National Championships in Tampa as the U14 girls won the national title with a 3 to 1 overtime victory and the U15 boys finished as runners-up.
The academy raised $110,000 in three weeks to send over 50 players and celebrated its record-breaking trip—using strong community support to fuel plans for next season.
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.
Summer Needle Felting Workshop
2-4:30 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Supplies included — Unleash your creativity with vibrant wool to craft a summer prairie landscape in this beginner-friendly needle-felting workshop.
3D Printer Training Class
5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Learn to master both filament and resin 3D printing techniques with hands-on guidance.
K-pop Monthly Meet-up
5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Gather with fellow fans to trade photocards and enjoy K-pop activities and snacks.
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