Good morning, West Des Moines.

The Blank Park Zoo added Zara, a 3-year-old Hartmann’s mountain zebra, to its herd through a conservation breeding program after her arrival from New York.

The zoo will celebrate her fourth birthday on Thursday, July 30 and visitors can identify her by her smaller size and subtle brown tones in her stripes.

Union members from United Steelworkers Local 310 rallied outside the Bridgestone plant in northeast Des Moines Tuesday, demanding a fair contract with renewed cost-of-living increases.

More than 500 workers may be affected if the union does not secure the changes.

The Department of Natural Resources has begun a two-year project to monitor oxygen and temperature levels in central Iowa reservoirs using data from buoys as part of the Oxythermal Dynamics Project that runs until 2027.

Central Iowa Water Works shut down its nitrate removal facility today after 193 days of continuous operation due to low nitrate levels and lifted all voluntary water restrictions.

The utility will expand the system for more than $25 million and urges residents to conserve water to help maintain full production.

Feeding America's 2024 report finds 1 in 8 Iowans, including 129,000 children, face food insecurity — nearly 12% of Polk County residents.

The report estimates a meal gap over 76 million as the Food Bank of Iowa distributes 23 million meals annually across 55 counties.

Mandy McMahon donated her 11th gallon of blood Tuesday morning at the Red Cross office in Johnston amid an emergency shortage — her milestone donation underscores the urgent need for blood to support local patients.

Polk County health officials say extreme heat has led to more cases of heat illness in central Iowa, and they have extended the extreme temperature plan through Wednesday.

They urge residents to hydrate early to avoid symptoms like dizziness (a sign to watch for) as temperatures climb into the upper 90s.

The AAU Junior Olympic Games kicked off Tuesday in the Des Moines metro and will run through Aug.

8. Thousands of athletes, coaches, and families are expected to spend $45 million in the area (volunteers are still needed to help out).

Decoy Live at Paws & Pints

6 p.m. — Paws & Pints — Free entry — Enjoy a live music finale featuring Decoy on the patio as you sip cold drinks and mingle with pups.

Iowa Cubs vs Scranton Wilkes Barre RailRiders

6:08-10 p.m. — Principal Park — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Iowa Cubs play against the RailRiders in a thrilling minor league baseball game.

Summer Sip N' Thrift

10 AM – 4 PM — Captain Roy's — Free entry — Enjoy shopping from local vendors while sipping on refreshing drinks and savoring delicious food.

The Cybertronic Spree Concert

7-10 p.m. — Wooly's — Ticket prices vary — Experience a spectacular party on the P.R.O.M. tour with Cybertronic Spree.

Annabelle Dinda Live

7-11:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets from $69 — Annabelle Dinda is set to deliver an unforgettable night of live entertainment in Des Moines.

Cornelio Vega and His Dynasty Live

8-11 p.m. — Val Air Ballroom — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Cornelio Vega y Su Dinastia and more in an unforgettable live music event.

Big Thief Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Val Air Ballroom — Ticket prices range from $79 to $224 — Experience an intimate evening with eclectic sounds from Big Thief.