Good morning, West Des Moines.

Des Moines-based nonprofit Can Play received a $10,000 donation on Monday from Bud and Mary's to fund adaptive equipment and new programs for children with special needs and low-income families—it plans to use the gift after ending its partnership with the dispensary.

Emili Johnson, a Des Moines native, launched the second season of her podcast Black.

Girl. Iowa to share her experience growing up in Iowa and give Black women a space to share their stories — her episodes have featured interviews from Cedar Rapids and Clive and will soon reach Sioux City.

Iowans should watch for the spotted lanternfly—confirmed this summer near Chicago—since it can damage plants by feeding on them and leading to mold; Boone entomologist Ginny Mitchell said homeowners, gardeners, farmers, and grape growers should capture any bugs they find and call the DNR.

A potent line of thunderstorms swept across Iowa Monday night into Tuesday morning, with wind gusts near 100 mph that caused widespread tree damage and power outages in areas such as Sioux Center — Orange City and Spencer also reported strong winds.

The Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma will review the data from the storms to decide if they will be classified as a derecho.

Polk County will soon launch a reentry kiosk outside the county jail to help former inmates find housing, jobs and Medicaid services after their release.

Nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul will use $257,000 from a county opioid settlement to set up the service, which is scheduled to begin operating on Sept. 3.

On July 8th, Homeland Security announced that travelers no longer need to remove their shoes at Des Moines International Airport because improved screening technology has rendered the rule unnecessary—local passengers shared relief over the change.

The agency is reviewing other security measures to help streamline the process while keeping safety a top priority.

On Tuesday, the Iowa Department of Transportation reported that roads had dried out after recent storm damage and most drivers encountered smooth traffic—with only one debris blockage on I—35 near 36th Street in Ankeny that did not slow down the commute.

Highway helpers responded promptly to the scene.

Weekly Trivia Night at Exile Brewing

6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints during happy hour — Test your knowledge with Trophy Husband Trivia every Thursday.

I Spy: Mario

12 AM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Hunt for Mario characters in the Youth area and claim a prize at the Youth desk.

Peaches and Pedro Pascal Movie Crafternoon

2-4 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy peaches and craft while watching 'The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent' starring Pedro Pascal.

Summer Music Series: Casey Peasley

5:00–7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes in a vibrant brewery setting.

Bites & State Fair Traditions

5 p.m. — The Wallace Centers of Iowa — $35-40 per person — Experience Iowa State Fair nostalgia with classic flavors and trivia.

Iowa Cubs Summer Blood Drive

7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Principal Park — Free t-shirt and game ticket — Donate blood and help save lives while enjoying the excitement of baseball.

2025 Downtown Farmers' Market

7 AM – 12 PM — Historic Court District — Free entry — Explore local produce, flowers, and artisan foods from Iowa's finest vendors.

Studio Sunday at Terre Vici

12-8 p.m. — Elevator, a Co-Warehousing Community — Free entry — Create your own eye-catching jewelry in a vibrant studio atmosphere.

Charm Tuesday — Terre Vici

12 PM — Elevator, a Co-Warehousing Community — Eco-friendly event — Create stunning chakra jewelry to enhance your wellness and style.

VolunTEENS Work Time

4-5 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage in a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity at your local library.