Good morning, West Des Moines.

A Des Moines man—Walter Bickham, 59—was convicted of second-degree murder after a Polk County jury deliberated for about two hours, finding him responsible for fatally stabbing his girlfriend, Suzette Gums, in September 2024.

Iowa DNR issued an air quality alert for all 99 counties today as wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts over the state.

The alert advises residents—especially those with respiratory or heart conditions, children, teenagers, and the elderly—to avoid extended outdoor activities until air quality improves, with conditions expected to clear by Friday night.

At Tuesday's Polk County Board of Supervisors meeting, Danita Anderson tearfully recounted how PATH saved her life after her father's death and LaVonda Rhoads recalled its life-changing impact during a 2017 visit to Broadlawns emergency room.

The board said it cannot use tax dollars to support PATH as Iowa shifts mental health services to Iowa Primary Care—leaving local supporters worried about the program's future.

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.

Kindermusik Class

5:30-6:15 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $ — Explore music-making through instruments, movement, singing, and play for children ages 3-6.

Inside Out 2 Screening

6:30 PM — Evelyn K Davis Park — Free entry — Experience Riley's teenage transition and the introduction of new emotions in this entertaining sequel.