Good morning, West Des Moines.

The Iowa State Fair has chosen 11 outstanding Iowans to be honored as Iowans of the Day from Aug.

13 to Aug. 22 at the Anne & Bill Riley Stage. Winners will receive perks such as fair admission, concert tickets & VIP parking to celebrate their community contributions.

The 2026 Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines raised a record $10.8 million to support Iowa children’s charities — donations that have topped $83 million since 2007.

Drake Bulldog Zach Johnson won on his debut and the event will return next year at Wakonda Club.

FanDuel was fined $95,000 by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for offering unauthorized bets on soccer referee cards at its July meeting — a move that underscores strict limits on prop bets as sports wagering revenue in Iowa grows.

Drake University named Jerry Anderson interim dean of its law school yesterday as the school begins a national search for a permanent replacement.

Anderson (2016 to 2024) will serve in the role for one year.

State Auditor Rob Sand reported that Iowa nursing home inspections now meet federal rules, with average inspections improving to 12 months + overdue checks falling from 85.4% in 2024 to 2.8% at 389 facilities.

He credited increased staffing and oversight investments for the turnaround.

A nationwide blood shortage nearly delayed a transfusion for 4-year-old Liv Freund (who is fighting leukemia at Blank Children's Hospital in Waukee); her chemotherapy was saved last week by a near-expired unit of blood, highlighting the need for more donations this summer.

The Iowa Cancer Registry showed that pediatric cancer rates remain similar to the national average with 497 cases among children and 245 among teens; lawmakers approved a $3 million annual fund funded by a 5-cent tax on vaping products, which Governor Reynolds signed in May.

A wave of 10 new restaurants has diversified the metro dining scene with scratch made pizzas, Korean fried chicken and rooftop dining at Saylorville Lake.

Among the fresh openings is West Des Moines’ Bonchon, which now serves its signature double fried wings to the community.

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.