Good morning, West Des Moines.

Joey Bertroche was awarded a new bike by the Johnston Police Department for safely riding on local trails—he redeemed his Busted in a Good Way ticket for a free ice cream cone and entry into a bike drawing among about 130 kids this summer.

In Urbandale, Kent Proudfit waves at the busy intersection of Meredith Drive and 142nd Street every Tuesday through Friday between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m.—he spreads joy by greeting commuters and will leave in October to visit his great-grandchildren before returning later that month.

Iowa Lottery CEO Matt Strawn said sales for the new fiscal year are off to a strong start with over $75 million recorded in the first two months due to a big Powerball jackpot that pushed sales over 103% higher than last year—Instaplay sales grew 69.7% while scratch ticket sales dropped by more than 2% and are under close review.

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts submitted his resignation Tuesday after his attorney released a March 27 letter from Texas stating his immigration case was resolved—this contradicts his removal order from May 2024 that called for his deportation.

Congressman Zach Nunn said questions remain on how Roberts avoided deportation and that his legal team must explain his actions.

The Justice Department said on Tuesday it is investigating DMPS for alleged race-based hiring practices that might violate Title VII and the district's Affirmative Action Plan.

The inquiry follows former Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts being detained by ICE for lacking work authorization—officials have not linked his case to the investigation.

State Climatologist Justin Glisan said on Iowa PBS that if a federal government shutdown occurs, he and other state climatologists will cover parts of National Weather Service functions, ensuring forecasts continue while delays affect long-term projects + discussions on potential budget cuts raised concerns about NWS morale.

Iowa Department of Revenue director Mary Mosiman said the agency’s computer system modernization project will complete setup work over the next few months with a full rollout scheduled for January 6th.

The project—started in 2020—will merge 22 aging tax systems into one integrated platform that offers GovConnectIowa and new tools for alcohol and lottery licensing.

Agile + DevOpsDays Des Moines 2025

8 AM – 4 PM — Community Choice Convention Center — Pricing not specified — Explore innovative ideas and collaborate with industry professionals at this tech-focused conference.

Annual Fall Tailgate at Serve Credit Union

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — The Shop DSM - Event Center — Free lunch — Enjoy a delicious meal and meet local vendors at the credit union's annual gathering.

Dog Day Guided Tour at Pappajohn Sculpture Park

11 a.m. — Pappajohn Sculpture Park — Free entry — Celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week with a guided tour exploring art and sculptures in the company of your furry friend.

Surety Hotel Autumnal Artisan Market

1-5 p.m. — Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection — Mini portrait sessions available for $50 — Explore a curated artisan market featuring 15 local makers and enjoy live music with specialty cocktails.

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with hands-on art activities suitable for all ages and skill levels.

80's Name That Tune Trivia

7-9 p.m. — Bix & Co. — Free to play — Test your knowledge of the best and worst music from the 80's in a fun trivia night.

Headshot Happy Hour

5-7 p.m. — Centro — Free entry — Connect with peers and capture a fresh headshot while supporting local women in crisis.

Michael Blaustein Stand-Up Comedy Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Tickets start at $34 — Experience the quickest rising star in stand-up with viral comedy clips and a top podcast.

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works

10-11 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Engage in a workshop reading and discussing short literary works with fellow writers.

Iowa Home Expo

10 AM – 5 PM — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Free admission — Explore home improvement projects and connect with local and national vendors.