🛣️ Iowa's $4.2 billion highway plan: what's in it for Des Moines

The Iowa Transportation Commission signed off on the 2027–31 state highway construction plan earlier this month, covering over $4.2 billion in projects statewide. Locally, U.S. 69 from the Des Moines River north to Maury Ave. is finally penciled in for 2027 work — a project that's been kicking around since 2019. Bigger ticket items include a $25M Des Moines River bridge replacement on SE 14th St. in 2029, and a $52M MLK/railroad viaduct replacement in 2030.

Why it matters: If you've navigated that stretch near the State Fair shuttle routes, you already know why this long-delayed project matters — and now there's finally a real timeline.

🚗 Rural Iowa speed limit goes up to 60 mph on July 1

Starting tomorrow, the speed limit on rural Iowa two-lane roads increases from 55 to 60 mph, a change already signed into law. The Iowa DOT estimates nearly 1,800 signs will need updated overlays or full replacements statewide — a detail that's been noted (with a wry Sammy Hagar reference) in state transportation reports. Drivers heading out to rural Central Iowa should be aware the change is now in effect.

Why it matters: If you drive regularly between Des Moines and smaller communities, this is a real quality-of-life change — just keep an eye out for signs that may still be catching up.

🌽 Downtown Farmers' Market season is in full swing

The Downtown Farmers' Market, now in its 50th year, runs every Saturday through October 31 and connects shoppers with over 300 local entrepreneurs from 55 Iowa counties. With produce, baked goods, meats, arts, and artisan crafts all under one roof — well, one stretch of downtown — it remains the weekly heartbeat of Des Moines Saturdays.

Why it matters: It's the 50th season — a milestone worth celebrating every week between now and October. Show up and spend local.

🚒 Blank Park Zoo invites public to predict giraffe calf birthdays

Two expectant giraffes at Blank Park Zoo, Skye and Zola, are due to welcome calves later this summer — and the zoo is giving the public a chance to guess when they'll arrive. Participants can submit their predictions for each calf’s birth date through July 1, with the closest guess earning a family membership. Anyone who correctly matches both birth dates and the right mother will win a lifetime zoo pass.

Why it matters: It gives local families a fun way to connect with one of the zoo’s most anticipated summer events. 🦒👶

🍽️ Mom's Meals donates 240 meals to support homeless youth in Des Moines

Iowa-based Mom's Meals has donated 240 individually packaged, shelf-stable meals to the Iowa Homeless Youth Center in Des Moines, helping meet growing demand during the busy summer months. The center provides daily meals and support services for young people experiencing homelessness, serving nearly 10,000 meals each year — a number expected to rise to around 12,000 in 2026.

Why it matters: Food insecurity remains a challenge for many young people in Des Moines, and donations like this help ensure vulnerable youth have access to nutritious meals while they focus on building a more stable future. ❤️🍽️

💙 Bottom line: Between the Arts Festival finale, a landmark highway plan, and summer in full bloom across every neighborhood, Des Moines is in one of those weeks you'll want to actually leave your house for — so do it.

📚 Set a summer reading goal this week. The library's summer reading program is still running — pick a book at your level and commit to 20 minutes a day. Reading over summer prevents the "summer slide" in comprehension skills.

✏️Practice cursive or handwriting with journaling. Have your kids write one paragraph a day about their summer adventures. It sharpens writing and creates a memory book for fall.

🔢 Make math part of the farmers' market. Let kids calculate change, compare prices per pound, and budget a small amount for a treat. Real-world math sticks longer than worksheets.

🎨 Visit the Arts Festival with a purpose. Ask kids to pick one artwork that speaks to them and write or talk about why. Art appreciation builds vocabulary and critical thinking.

🌙Protect the sleep schedule. Even in summer, consistent bedtimes (within 30–45 min of school time) make the August back-to-school transition dramatically easier. Start winding back now.

Need more than homework help? Camp Homework is here to support confidence, focus, and stronger learning habits every step of the way.

Beats & Eats — Ankeny Market & Pavilion

📍 Ankeny Market & Pavilion, 715 W 1st St, Ankeny
📅 Thursday July 2, 5–7:30pm💵 Free

If you're looking for a mid-week reset before the Fourth of July holiday, this is your spot. Beats & Eats packs 30+ food vendors, live music, yard games, and a genuine small-town-summer-festival feel into one evening every Thursday at AMP. It's been running since early June and the vibe only gets better as summer deepens. This Thursday edition falls right before the holiday weekend, so expect a festive, pre-celebration crowd. The line for the more popular food trucks tends to form around 5:30pm — arriving right at 5 lets you get your pick before the rush. Free to attend, free parking, easy to get in and out.

🌽 FARMERS MARKETS AROUND THE METRO

🌟 SMALL & LOCAL FAVORITES

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Thanks for starting the week with us, Des Moines. See you Thursday! 🌱

— Alex | Des Moines Digest 📘
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