Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Des Moines.
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market opened on May 3 along Court Avenue with over 300 vendors offering Bosnian fare, breakfast tacos, Dutch letters and fresh produce. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ United Way of Central Iowa collected over 30,000 children’s books from 25 local organizations and community members during its annual Stuff the Bus drive and will deliver them to more than 100 child care and education programs across Polk, Dallas and Warren counties. The public can pick up books today from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1111 Ninth St. + there is no limit on the number of books available if you serve a program. The Des Moines Register
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Michael Charles Ertz, 71, from Altoona pleaded guilty on May 9 to seven sex crimes against three children from 2013 to 2019 in Polk and Dallas Counties and was sentenced to 50 years in prison as he must register as a sex offender and undergo lifelong supervision. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Des Moines police are searching for 10-year-old Nelson, who was last seen near Hanawalt Elementary School on May 14 at about 7:40 a.m., wearing a light blue/dark blue hooded sweatshirt with a bright red liner, khaki pants, black shoes, and a stocking hat — police say he is in crisis and urge anyone with information to call 911. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ ADM DeSoto Minburn High School student Nic Carmichael battled brittle bone disease after suffering more than 150 compression fractures from carrying his backpack in middle school—he used physical therapy and support from his church to keep active in the band and now plans to study computer science at Buena Vista University to become a video game developer or software engineer. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Insurance Commissioner Douglas Ommen said SHIP plans to unilaterally change long-term care policies for over 500 Iowans from May 31 to Oct. 28 even as a court order bars such actions+ he warned that further violations could lead to contempt charges and civil penalties. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Iowa lawmakers approved a plan that gives state employees four weeks of paid maternity leave, one week of paid paternity leave, and four weeks of leave for adoptive parents. Governor Kim Reynolds said the policy gives workers time to bond with their new child—Senator Dawn Driscoll said the measure will help recruit and keep young employees. Radio Iowa
- ➤ From May 19th until June 1st, Iowa law enforcement will patrol roads to check that drivers wear seat belts—penalties include a $135.50 fine for adults and up to $210.25 for child safety violations. Data from 2024 shows that 44% of traffic deaths involved unbuckled passengers, prompting the state campaign. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Reynolds’ proposal to create regional health care hubs passed the Iowa Senate and now goes to her desk for approval. The bill would use Medicaid dollars to add 115 residency slots at Iowa teaching hospitals + consolidate programs offering loan repayment or income bonuses to attract health care professionals who stay for at least five years. Iowa Public Radio
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Des Moines.
-
New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
-
2025 Girls Nike EYCL Tournament Of Champions
May 16-18 — EMC Expo Center — Admission required — Experience top-tier youth basketball competition featuring various teams.
-
Downtown Farmers' Market 2025
7 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Court District — Free entry — Explore local produce, artisan foods, and seasonal delights at this vibrant market in downtown Des Moines.
-
Soul Revival at Surety Hotel
4-7 p.m. — Surety Hotel — Free entry — Experience a soulful evening of gospel and R&B music under the stars with live performances and community vibes.
-
Quartz Classic Golf Event
10 AM – 4 PM — Glen Oaks Country Club Iowa — Cost varies — A day of golf supporting Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa in picturesque surroundings.
-
Birth Basics Class
11 PM – 1 AM — Visitor Parking Ramp — Registration required — Gain essential information on labor stages and delivery options in this informative class.
-
Legal Essentials for Entrepreneurs Workshop
11:30 a.m. — 204 12th St — Free entry — Learn to protect your business ideas and brand while avoiding legal pitfalls in a fun setting.
-
Trivia Night: 90s at Exile Brewing
6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Enjoy happy hour treats — Test your knowledge with Trophy Husband Trivia every Thursday.
-
Freedom in Freeform Poetry Event
4-5:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — An open mic space for local poets to showcase their original works and share their love for poetry.
-
2025 Downtown Farmers' Market
7 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Court District — Free entry — Explore a vibrant market featuring local produce, artisan foods, and more in downtown Des Moines.
-
Summer Music Series: Corbett Reeves
5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes during the Summer Music Series.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Des Moines.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The shoe that fits one person pinches another.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Des Moines
Welcome to the Daily Des Moines, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Des Moines, Iowa community. If you like the Daily Des Moines, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Des Moines.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Des Moines and across Iowa. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Des Moines
A free Des Moines community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailydesmoines.com/sitemap