Daily
Des Moines
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Johnston Public Library will offer free meals for kids 18 and under from June 3 to August 7 (pick-up sites include Johnston High School cafeteria, St. James Lutheran Church, and Sterling Pointe). KCCI
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Ankeny teen Marek Dessimoz, a Dowling Catholic junior, jumped a six-foot fence to help evacuate a woman from her burning home on Ridgedale Ct in Johnston on May 10 when firefighters battled a quickly spreading blaze; his quick action kept her safe plus authorities are investigating the cause. The Des Moines Register
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The interactive show 'Choir! Choir! Choir!' turns 300 audience members into performers today at Temple Theater with two shows at 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. Co-host Daveed Goldman said participants will sing Queen's hits and join an unscripted performance (no prior choir experience is needed). Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa Board of Education rejected a family's petition to revisit a North Polk middle school student's yearlong suspension after the student posted AI-generated videos on TikTok last August and the board unanimously voted not to rehear the case. KCCI
- ➤ Fifth-graders at Phillips Elementary have built lasting bonds with Valley View Village residents in a reading program that began as a way to practice literacy. As the school year ends, Nora Brown and Nancy Hanson prepare for their final visit (hoping their friendship endures). KCCI
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Summit Carbon Solutions announced Wednesday that it will scale back its Iowa carbon capture pipeline route by removing eight counties and reducing the project by 200 miles, leaving over 400 landowners unaffected; the company will file updated maps with the Iowa Utilities Commission soon to streamline construction. KCCI
- ➤ Eighty-three environmental groups urged health and environmental agencies to tackle dangerously high nitrate levels in Iowa drinking water, linking them to rising cancer rates and a Gulf dead zone (chemical makers say spikes are seasonal). Iowa Starting Line
- ➤ Severe weather is expected this weekend as rising heat and humidity trigger patchy showers Friday night — stronger storms Saturday evening may bring small hail and gusty winds into early next week. KCCI
- ➤ The latest Iowa Drought Monitor map released May 14 shows worsening dry conditions in parts of western Iowa — affecting areas from Hancock to Lyon, Sioux, and Plymouth counties — though storms forecast to bring relief later this weekend. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Madison County supervisors voted unanimously on Wednesday, May 13 to reject a gun range proposal near Rusty Stars Alpacas farm and a local daycare—residents said the location would disrupt the area’s peace and agricultural charm. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Congressman Randy Feenstra from Hull said the Senate is expected to pass the E15 bill soon after its bipartisan House vote yesterday. The bill would remove the EPA rule blocking summer sales of fuel with a 15% ethanol blend (with a 120-95 split), and it has backing from energy groups. Radio Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ ChildServe opened its new facility at 1750 48th Street near Franklin Avenue in Des Moines on May 14; the nonprofit said the center brings together medical childcare, outpatient therapy and mental health services to serve hundreds more families. KCCI
- ➤ Polk County health officials launched the 'Know Your Water, Know Your Health' campaign to provide clear science based guidance on water safety, including tips on nitrates, safe water activities and filtration since high nitrate levels from last summer’s watering ban raised local concerns. KCCI
- ➤ During American Stroke Month, MercyOne Des Moines is sharing stroke prevention strategies, warning signs such as slurred speech, and advanced treatment options at its downtown hospital. Medical experts urge residents to know their numbers and call 911 immediately if symptoms occur — quick response can lead to better outcomes. KCCI
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New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
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Clue: High School Edition
7-9 p.m. — Stoner Theater — Check the details for ticket prices — A madcap comedy where iconic characters race to solve a murder mystery at a dinner party.
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Clue: High School Edition
7-9 p.m. — Stoner Theater — Admission fee required — A comedic whodunit unfolds as guests race to find a murderer in Boddy Manor.
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Summer Concert Series Performance
11 AM – 12 PM — Heritage Carousel of Des Moines — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful summer concert in a charming carousel setting.
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Spring Music Series: Forrest McCurren
5-7 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy great live music while sipping on discounted beers during the Spring Music Series.
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Alpha Wolf Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Ticketed event — Experience the electrifying performance of Alpha Wolf at Wooly's in Des Moines, IA.
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Meet Me @ The Altar Concert
7-9 p.m. — Wooly's — Concert tickets available — Enjoy an evening with Meet Me @ The Altar in Des Moines, IA.
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Cultivating Careers Program
9:30-11:30 a.m. — Project IOWA — Free participation — Empowering community members through holistic workforce training and one-on-one coaching.
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World Pork Expo
June 2-3 — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Admission varies — Explore the pork industry's latest innovations and meet thousands of fellow enthusiasts.
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Blue Light Jazz with NOLA Jazz
5-7 p.m. — Surety Hotel Lobby Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy Stiff Drinks, Smooth Grooves, and Chill Vibes with live Jazz music.
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Sherman Hill Neighborhood Meeting
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Mickle Center Business & Neighborhood Resources — Free entry — Help shape the future of Sherman Hill and connect with neighbors over updates and guest speakers.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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.
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