Good morning, Des Moines.

Downtown Des Moines' Salvation Army at 221 E.

Court Ave. closed at the start of May for renovations that will turn the two-level thrift store into a basement-only outlet shop selling items by the pound. The upgrades aim to improve wiring and layout with a planned reopening by summer — supporting the local Adult Rehabilitation Center.

Six first-time business owners in Des Moines received impact loans from the new Small Business Impact Loan Program, which provided between $5,000 and $20,000 per business—totaling $100,000 with repayment periods of three to five years.

Businesses such as HOTORI and Rook Room will use the funds to start or expand their operations.

Three 19-year-olds from Adel were charged with starting a fire that severely damaged a Raccoon River Valley Trail bridge on May 16 — the Dallas County Sheriff said the teens bypassed a locked chain-link fence, tried to put out the fire without calling help, and now face charges including second-degree criminal mischief and trespassing for one teen and first-degree criminal mischief, trespassing, and reckless use of fire for the others, with replacement costs estimated at $896,000.

Grinnell-Newburg third-grade teacher Holly Hunter was honored with the 2024-25 Milken Educator Award by Gov. Kim Reynolds on May 13 at the state Capitol.

Hunter, who teaches at Davis Elementary, received $25,000 and a trip to the Milken Educator Awards Forum—one of 48 Iowa educators recognized for excellence—adding to her long-term commitment to improved reading instruction.

Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen announced Friday morning that she will retire in January next year, with her contract originally set to expire in June; her leadership + steady guidance through challenges like a derecho and a pandemic earned praise from the Iowa Board of Regents. Her announcement marks the end of a 46-year journey at Iowa State that began as a faculty member before she became the first woman to serve as its president.

Iowa 911 systems groups urged Governor Reynolds to veto a fee included in a recent bill because it would require local public safety answering points to pay funds instead of using them for essential upgrades — Rep. Eric Gjerde, a Cedar Rapids policeman who opposed the measure, said the fee could divert money needed for projects like improving radio towers and dispatch systems.

Veterinarian Bradley Gordon of Altoona faces charges from the Iowa Board of Pharmacy (for not securing controlled substances properly and not keeping complete records) and a disciplinary hearing is set for June 25.

A federal appeals court blocked the use of an 1871 civil rights law to enforce voting rights under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in Iowa and six other mostly Midwestern states.

The 2-1 decision—issued by the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on May 14—could limit private lawsuits challenging voting maps while leaving government cases as the only option.

Photos taken on May 14 showed the Iowa Army National Guard’s new Readiness Center in West Des Moines and it featured classrooms, offices, and multipurpose rooms — detailed images captured the facility from the entryway to parking areas.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

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.

I Spy: Bikes

All day — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Celebrate National Bike Month with a fun picture scavenger hunt in the Youth area to win a prize.

Damon Dotson at Gray's Station Summer Music Series

6-8 p.m. — The Paseo at Gray's Station — Free entry — Enjoy live music, delicious food trucks, and summer vibes in downtown Des Moines.