Tuesday, May 20th, 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 Tuesday, the 20th of May.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Two Linn County residents lost over $14,000 each in Bitcoin ATM scams after sending funds to scammers, and the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that the ATM operator — Bitcoin Depot — keeps the seized cash because its machine required users to verify wallet ownership. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Des Moines police are investigating a shooting in a gas station parking lot on the south side, where officers responded at around 3 p.m. May 19 after multiple calls reported gunfire, found evidence at the scene, and saw both alleged shooters flee—police have not confirmed any injuries and do not believe there is an ongoing danger. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ More than 100 Iowa students have been educated out of state for mental health care when local services were not enough, and school districts have shouldered added costs that strain their tight budgets. A new bill will share these costs statewide (with districts spending tens of thousands) as local resources continue to fall short of growing needs. The Des Moines Register
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A report by the American Lung Association found that nearly half of Americans breathed unhealthy air between 2021 and 2023 as higher temperatures and wildfires worsened pollution. The report showed Des Moines ranked 110th for particle pollution & some metro areas faced worse conditions, so experts advise residents to monitor air quality & take precautions on days with high pollution. Iowa Public Radio
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Kim Reynolds appointed Sarah Martz as chair of the Iowa Utilities Commission, and she will lead the three-member panel as demand for electricity grows — Martz, who worked at Alliant Energy for over a decade and has two years on the commission, takes over the role. Former chair Eric Helland remains on the panel with his term scheduled to end April 30th. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks attended Pope Leo’s Inauguration Mass in Rome on May 19 with a bipartisan group of 14 House members & said the Mass was an incredible honor & a moment of faith for Catholics worldwide. Radio Iowa
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.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The torch will be lit in Ames to open the annual Special Olympics Iowa Summer Games this week—more than 2,500 athletes are set to compete in sports such as bocci, cycling, soccer, tennis, and track and field. The opening ceremonies at Hilton Coliseum will feature a parade of athletes, awards, and a confetti cannon show. Radio Iowa
-
New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
-
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.
-
Trivia Night at Exile Brewing
6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints during happy hour — Test your knowledge with Trophy Husband Trivia at this local favorite brewery.
-
Adam Kulmatycki Duo Live at Annie’s Irish Pub
8-11 p.m. — Annie's Irish Pub — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening of live music in a vibrant Irish pub atmosphere.
-
Yubu Band Live Performance
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm — Annie's Irish Pub — Free entry — Enjoy an afternoon of live music from the Yubu Band at this local favorite pub.
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
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
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