Good morning, Des Moines.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.