Daily
Des Moines
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ankeny earned national recognition as one of the best places to live in America when U.S. News and World Report top-ranked it 4th in the nation for 2026 and 2027 and first in Iowa based on quality of life, schools, safety, job opportunities and overall value. KCCI
- ➤ Ankeny is ranked fourth on U.S. News’ Best Places to Live list today — up from eighteenth last year — while Des Moines fell off the roster with a score of 5.7. The rankings evaluated quality of life, value, desirability and job market factors nationwide. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Kyle Owens, a 34-year-old from Laurens, is suing Nintendo and Pokémon Company International in federal court after a background check led to his denial of Pokémon Professor status — he seeks $341,000 in damages and certification restoration to host official events. KCCI
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The bathrooms at Lauridsen Skatepark are closed indefinitely after severe vandalism on Monday, May 18 damaged stalls and toilets and caused over $10,000 in harm + portable toilets are now set up in the parking lot while officials investigate the incident. The Des Moines Register
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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.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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.
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