Daily
Des Moines
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of May.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Scott Anderson, a former partner in Des Moines restaurants, was convicted in Kansas for defrauding lenders and government programs dating back to 2018 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison on May 15—he must also pay nearly $3.8 million in restitution. The Des Moines Register
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials said that three segments of Des Moines trails were closed by flash flooding after heavy rain on May 19; the closures affect the Bill Riley Trail (from the Walnut Creek Connector to Water Works Park), the Walnut Creek Trail (under the Grand Avenue Bridge near 63rd Street), and the Gay Lea Wilson Trail (from Sargent Park to Williams Street due to flooding on Fourmile Creek) and updates will be provided when water levels subside. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Des Moines City Council unanimously approved raising parking fines to $20 from $15 to help cover a $17 million shortfall in the upcoming fiscal year's budget; the city collected about $1 million from violations in fiscal year 2025. The decision was fast—tracked as part of the $986 million budget approved in April. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 167 on May 19 that raises per-student K-12 funding from $7,826 to $7,988 for the 2025–26 school year—an increase of 2% that adds funds for charter schools, transportation equity, and operational sharing. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Local law enforcement associations and 911 operators are urging Gov. Kim Reynolds to veto Senate File 659's language that would allow the state to charge local 911 boards for reasonable costs with a 30-day reimbursement requirement — officials warn this change risks vital 911 service funding amid tight budgets. The governor is reviewing the bill after it passed in the final hours on May 14. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Des Moines launched its inaugural Engage DSM resident academy—a six-week program that gave residents a behind-the-scenes look at city government through tours, meetings, and mock budgeting—and the program ended with a graduation ceremony on May 14 at City Hall. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ City officials say Des Moines will add 180 miles of sidewalks near schools, bus stops and major corridors to improve safety and accessibility, although the Move DSM plan estimates it will take at least 35 years and nearly $60 million to fill 667 miles of gaps in the city’s network — the project faces challenges with terrain, funding and property concerns. Residents and community leaders expect the effort to boost walkability and neighborhood connectivity over time. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ On May 19, Des Moines City Council unanimously approved code changes that allow churches to voluntarily use their property to host homeless campsites—these rules also let places of worship serve as emergency shelters during dangerous temperatures. The changes follow a controversial camping ban that fined public spaces, and any church participation will require a city approval process. The Des Moines Register
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Trinity and Aramis Quinones signed up for an Iowa Finance Authority home improvement grant to fix their rundown home in Royal but ended up with unsafe work and mounting debt—unsafe electrical work led to their daughter getting hurt and the contractor now faces legal threats. The homeowners said state officials did not help resolve the issues and they are seeking legal recourse. The Des Moines Register
SHOP NEWS
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Summer Music Series: Forrest McCurren
5:00-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music, cold beer, and patio vibes.
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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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