Daily
Des Moines
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ State Treasurer Roby Smith announced that Iowa’s I-Save 529 plan now uses enrollment-based portfolios instead of age tracks, letting families pick aggressive or moderate options for saving for education from K–12 to graduate school (14 individual portfolios are available). Opening an account takes ten minutes with a $25 initial investment. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines is fundraising to raise $76M for an expansion that will add a new arena and student commons area (renderings show the planned improvements) to accommodate growing enrollment. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Four GOP gubernatorial candidates debated legal immigration and rising cancer rates in a debate that aired Tuesday. They offered different views on environmental concerns + job opportunities for locals, while U.S. Rep. Feenstra skipped the event. Iowa Starting Line
- ➤ The Iowa DOT will close northbound I-35 from Ankeny to Huxley tonight from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday as crews remove a barrier; drivers must use a detour through Alleman via Northeast 36th Street (Exit 94), U.S. Highway 69, and Iowa 210 to rejoin the highway. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ MercyOne announced that experienced health executive Robert Baxter will take over as president and CEO on June 22 — replacing interim leader Michael Taylor. Baxter, a University of Iowa grad with 30 years in healthcare, aims to help MercyOne grow amid industry challenges. 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 — 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.
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Satsang Acoustic Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Ticket required — Experience an intimate soundcheck and Q&A session with Satsang along with a signed tour poster.
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
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
~ Beverly Sills
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