Daily
Des Moines
Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa National Guard will welcome the last group from its Middle East deployment soon while hosting a summer concert today at Camp Dodge in Johnston, featuring speeches and music by the 34th Army Scrap Metal Band; additional welcome ceremonies will be announced. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Red Madsen, a local World War II veteran celebrated for his humor & hard work, was honored in a heartfelt obituary published yesterday by his daughter in the Register. His life reminds the community of the deep sacrifices made by ordinary heroes. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ City leaders on Thursday dedicated Kathryn Krieg Park, named for the first female parks director who served for over forty years, near East Ninth Street and Douglas Avenue. The 3.2-acre park features an accessible playground, basketball court, and walking trail and includes storm drain improvements expected to reduce neighborhood flooding. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ UnityPoint Health spent nearly $2.14 million on union avoidance consultants in 2025 at four Des Moines hospitals after a union drive; workers claim the company spent about three times that amount while contesting a union vote in court. Iowa Starting Line
- ➤ Blue Zoo in West Des Moines was evicted from its Jordan Creek site after a judge granted the eviction due to unpaid rent and a missed court hearing. The zoo had announced its permanent closure on Memorial Day because of rising animal care costs and increased rent. KCCI
- ➤ Wells Fargo in West Des Moines is set to lay off 62 workers by May 30, 25 by June 13, 10 by June 27 and 29 by July 11, affecting 126 local employees as the company adjusts its staffing levels. This move is part of broader operational changes within the bank. Iowa Starting Line
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Crews and performers set up booths at Western Gateway Park ahead of CelebrAsian, a cultural festival where communities share food, music, clothing, and dance. The event opens today at 11 a.m. and runs until 10 p.m. both days — admission is free. KCCI
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Unemployment in Iowa remained at 3.3% in April as job hiring saw 3,400 new roles, including 400 in manufacturing, though labor participation slipped partly due to retirement (and caregiving needs). Health care and education also added workers, offering fresh opportunities for job seekers. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Storms and heavy rain brought nearly 2 inches of precipitation to central Iowa during the week of May 17, reducing the state's drought conditions from 30% to 27% as of May 19 (though parts of western Iowa remain abnormally dry to moderately affected). The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Heavy rains this week improved Iowa’s soil moisture, with the U.S. Drought Monitor showing only 25% of the state in drought — down from 62% three months ago. In the northwest, 22% remains abnormally dry with few counties in moderate to severe drought. Radio Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Robert Baxter will become MercyOne’s president & CEO on June 22 and will lead a health system that employs over 22,000 staff across 230 clinics and hospitals, after resigning as Bon Secours Mercy Health president in Ohio. He brings over 30 years of healthcare administration experience. Radio Iowa
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A report from the Iowa Association of Realtors shows that homes sold faster in April, with listings rising by 12% and completed sales increasing over 10%. The median price was $248,000 — 4.5% higher than last April but 0.8% lower than March, with houses staying on market 33% fewer days. Radio Iowa
-
New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
World Pork Expo
June 2-3 — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Admission varies — Explore the pork industry's latest innovations and meet thousands of fellow enthusiasts.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Date Me DSM at Iowa Cubs
5-7 p.m. — Iowa Cubs Stadium — Ticket required — Mix with singles aged 28-40 while enjoying a baseball game and a post-game drone show.
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
It is better to travel well than to arrive.
~ Buddha
About 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