Good morning, Des Moines.

On May 21, dozens of volunteers placed nearly 2,500 flags on veteran graves at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines to honor those who served for Memorial Day.

Dallas County events include a synchronized swimming showcase in Waukee that took place on May 22, a poppy distribution in Adel starting today, and a rodeo at the county fairgrounds scheduled for May 24 and 25.

Multiple Memorial Day ceremonies on May 26 along with summer concerts and family festivals through June 8 offer residents ways to honor veterans and join in community traditions — fostering local heritage for all ages.

Des Moines firefighters battled a deadly house fire early Wednesday that claimed three lives and faced severe emotional challenges, with Capt. Mike Morgan noting that some received counseling + the department expects more details about the fire's cause and smoke detectors by Friday.

Iowa DNR samples water from 39 state park beaches each week, starting a week before Memorial Day and running through Labor Day, to test for E. coli—results are posted every Friday using a color-coded map so swimmers know if the water is safe for summer 2025.

The testing uses samples from multiple depths to track bacteria levels that can be raised by heavy rain.

U.S. House members passed a massive tax and spending bill that cuts billions from Medicaid and SNAP to fund tax breaks for Iowa families and small businesses, a move that critics say may lead to crowded emergency rooms and rural hospital challenges+ Iowa’s Senate will soon consider changes to the bill.

With a slate of newly-confirmed regents on the nine-member board, President Sherry Bates assigned roles to seven committees and clarified that committee recommendations require full board approval — she said these meetings provide counsel between full board sessions without making unilateral decisions.

Professional deer hunter Mark Allen Luster is suing Iowa DNR officer Dan Henderson in the Southern District of Iowa for malicious prosecution and Fourth Amendment violations—alleging false warrant applications based on illegally obtained drone photos damaged his reputation and business.

Des Moines metro pools and splash pads will open for summer with schedules starting as early as May 24, with facilities like Adventure Bay in Altoona offering water slides and a lazy river—other centers in the area plan openings on May 31 and Memorial Day weekend.

Families can choose from aquatic centers, spraygrounds, and wading pools with varying hours and prices—each venue preparing to serve local swimmers with seasonal passes and safe recreation.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

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.

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.

Writers' Workshop 2025

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — No registration required — Share your work and receive valuable feedback from fellow writers.

World Pork Expo 2025

June 3-5 — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Registration required — Explore exhibits and seminars at this major gathering for pork industry enthusiasts.