Good morning, Des Moines.

On Memorial Day, residents honored fallen veterans across central Iowa.

At Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, families decorated 15 new Civil War headstones while in Ankeny, locals gathered at Fleet Farm for a synchronized Taps Across America tribute at 3 p.m.

Gray's Lake Park in Des Moines unveiled a new playground, splash pad and improved docks (just east of the beach parking lot) after construction resumed post-winter break.

A Tuesday ceremony honored late fundraiser Rick Newman while Mayor Connie Boesen dedicated the park as a family summer destination.

Iowa Lottery CEO Mat Strawn leaves the agency after record-setting sales during challenging times and will become president and CEO of Strategic America in West Des Moines on June 8th (he credited his team for his success).

DMPS held graduation ceremonies on May 26 at several high schools, where students received diplomas while family, friends and photographers captured the milestone moments+ marking a celebrated day in our community.

Beloved Drake mascot Griff II retired after he walked the stage at commencement on May 26 at Drake University.

The school held a changing of the harness ceremony and passed the role to Griff III after six years as the live mascot.

The Iowa DNR reported that Backbone Beach + Beeds Lake Beach + Pine Lake South Beach + Bobwhite State Park have high E. coli levels today, leading to a swim advisory while Big Creek Beach tested safe; Polk County Public Health advises eye protection and caution with water consumption.

Central Iowa Water Works reported that nitrate levels in the Raccoon River jumped from 8.43 mg/L on Wednesday to 16.1 mg/L on Friday last week.

The facility meets EPA standards and turns on its nitrate removal process (serving 600,000 customers).

LifeServe Blood Center urged residents to donate blood over Memorial Day weekend as critical supplies dropped earlier than expected.

The center noted that blood drives usually slow when high schools are closed and offered incentives such as donation shirts, gift cards and four day passes.

Michelle Gilbertson of Emplify Health by Gundersen says smokers can try cutting back a little each day to help quit.

She notes that $10 a pack may encourage saving money for rewards and advises calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or a doctor for support.

Polk County Health Department launched the 'Know Your Water, Know Your Health' campaign to help residents learn about water quality and its impact on health and recreation.

The new website offers details on water treatment, nitrate runoff, and safe fish consumption.

The Financial Center in downtown Des Moines is reopening as Mezzo on Walnut after an $80 million renovation has converted floors 4–18 into 210 luxury apartments with converted bank vaults and an 8,000 sqft rooftop deck.

An opening ceremony is scheduled for early June, with the building completing by fall.

Visitors toured 515 Walnut and saw its ongoing construction + skyline views during a guided event hosted by lead developer Joe Teeling on May 20 downtown.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Iowa Cubs Sensory-Friendly Game

1:08 – 2:08 p.m. — Principal Park — Discounted tickets available — Experience a game designed for individuals with autism or sensory processing disorders with a calming atmosphere and activities.

Rooftop Yoga

7:30-8:30 p.m. — The Shop DSM - Event Center — Beginner friendly — Enjoy a relaxing hour of yoga on the rooftop in Des Moines.