Friday, June 20th, 2025

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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Downtown Farmers’ Market will celebrate its 50th season on Saturday, July 26 with extended hours and extra activities—giveaways, a market scavenger hunt, and live local musical performances outside the Historic Polk County Courthouse. The market opens at 7:00 a.m. on Court Avenue and vendors east of Third Street close at noon while more than 140 vendors on the west serve until 3:30 p.m. WHO 13
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Two people were taken to a hospital after an apartment fire at (1800 9th Street) in Des Moines’ River Bend neighborhood early Thursday morning, and firefighters contained the blaze in about 30 minutes as the incident remains under investigation. WHO 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Iowa employers are increasingly using chatbots for first-round job interviews, and UI expert Jim Chaffee said candidates should treat the chatbot like a real person—typing their responses as they would in a live meeting to improve their chances of a follow-up call. He explained that the bots help companies manage thousands of applications each week by asking simple questions that human managers later review. Radio Iowa
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At the Iowa State Fair from Aug. 7 to 17, Sarah Pratt and her apprentices Hannah and Grace will sculpt Toy Story characters to join the iconic butter cow as it celebrates its 30th anniversary—after the fair, a replica display will appear at the Smithsonian exhibit from Aug. 22 to Sept. 7, 2026. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa will receive nearly $38 million from a Purdue Pharma opioid settlement—half will go to local governments and the rest will fund a state program—pending court approval. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Ambassador Dina Kawar visited West Des Moines on June 18 at Coviance—she met with local business, political, and economic leaders to discuss international ties and economic development. Her visit brought together community and government officials to strengthen local and diplomatic relationships. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines residents are installing home water filters as nitrate levels in drinking water remain near historic highs—experts warn that long-term exposure poses serious health risks. CIWW said nitrate levels will stay high for weeks and announced a seven-year plan to upgrade water treatment while local companies see a surge in demand. KDSM 17
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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Ride for a Reason
12-5 p.m. — SingleSpeed Brewing Co - DSM TapRoom — $25 Early Bird ($35 after) — Participate in a fun 17-mile ride while benefiting Dorothy's House and enjoying live music and prizes.
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Summer Music Series: Jonas Magram at Exile Brewing
5:00–7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer at the Summer Music Series.
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Overcoming Writer's Block Workshop
7-9 p.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — $30 — Explore how to navigate writer's block and unlock your creativity in this intensive workshop.
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MY PAINTING ERA CAMP! Day 1: 1989
9 a.m.–12 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Cost varies — Create a unique painting with friends and local artists' guidance.
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Avey Grouws Band Performance
6-10 p.m. — Gray's Station — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live music, local food trucks, and summer vibes in Downtown Des Moines.
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Disney Trivia Night at Exile Brewing
6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints during happy hour — Test your Disney knowledge every Thursday evening with Trophy Husband Trivia.
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Scott Davis Trio Performance
7 PM — The Cave DSM — Cost info not available — Enjoy an evening of captivating music from the talented Scott Davis Trio.
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Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show
6-9 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown — $67.95+ — Experience an interactive comedy murder mystery while enjoying a delightful dinner.
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Summer Music Series: David Watson
5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer during the Summer Music Series.
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Historic Corn Plot Dinner
6:00-8:30 p.m. — The Wallace Centers of Iowa — Ticket required — Savor a special meal featuring corn from the on-site Henry A. Wallace Historic Corn Plot.
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