A nonpartisan discussion centered on making recommendations on fiscal priorities to U.S. political leaders is coming to Des Moines. On Saturday, Iowans will gather at Drake University’s Levitt Hall for “AmericaSpeaks: Our Budget, Our Economy.” The national town hall meeting, which is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., will include small group discussions and keypad polling to identify national messages for elected leaders. The findings will be presented on June 30 to the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in Washington, D.C.

The 13th annual Des Moines Arts Festival kicks off at 4 p.m. today in Western Gateway Park. “Get Your Art On,” a three-day celebration of the arts, June 25-27, will feature 185 professional artists, 24 students in the Emerging Iowa Artists Program, live entertainment, and a jazz and wine pavilion. The event will also include 24 food vendors and film screenings with the Interrobang Film Festival. There is no charge for admission. For more information, go to www.desmoinesartsfestival.org.

Longtime Des Moines attorney Paul Tyler was given the Iowa State Bar Association’s Award of Merit last week during the organization’s annual meeting. Tyler was cited for his dedication to the legal profession; association President Jane Lorentzen said he has helped thousands with his knowledge of real estate, banking and business law. Tyler, 67, is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law.