Friday, August 15th, 2025

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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines’ Back 2 School Bash returns on Sunday, Aug 17 at Evelyn K. Davis Park from 2 to 5 p.m. — the event will offer free school supplies to the first 1,200 students along with haircuts, meals, a community resource fair and a free soccer clinic to boost confidence for students. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ On Aug. 13, the Iowa State Fair drew 105,787 fairgoers, beating last year's count of 99,281 by over 5,000 visitors—this strong turnout highlights a notable boost for day seven of the event. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Every stall in the Iowa State Fair Horse Barn is full today and draft horses have arrived for national shows. Superintendent Noah Levy said the team cleared the wait list by calling exhibitors+ adjusting stall counts, and renovations will begin after the Fair. Radio Iowa
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At the Iowa State Fair, the Mountain Man Camp teaches fairgoers skills from 200 years ago—like starting fires and axe throwing—and offers a demonstration at 1 p.m. near the Susan Knapp Amphitheater; the camp is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. WHO 13
- ➤ Paul David, 62, known as Bandaloni, has drawn large crowds at the Iowa State Fair for nearly two decades—playing as a one-man band with a self-made setup that lets him sing, drum, and play guitar in Des Moines. He has no set retirement date and continues to perform with passion at the fair each year. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Today at the Iowa State Fair in east Des Moines—Hank Williams Jr. headlines the Grandstand show at 8 p.m. with Old Crow Medicine Show as his guest while free stage acts and food vendors attract over one million visitors. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ At the Iowa State Fair on August 14th, 1,380 people broke the world record by scratching tickets at once during the Iowa Lottery's 40th anniversary celebration—Guinness verified the record while one Des Moines resident won $40,000 and two others won $4,000. KCCI
- ➤ Des Moines Water Works said it opposes the EPA decision to remove parts of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers from the impaired list even though high nitrate levels forced a lawn watering ban. The utility calls for cleanup plans to keep drinking water safe for 600,000 people—insisting the rivers need strict standards. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Courtney Huston, a pediatric nurse at UnityPoint Health, said hand, foot, and mouth disease cases are rising in Des Moines as warm weather boosts the spread among young children — she advised parents to keep kids at home if they have a fever over 100.4. WHO 13
SHOP NEWS
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Des Moines.
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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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RnB Brunch DSM
4-8 p.m. — 319 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA — Ticket required — Savor a delicious brunch with bottomless mimosas while enjoying soulful R&B tunes and karaoke fun.
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Summer Music Series: Jonas Magram at Exile Brewing
5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints all-day — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer at this community gathering.
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Franklin Cinema Club - Once Upon a Time in the West
6:30-7:45 p.m. — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Explore the classic western epic Once Upon a Time in the West and engage in film discussions.
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The Pigeon Visits the Library
4:00 – 4:45 p.m. — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Participate in a whimsical storytime with The Pigeon and capture fun memories with photos.
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Generation Rx Program
7-8 p.m. — 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Learn safe medication practices to enhance your health and well-being through informed choices.
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Cloakroom
7-8:30 p.m. — xBk Live — Live music event — Experience the haunting melodies of Glass Ox as they perform 'Rushes of Evil'.
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Bingo Loco Event
7:30-10:30 p.m. — 7 Flags Event Center — General Admission — Enjoy a night of outrageous bingo with prizes, dance-offs, and more in a lively atmosphere.
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Downtown Farmers' Market
7 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Court District — Free entry — Explore local produce, artisan goods, and festive community atmosphere at this vibrant market.
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World Food and Music Festival 2025
11 AM – 5 PM — Western Gateway Park — Free entry — Experience diverse cuisines from 23 countries alongside vibrant live music and local vendors.
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2025 All 4 Youth Golf Classic
9 AM – 4 PM — A.H. Blank Golf Course — Donations may be tax deductible — Support underserved students through educational scholarships while enjoying a day of golf.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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.
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