Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of August.
Good morning, Des Moines.
🎭 Culture
At the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on Aug.
18, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue energized 15,458 fans with classic R&B and hip-hop hits + a dynamic stage presence as part of the iconic tour. The performance offered a memorable night celebrating local music heritage.
The Iowa State Fair brings a lively day on Thursday, Aug.
20 with a pie-eating contest (10:30 a.m.) and Mario Kart Time Trials (12:30 p.m.), a sunny forecast near 82 degrees, and a concert featuring Riley Green and Mackenzie Carpenter (8 p.m.) at the Grandstand.
Tuesday’s Iowa State Fair drew 103,802 visitors, 1,722 more than last year yet still below the 2024 record.
The fair runs until Sunday, Aug. 23, offering a lively local celebration.
TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue performed at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on Tuesday, Aug.
18, showcasing iconic R&B hits for a live Des Moines audience.
At the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Aug.
19, 2026, the fair's Day 7 brought a citizenship ceremony, hat parade and rubber chicken throwing contest—events that offered fairgoers a glimpse into local tradition and community spirit.
At the Iowa State Fair today, contestants competed in a beard growing contest where one participant won with a beard measuring 32.5 inches (a notable feat).
The event added a fun twist to the fair's lively atmosphere.
Reporter Virginia Barreda sampled two Iowa State Fair lemonades—one strawberry sweet and one jalapeño spicy—and her review highlights a unique twist on fair beverages.
🏛️ Government
At the House of Mercy in Des Moines, U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy Jr unveiled a federal plan that adds two peer support programs for parents; Gov. Kim Reynolds said Iowa will soon plan the initiative to prevent foster care placements + secure reimbursement for services.
📰 Lifestyle
14-year-old Ava Weitl from Waukee competed in the Iowa Farm Bureau's 62nd Annual Cookout Contest yesterday at the state fairgrounds after recovering from a long hospital stay; she missed her chance in 2025 and promised to return next year.
🎉 Des Moines Events
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New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
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🏠 Des Moines Real Estate
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