Good morning, West Des Moines.

A lawsuit filed on July 29 in Polk County alleges that Roblox failed to protect a 13-year-old girl from a predator who groomed her on the gaming platform—leading to her kidnapping, sexual abuse, and trafficking after she was taken from her grandmother’s home on May 24, while the suspect faces aggravated statutory rape charges in Tennessee and additional charges in Iowa.

West Des Moines police arrested a man on July 30 after he threatened to plow into the parade and traffic officers on July 3 — he is charged with a terrorism threat and faces a preliminary hearing on Aug 11.

East Side Night—an unofficial reunion for east-side locals—will be held this Friday at the Iowa State Fair as attendees gather at the Bud Tent and nearby areas for drinks and fair food.

Some locals will leave early for Parker McCollum’s 7 p.m. show and The Nadas’ 9 p.m. performance on the MidAmerican Energy Stage.

A survey by Creighton University showed Iowa’s Business Conditions Index fell to below 44 in July from 48 in June while the nine-state Midwest recorded a slightly higher score, signaling economic stagnation amid tariffs that hurt exports and jobs.

Federal data revealed Iowa’s manufacturing exports dropped by over 10% in the first five months and only 6.7% of supply managers shifted to domestic suppliers—raising concerns over current trade policies.

Candidates in West Des Moines may run for three City Council seats and three School Board seats in the Nov.

4 election by filing paperwork from Aug. 25 to 5 p.m. Sept. 18—candidates must be Iowa residents and meet state requirements. Voters will cast ballots from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day and can request absentee ballots by the county auditor's deadlines.

Iowa Cubs Summer Blood Drive

7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Principal Park — Free t-shirt and game ticket — Donate blood and help save lives while enjoying the excitement of baseball.

2025 Downtown Farmers' Market

7 AM – 12 PM — Historic Court District — Free entry — Explore local produce, flowers, and artisan foods from Iowa's finest vendors.

Studio Sunday at Terre Vici

12-8 p.m. — Elevator, a Co-Warehousing Community — Free entry — Create your own eye-catching jewelry in a vibrant studio atmosphere.

Charm Tuesday — Terre Vici

12 PM — Elevator, a Co-Warehousing Community — Eco-friendly event — Create stunning chakra jewelry to enhance your wellness and style.

VolunTEENS Work Time

4-5 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage in a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity at your local library.

Kindermusik Class

5:30-6:15 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $ — Explore music-making through instruments, movement, singing, and play for children ages 3-6.

Inside Out 2 Screening

6:30 PM — Evelyn K Davis Park — Free entry — Experience Riley's teenage transition and the introduction of new emotions in this entertaining sequel.

Summer Sizzler 5K/10K/15K

7-11 a.m. — Gray's Lake Park — $15 — A fun family event with chip-timing, great swag, and a virtual race option in Downtown Des Moines.

Summer Music Series: Jonas Magram at Exile Brewing

5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Live music and patio vibes await every Sunday evening.

Franklin Cinema Club: Once Upon a Time in the West

6:30-7:45 p.m. — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Explore a classic western epic and discuss its themes with fellow film enthusiasts.