Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of August.
Good morning, West Des Moines.
A Des Moines teenager was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for stabbing and killing his 19-year-old brother, and he told the court that years of bullying led to the attack while the judge cited the teen’s traumatic brain injury & behavioral issues for the need for rehabilitation.
Meteorologist Zane Satre looked at past Iowa State Fair weather — data show average highs of about 85 degrees and 1.6 inches of rain with records of extreme heat and heavy rain — and noted that weather trends shifted as the fair moved to an earlier schedule.
The fair runs from today to Aug. 17 at the east Des Moines fairgrounds and hot, humid conditions are coming back for the event.
The traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall is being assembled today in Nevada and will open for visitors at 10 a.m.—officials expect thousands to come by this 375-foot-long memorial engraved with over 58,000 names.
The wall includes a replica 'In Memory' plaque and will feature Taps played at sunset—offering a space for reflection on the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans.
Today, the Des Moines City Council approved starting negotiations with homeless advocate Joppa to build a tiny home village on the city-owned former Chesterfield School site at 2501 Maury Street southeast of downtown—housing 50 small homes and offering services like a food pantry and monthly dentist visits, with rezoning and a lease/purchase agreement still needed. Councilman Joe Gatto said he understands some neighbor concerns but stressed the plan will bring needed services directly to the area.
Census workers will start walking through West Des Moines neighborhoods this week as the city conducts a special census to gather responses from residents who did not participate online.
They will ask a series of questions, and all responses remain private & help determine community funding.
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.
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