Good morning, West Des Moines.

At the Iowa State Fair on Monday, a parade and free concerts honored Vietnam War veterans serving as grand marshals to mark 50 years since the conflict ended—Des Moines veteran Gene Davis said he felt proud to see the nation unite in tribute.

Rescue crews rescued boaters from a disabled boat on Monday from the Raccoon River near the Raccoon Valley Little League after a motor failure left the vessel stuck against a bridge — a dangerous spot because debris triggered strong undercurrents.

Iowa DOT reported a stalled vehicle in the center lane of I-235 at 6:45 a.m.—traffic is slow toward West Mixmaster up to 56th Street while another stalled vehicle was seen in the eastbound lanes near 31st Street; a crash north of Story City along I-35 has blocked the southbound right shoulder.

Gas prices in Iowa have fallen as the busy summer travel season winds down.

AAA Iowa said crude oil dropped to around $64 a barrel—lowering prices by about a nickel a gallon to an average of $2.89 while experts expect further decreases as vacation demand slows.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird questioned the legality of a net zero carbon emissions goal on August 11 by sending a letter to the CEO of the Science Based Targets initiative.

Bird said the target could hurt farmers and energy producers — a move that might violate state and federal laws.

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.

The Pigeon Visits the Library

4:00 – 4:45 PM — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime with The Pigeon and meet your favorite mischievous character.

Back to School Strength Training Session

6:30-7:30 p.m. — F45 Training Downtown Des Moines — Free entry — Kick off the school year strong with a dynamic strength workout and giveaways.

August 2025 Business Mixer

5-7 p.m. — The Glitter Factory DSM — Free entry — Network and celebrate the opening of a creative new space with local professionals and games.

Gamer Jazz Concert

2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Experience the jazzy twists on iconic video game tunes performed live by the Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra.