Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of August.
Good morning, West Des Moines.
JBS USA reached an agreement to purchase a 186,000-square-foot facility in Ankeny formerly used by Hy-Vee that is expected to create roughly 400 jobs; the plant will produce ready-to-eat bacon and sausage and will start operating by mid-2026.
Des Moines police are looking for Darren Matthew Smith, 18, wanted for first-degree theft and third-degree burglary after he stole a car and broke into another place, and anyone with information should call 515-283-4811.
Today, the Iowa State Fair marks its 171st year at the east Des Moines fairgrounds, offering live shows including Def Leppard at 8 p.m., new fruity food options and special events like a lottery scratch record attempt at 5 p.m. and a cornhole tournament with doubles registration starting at 2 p.m.—visitors can enjoy a full day of music and fun at the fair.
Airport officials said June set an all-time record at Des Moines International Airport with more than 317,000 passengers boarding flights.
They noted the airport was adding new destinations and that work on a new terminal is ongoing—marking a busy summer travel season.
USDA predicted a record corn yield that exceeded previous production by over 1.5 billion bushels, but oversupply has pushed prices to $3.90 a bushel and forced farmers to either store or sell below cost—soybean exports are also affected by tariffs.
Experts expect Iowa’s agricultural market to rebound over the next few years as the cycle turns.
DOT spokesman Stuart Anderson said that through August 4 there were 150 traffic deaths, which is 43 below the five-year average of 193, and 744 major injuries—a 6 percent drop.
He said that intermodal container traffic dropped in June but went back up in July, leaving August trends uncertain.
At the Iowa State Fair, Meeting on a Stick offers a safe space for people in alcohol recovery today at 7 a.m. on the second floor of Jalapeno Pete's—providing early support for employees and vendors before the fair opens.
This summer, heavy rainfall and flooding left standing water that brought slightly higher numbers of mosquitoes and increased West Nile Virus risk in Polk County—experts advise removing stagnant water and using repellent.
Residents should take extra care to protect themselves against bites.
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.
Soul Revival Concert
2:30-5 p.m. — Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection — Food and beverages for purchase — Experience vibrant R&B and Gospel music that uplifts the soul.
2025 All 4 Youth Golf Classic
9 AM – 4 PM — A.H. Blank Golf Course — Donations may be tax-deductible — Support underserved students pursue their education through golf.
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