Daily
West Des Moines
Friday, August 15th, 2025
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, the Iowa Lottery broke the Guinness World Record at the Iowa State Fair by having over 1,300 fairgoers scratch off tickets at Elwell Family Park to celebrate its 40th anniversary—beating the previous record held by a lottery in Poland. WHO13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today the Bad Billy Pratt Band performs a free rock concert at 10:00 p.m. at Finish Line Show Lounge — their blend of high-energy rock and classic tunes will energize local fans; the concert will continue until August 16. Greater Des Moines Partnership
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa DOT announced that the eastbound I-80 on-ramp at southbound Jordan Creek Parkway Exit 121 in West Des Moines is closed today and will remain so until 5 a.m. Sept. 10 for concrete pavement work — drivers must detour by continuing south on Jordan Creek Parkway, turning east on Ashworth Road and then heading north on 50th Street to reach westbound University Avenue at the I-80/35 interchange Exit 124. Des Moines Register
- ➤ Congressman Nunn and Congressman Cleaver introduced the Rural Housing Service Reform Act at a Habitat for Humanity construction site in Des Moines to improve affordable housing for low-income families—The bill would expand USDA funding for rural programs and link rental assistance with low-interest loans, with a Senate companion now in committee given its $400 million price tag. WHO13
- ➤ Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird joined three dozen state attorneys general in calling on Instagram to change its new mapping feature that shows users’ exact locations—citing risks for children and those facing stalking or domestic violence. The group is urging Meta to allow users to disable the feature easily and to explain how it uses the location data. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Ryan Peterman, a former naval officer, is running for Iowa Secretary of State to restore nonpartisanship and expand early and absentee voting windows—this marks his first run for public office. WHO13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UI health expert Natoshia Askelson urges parents to vaccinate their children as new legislation makes it easier to get religious exemptions and 3.6% of students—about 19,000—remain unvaccinated, raising fear of a measles outbreak that could force quarantines; she advises families to contact their healthcare provider to ensure protection. Radio Iowa
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Central States Shrine Association Annual Convention 2025
8 AM – 5 PM — West Des Moines Marriott — Registration required — Celebrate community and fellowship at the annual gathering of Shriner enthusiasts.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it's better to listen to what it has to say.
~ Paulo Coelho
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