Good morning, Des Moines.

The Iowa Food System Coalition held a virtual town hall on Thursday to link local food producers with Iowans in need of fresh supplies.

Panelist Tom Mulholland from Mulholland Grocery in Malvern, which has served the community for over 150 years and rebuilt after a 2021 fire, said limited access forced residents to travel farther for fresh meat and dairy.

Iowa fire departments responded on Saturday to several field fires caused by dry, windy conditions—Louisa County crews quickly controlled a 40-acre cornfield fire while Taylor County crews put out a blaze near Badger Avenue and 200th Street—as burn bans remain in effect even though cooler temperatures and a chance for rain early this week are expected to ease the risks.

The Ankeny Chamber of Commerce is suing its former CEO Melisa Cox after she pleaded guilty to fraud and theft in April and received a 35-year suspended prison sentence, with an internal audit finding she made unauthorized charges and transferred chamber funds to her account that cost over $300,000—seeking to recover damages and legal fees.

On Sept.26, the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit against its former CEO Melisa Cox after she pleaded guilty to stealing over $250,000 and making unauthorized charges to the chamber's credit card—damages claimed now exceed $300,000 for lost reputation and legal fees.

Actress Gabriela Fuentes is launching Proyecto Echoes Migrantxs—Des Moines’ first Spanish-speaking theater program—to give Latino adults a safe space to enjoy the arts and reconnect with their roots.

The six-week program requires a commitment from performers, who will be paid and perform at the Stoner Theater.

More than a dozen vendors at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market say rising tariffs and inflation are forcing them to cover higher costs for goods and labor.

They plan to adjust prices and shift supplies to manage these challenges — a sign of tough economic times.

DMPS Interim Superintendent Matt Smith warned that if voters reject the bond, the district will see job cuts and reduced programming for students—changes that could weaken school services.

The Carl Voss Trail in Des Moines is closed today for about a month along the Des Moines River from Southeast 14th Street to Hartford Avenue for asphalt overlay and drainage repairs; it is set to reopen on Nov.

3 with no detour available.

Due to the shutdown that began Oct.

1, the NLRB has delayed the union vote for nurses at UnityPoint hospitals indefinitely—nurses will vote once new dates are set after federal funding is restored. UnityPoint officials said they remain focused on patient care during the delay.

The Des Moines Superhero Heart Run was held Saturday at Raccoon River Park where participants dressed as superheroes raised over $30,000 for congenital heart disease, surpassing a $20,000 goal.

Organized by Help-A-Heart and Heart Heroes, the event brought families together to support a cause that affects 1-in-100 children born with a heart defect — the community stands united for CHD.

Can Do Cancer received a $25,000 grant from the Iowa Cancer Consortium to expand its support from breast cancer to include ovarian, colorectal, and lung cancer patients.

The nonprofit is now recruiting cancer survivors — with its first patient partner group expected by Dec. 31.

It is legal to drive barefoot in Iowa but experts warn that doing so can reduce control of the pedals—drivers risk having their feet slip and getting injured.

Authorities recommend wearing shoes to ensure proper grip and safety while driving.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets starting at $49 — Experience a lively night of music with Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners.

Headshot Happy Hour

5-7 p.m. — Centro — Free entry — Connect with amazing women while getting professional headshots and supporting a great cause.

Michael Blaustein Stand-Up Comedy Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Tickets start at $34 — Experience the laughs of one of the fastest rising stand-up comedians with viral success.

Skizzy Mars Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets from $71 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Skizzy Mars in Des Moines.

The Goonies in Concert

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — $28-68 — Celebrate 40 years of adventure with a live symphonic performance of the iconic film's score.

Evil Dead In Concert - A Live To Film Experience

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Hoyt Sherman Place — Tickets starting at $9 — Experience the cult classic film with a live concert performance.

Paul McCartney Concert

6:00-9:30 p.m. — Wells Fargo Arena — Ticketed event — Experience a legendary evening with the iconic Paul McCartney performing live.

Fall Author Series: Hank Phillippi Ryan

7 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan shares insights on her latest thriller, featured in scenes set at this very library.

Saxsquatch Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — $27.49 — Experience the mind-bending sounds of electronic music artist Saxsquatch adorned with a spectacular live show.

Turn it On! Mural Festival

1-3 p.m. — 901 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Celebrate the unveiling of an AR mural by Leon Keer while enjoying live jazz music.