Good morning, Des Moines.

Over 1,000 volunteers gathered Tuesday at the Iowa Events Center to package more than 600,000 hunger relief meals during the 40th Borlaug Dialogue.

The event broke a Guinness-record (previously 533,000 meals) as the community tackled food insecurity in Iowa.

Neighborhoods in Des Moines feature creative Halloween displays that transform yards into spooky attractions with skeletons, corn stalks, and themed decor; a West Des Moines display at 5709 Dakota Drive runs until Nov.

6 while another on Park Ave. ends Nov. 3 (nominations close Oct. 29).

Former students, families, and staff gathered at Rolling Green Elementary yesterday to say goodbye before demolition, retrieving mementos and commemorative photos.

The school is set for demolition before year's end — salvaged bricks will be available at Urbandale High School this spring.

Local farmers are hurrying to harvest corn and soybeans after heavy September rains delayed their work and today's dry, warm conditions boosted progress.

Mike Brelsford from Bouton said farmers also welcomed Monday’s federal diesel relief program (an $8 billion, one-time payment) to ease rising fuel costs.

A Common Sense Institute report showed Midwest inflation was 0.6% higher in September than last year, with Iowa households now spending about $1,550 (a 31% increase since 2020) more per month amid rising fuel, housing, and food costs.

The report warns that overall prices may continue to rise.

Malala Yousafzai (Nobel Peace Prize winner) spoke at the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines on Wednesday, stressing that girls' education boosts food security for families.

Kathy Butler, a public school paraeducator from Cedar Falls, said her daughter was turned away by a Catholic school for lacking support and now backs gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand, who calls for tighter oversight of Iowa's new federal voucher program set to begin next year.

Major General Stephen Osborn, leader of the Iowa National Guard since 2023, will retire on January 16, ending nearly three decades of service + details on the leadership transition and his ceremony will be announced later.

West Des Moines and Windsor Heights passed new ordinances on Oct.

19 to regulate electric bicycles and scooters. The rules require licensing and insurance for high-powered devices, restrict usage on high-speed roads and sidewalks, and mandate helmet use for riders under 16 to boost safety.

Local farms host fall outings today with pumpkin patches, apple orchards, hayrides and cider tasting in central Iowa.

Families can also enjoy corn mazes and trick-or-treat events while checking each location’s schedule (Living History Farms offers Family Halloween) for details.

A study by Innerbody found that Iowans searched for candy at high rates ahead of Halloween — with Snickers topping local searches.

Iowa ranked third among states in interest as candy corn and Sour Patch Kids also drew attention.

Iowa high school football teams are preparing for Week 9 as the ratings percentage index decides playoff spots in Class 5A, while automatic bids go to district champions and runners-up in Classes 3A and 4A.

Key matchups include games that affect RPI rankings and postseason chances.

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