Good morning, Des Moines.

Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines was added to the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom yesterday when a commemorative marker for 15 Underground Railroad freedom seekers was unveiled — marking the site’s important role in the fight against enslavement.

The designation follows over a decade of local research and community-led efforts that began as a high school mentoring project.

Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines was given a special grave marker on Saturday morning to honor its role in the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and the 15 underground railroad operatives and freedom seekers buried there.

The marker shows a QR code that lets visitors read full stories of these brave individuals—organizers hope it will teach many about local history.

Iowa State University is working with Polk County Emergency Management to make an online game (using AI-made videos) that helps train emergency responders when a severe weather event hits a busy farmers market.

The team, led by Professor Cameron MacKenzie (funded by a $700,000 grant), has a year to deliver a working prototype that tests and refines county response plans.

City officials confirmed that crews completed the new roundabout at the intersection of East Army Post and Southeast 36th Street after starting work in spring; the project aimed to reduce speeding and crashes and is the first roundabout built by the city— it marks a key step in improving the crash-prone corridor.

Jonna Higgins-Freese testified on Capitol Hill last week about changes in Medicaid and said parts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act may lessen state funding—putting her two sick sons' care at risk.

Her concerns highlight potential impacts on care for those who rely on Medicaid.

The Hawkeyes defeated Minnesota 41-3 on Saturday in Iowa City as Mark Gronowski ran for a touchdown and threw a pass for another while Iowa built a 31-0 halftime lead with scores from defense and special teams—making the team bowl eligible.

The win marks their third straight victory and extends a strong winning streak in the rivalry.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with a new hands-on art activity each week.

K-pop Meet-up

5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with fellow K-pop fans, trade photocards, and enjoy snacks and music.

Halloween Party

11 AM - 1 PM — Des Moines Women's Club — Paid entry — Enjoy ghoul-themed games, a catered buffet, and craft activities at this festive Halloween gathering.

Trivia Night: Halloween Edition

6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints during happy hour — Test your knowledge at this fun weekly trivia event with Trophy Husband Trivia.

The Outreach Project

1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with community resources and advocate support for health and ID assistance.

An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma

7:30-9 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma in a special performance blending music and reflections on art and humanity.

Iowa Reptile Show

10 AM – 4 PM — Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines — Tickets available at the door — A family-friendly event featuring thousands of reptiles, amphibians, and supplies to explore.

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with a hands-on art activity each week in a fun and welcoming environment.

Monthly Writing Night

7-9 p.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — A casual evening for writers to create and share inspiration over coffee.

RC Coffee Networking Event

9-10 a.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — Connect with local remodelers over coffee and networking opportunities.