Daily
Des Moines
Saturday, November 1st, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 1st of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Homeless Youth Centers hosts Reggie’s Sleepout today at Drake Stadium to raise funds for homeless youth services—an event started nearly 20 years ago in honor of Reggie Kelsey, a Des Moines teen who died after aging out of foster care. Organizers say the night outdoors will help people understand the challenges of not having a stable home. KCCI
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A vehicle fire on I-80 near Avoca closed part of the eastbound lanes and led to a detour until responders cleared the area by 6:30 a.m.—traffic has since returned to normal across central Iowa. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Instacart data shows that Iowans chose Peanut M&M’s as their favorite Halloween candy with Oct 31 orders doubling the average and overall October purchases 20.8% above the national rate. While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups topped the national list and candy corn orders rose 73% above normal, Peanut M&M’s remained the top pick—confirming its statewide popularity. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Des Moines residents honor Dia de los Muertos with events that celebrate the tradition through altars, crafts, and special treats. A family-friendly neighborhood party is held today at Capitol Park from 3 to 6 p.m.—and a live music and vendor celebration takes place on Sunday at the Des Moines Art Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines Area Community College announced that Liang Chee Wee will serve as interim president from January through June, 2026 following President Rob Denson's retirement. He previously led Northeast Iowa Community College and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges — while the board continues its search for a permanent president set to begin in July. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa DAS said Achieva Enterprises—who has run Honey Creek Resort since April 2023—ended its work with the state, marking a change for the troubled resort. State officials will share new plans soon. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Iowa residents will face higher health insurance premiums for 2026 as six insurers raise rates by 12.5% to over 25% when enhanced tax credits lapse today—causing monthly costs to rise by $64 to $157 for thousands. The changes come as healthier enrollees are expected to leave the market, leaving a sicker, costlier pool for insurers. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Iowa HHS is starting a competitive process today to award up to $1 million per project from opioid settlement funds aimed at expanding treatment, prevention, and recovery services—each round offering $7 million for community initiatives. The grants follow a law signed by Gov. Reynolds in June directing 75% of settlement money to fight opioid misuse. The Des Moines Register
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New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
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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.
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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.
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Monthly Writing Night
7-9 p.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — A casual evening for writers to create and share inspiration over coffee.
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RC Coffee Networking Event
9-10 a.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — Connect with local remodelers over coffee and networking opportunities.
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Holiday Social 2025
5-9 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $30 per person — Enjoy a casual evening of appetizers and drinks while mingling with fellow locals.
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Elevated Dining Experience at Judges
5:45-7:45 p.m. — Judges — Cost varies — Enjoy shareable starters and inventive cocktails in a modern comfort food setting.
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The Fitch Building Open Studio
6-9 p.m. — Fitch Studios LLC — Free entry — Explore a vibrant array of local artists showcasing their creative works in an interactive studio environment.
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Des Moines Holiday Boutique
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — EMC Expo Center — $12 online, $14 at the door — Discover unique gifts from over 130 small businesses this holiday season.
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Novel November Write In
4-7 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Keep your writing momentum going with fellow novelists during this collaborative write-in session.
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Free Holiday Portraits at Exile Brewing
5-7 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Free — Capture festive memories with free holiday portraits for your family or friends during your visit.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Good habits make time your ally. Bad habits make time your enemy.
~ James Clear
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