Good morning, Des Moines.

City council approved a $42,250 contract with artist Maddy Fusco to create a new mural on the face of the Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center at Stone Park, which will celebrate local community, nature and sports.

The three-panel artwork will be installed between spring and summer and will show a playground, picnic and basketball game—details that bring the neighborhood together.

Girls on the Run 5K will take place on Sunday at Principal Park in Des Moines, where pre-race activities start at 12:30 p.m. plus the race begins at 2:00 p.m., and road closures will run from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to support programs that empower young girls.

The 8th Annual Des Moines Holiday Boutique started Friday at the EMC Expo Center and features 200 vendors, over half from the local area.

The event continues today with Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will run Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines opened its temporary food pantry weeks early after SNAP benefits were cut in early November—families are encouraged to bring non-perishable items, and volunteers will staff the pantry every Friday from 1 p.m.—4 p.m. to meet community needs.

Wells Fargo laid off 26 employees from its West Des Moines office on Jordan Creek Parkway — a move that followed 63 job cuts the previous week, according to Iowa WARN.

Des Moines voters approved a $265M bond on Nov.

4 to fund public school improvements including new schools, expanded preschool programs, and enhanced STEM, arts, and athletics. School officials said they will start breaking ground in late summer or early fall as part of a five-year plan to boost student outcomes.

David Cook—current president of North Dakota State and an ISU alum—spoke Thursday at Memorial Union in Ames about building strong ties with state leaders to help Iowa State’s mission.

The Iowa Board of Regents will meet Tuesday to interview finalists and choose the next president.

Farmers in Iowa are switching to fall fertilizer as corn and soybean harvests end; Iowa State University Extension expert Richard Roth said they must wait for soil temperatures to drop below 50°F — a key sign that microbes are slowing down — to limit the risk of nutrient runoff into streams.

Motorists in Des Moines should prepare for winter today as forecasters predict a mix of snow and rain; the Iowa State Patrol and True Value Hardware in West Des Moines advise drivers to pack emergency kits with shovels & blankets & extra supplies.

Travelers at Des Moines International Airport experienced cancellations and delays Friday as FAA flight cuts affected direct flights from 21 connecting airports, with eight flights canceled and 30 delays at 6 p.m. Officials said the measure is a safety step to relieve pressure on staff and warned that restrictions will increase to a 10% cut next Friday—passengers should confirm flight status with their airlines.

Some 80,000 Iowans now care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and Lori Phillips of Madrid leads both online and in-person support groups to share advice and support.

Phillips helps care for her ill mother at a local memory care facility today — and she will lead another virtual meeting on Monday at 4 p.m. — showing how caregiver networks offer essential help.

Joe Teeling of the St. Joseph Group said 515 Walnut in downtown Des Moines is now fully financed, meaning construction will resume next week after a pause in October due to payment issues—this 390-unit tower is on track to be completed by spring.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

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.

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.

VolunTEENS Work Opportunity

4-5 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A fun and rewarding volunteer chance for teens aged 12-18 at the library.

Les Miserables

1:00 – 2:30 pm — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the epic tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption in this acclaimed musical masterpiece.

Beaverdale Holiday Boutique

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Holy Trinity Catholic Church & School — $5 cash, $6 e-payment — Experience the festive holiday spirit with artisan crafts, baked goods, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

AC/DC Tribute Concert by Black Jacket Symphony

7:30-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $35-$40 — Experience an electrifying live recreation of AC/DC’s iconic album 'Back in Black' with a stunning visual show.

Iowa Files: Over the Hill to the Poor Farm

3-4 p.m. — West Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Explore the history of poor farms through stories from a long-time administrator.

Holiday Portraits at Exile Brewing

5-7 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Free Holiday Portraits — Capture festive moments with family and friends at this community event.

Baby Rhyme Time

9:30-10:00 a.m. — 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Explore rhymes, songs, and stories designed for babies and their caregivers.