Good morning, Des Moines.

Altoona neighbors honored 100-year-old World War II veteran Charles Kellogg by cleaning his gutters today as a small thank you for his service—Dennis Young, who first helped Kellogg on a snowy day in 2020, leads the annual gesture on Veterans Day to honor his legacy.

This event shows the community’s deep respect for a man who once helped protect freedom.

Neighbors in the Des Moines metro helped each other when government employees lost pay and SNAP benefits did not come through—free meals were served at Kitchen Spaces in Drake on Monday and a Waukee family turned their porch into a pantry that served 60 people in three hours on Sunday. This creative community support shows local residents stepping up during tough times.

Clash Royale has announced the Royal Hogs Calling Contest and named Bill Yount, a three-time Iowa State Fair hog calling champion, as the judge+players can submit their recordings until Nov.

15+the winner will be named on Nov. 22.

Nearly eight months after Kanzi died, over 150 people gathered at the Science Center of Iowa to honor the bonobo’s life and legacy—offering art displays, tribute videos, and scientific posters that remembered his role in language and cognition research.

Des Moines Performing Arts announced Monica Holt will become its new president and CEO in January—she will replace Jeff Chelesvig after 30 years.

Holt, who worked at the Kennedy Center, is set to lead the organization with a fresh vision.

Construction is underway at DMACC’s Ankeny campus for a 72,000 square foot Trades + Industry Center building that will house five programs in manufacturing, engineering, trades, transportation, and public service.

The $34 million project replaces outdated 1960s facilities and is designed to equip students with modern tools for today’s job market.

A law signed in 2022 requires public schools to test for radon by 2027 & private schools are not forced to, but Bergman Academy in Des Moines voluntarily tests all 32 classrooms and its early education center every two years.

The school has found radon levels below the EPA threshold & will keep testing to ensure a safe learning space.

Wind turbines in Iowa are built with decommissioning plans from the start and are mostly repowered with new parts instead of being removed—this process extends their typical 20-30 year life span.

A recycling facility in Fairfax opened in June to turn old blades into high-performance reinforcement fibers—an effort to boost renewable energy sustainability.

The 15th annual Iowa Climate Statement (released today) says climate change is making floods and droughts more common and driving up insurance costs, which may hurt home ownership (experts from Drake, Iowa State and the University of Iowa warn of these risks).

A DNR expert said they have collared three gray foxes over two years from live traps as part of a study on the animal's decline.

The project will continue this fall and winter as trappers and the public report sightings—helping researchers learn more about gray fox habits.

State Senator Zach Wahls from Coralville today urged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to resign—he said Schumer failed to secure an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits for many Iowans.

Wahls, who is running for the U.S. Senate, criticized Schumer's vote against a deal to end the government shutdown, arguing it showed lost trust in his leadership.

Construction resumed on 515 Walnut, a 33 story apartment tower in downtown Des Moines, after a two-week pause caused by a financing delay—crews resumed work on Nov 10 and the developer expects to complete it in spring 2027.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Comedy Penthouse Featuring Reena Calm

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Bash Events & Catering — $10 adv / $15 DOS — Enjoy a night of laughter with top-notch talent in an intimate setting.

Downtown Winter Farmers' Market

10 AM – 2 PM — EMC Expo Center — Free entry — Explore local holiday food and gifts while enjoying live entertainment and supporting small businesses.

Winter Storytime with The Grinch

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Meet The Grinch and enjoy a reading of his classic tale along with a fun holiday activity.