Good morning, Des Moines.

DES MOINES, Iowa — EveryStep is seeking volunteers to help wrap and deliver about 700 Cheer Boxes filled with family-friendly gifts to support families coping with a recent loss, with deliveries scheduled to begin on Monday.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host its sixth annual Hide and Seek Ornaments You Keep activation from Dec.

5 through Dec. 14, where local artists will hide free handmade ornaments at shops, restaurants, and attractions across the region. The event will support local businesses and artists—select ornaments include gift cards to encourage community shopping.

The U.S. Treasury stopped minting pennies this week and Iowa banks plus coin collectors are changing how they handle one-cent pieces—Owen McKee from Ottumwa noted that while modern pennies are abundant, only rare copper wheat cents have extra value, so these coins will likely circulate for years.

Des Moines Public Schools forced Anne Eslinger, a full-time study hall monitor at Lincoln High School, to resign on May 16 after she repeated a racial slur to alert a discipline coordinator about a student's behavior—an administrative hearing later ruled she did not commit misconduct.

Drivers leaving Interstate 235 in the Waveland Park neighborhood had to use other roads when a water main break closed 56th Street between Kingman Boulevard and I-235 near the Waveland Golf Course on Nov.

14—officials said 63rd Street and 42nd Street are the nearest exits. Crews are fixing the break and lanes will open again soon.

Realtor.com data shows that homes in Polk County sold in August had a median price of $270,000, down 6.9% from July’s $290,000 and 1.1% below August’s $273,000 last year.

Recorded sales increased by 5.2% to 832 transactions with total sales nearing $280 million (single-family and condo prices fell as well).

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Turkey Trails Thanksgiving Run

9 AM - 12 PM — Gray's Lake Park — $25.98 — Participate in a Thanksgiving-themed 5k/10k run complete with custom swag and family fun.

Baby Rhyme Time

9:30-10:00 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy rhymes, songs, and stories while bonding with your baby in a playful setting.

Open Studio Holiday Shopping

11 AM – 3 PM — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Shop for unique art pieces and discover local talent in a festive atmosphere.

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with hands-on art activities for all ages and skill levels.