Good morning, Des Moines.

On November 21, families attended the first East Village Promenade in Des Moines where they met Santa and listened to the Grinch read a Christmas story—Mayor Connie Boesen joined the festivities at the tree lighting.

Allegiant announced new direct flights from Des Moines International to Fort Myers, Philadelphia, and Burbank to give travelers more options ahead of the holiday season—tickets for the Fort Myers route starting at $47 were available from November 21 and will operate up to twice a week until May 18. The move expands nonstop destinations at the airport to 37.

Bill Knapp was honored with a military ceremony on Nov.

21 at a pavilion in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery he helped create by donating most of the land. Almost 200 family, friends and military officials watched as a three volley salute and taps paid tribute to the World War II veteran and civic leader who died on Nov. 15 at his Van Meter home at the age of 99.

Iowa mom Jill Viles—a DIY geneticist—solved her family's generations-old medical mystery by diagnosing two ultra-rare diseases after decades of tests; she wrote a book about her journey before passing away in June and her family held a book club meeting at Mary Dopf's home in Urbandale on November 17 to discuss her story.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the first flu death of the year, involving an older adult from southwest Iowa.

The weekly report showed very low flu cases — similar to last year at this time — and health officials advised anyone feeling sick to stay home and get a flu shot to help stop the spread of the virus.

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson urged Iowa families to ask their doctors about vaccines after the CDC changed its website to cast doubt on vaccine safety.

Doctors and health experts warned that many studies show vaccines do not cause autism and that the change may increase mistrust in science.

The Astras women’s arena soccer team, set to debut this season, will change its name from KC to Kansas and move home games to Iowa—this change comes after a dispute over territorial rights forced the switch from Lenexa to Urbandale.

The team will play its first road game on December 6 and open their Iowa home on December 13 while refund options are available for those who purchased tickets.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Monthly Writing Night at Smokey Row

7-9 p.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — A relaxed evening for writers to create together or explore new ideas with prompts.

Christmas With The Celts

7:30-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $29.50-$69.50 — Experience a lively blend of Irish traditions and contemporary Christmas music with humor and dance.

Central College Dance Team Championship

6:00 PM — Casey's Center — Free entry — Witness the Central College Dance team compete against ISTDA State in an exciting showcase of talent.

Freedom in Freeform Poetry Showcase

4-5:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A vibrant space for poets to share their original works and celebrate the art of poetry.

Holiday Movie Night

5:30-8:00 p.m. — Science Center of Iowa — $2 for kids, $3 for adults — Enjoy a festive screening of 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' with free snacks and goody bags.

Disenchanted! The Hit Musical Comedy

7-9 p.m. — Temple Theater — Tickets available — Experience a hilarious twist on classic fairy tales with Snow White and her disenchanted princesses.