Good morning, Des Moines.

Blank Park Zoo is building the Marjorie A.

Foster Lion Conservation Center — a new exhibit three times larger than the current enclosure that will offer visitors three ways to view the pride. The zoo is also asking Iowans to donate on Giving Tuesday to support the animals in its care.

A Delta flight skidded off the runway at Des Moines International Airport during a post-Thanksgiving snowstorm on Nov.

29, leaving 54 passengers and 4 crew members uninjured—federal investigators are reviewing the incident while the airport reopened late Sunday morning.

On Cyber Monday, Bao Vang from the Better Business Bureau warned Iowans that scammers are rising — fake websites mimic legitimate retailers and steal images to trick buyers.

She advised consumers to research sellers carefully before clicking on deals.

Businesses in West Des Moines' Historic Valley Junction have rescheduled Small Business Saturday due to a winter storm that ended the original event.

The updated event will occur on Dec. 6—shoppers can expect special promotions and shopping bags at the Welcome Center while supplies last.

The Ingersoll Theater is holding a career fair on Friday, Dec.

5 and Saturday, Dec. 6 at The French Way on Euclid Avenue to hire servers, ushers and stagehands ahead of its reopening later this month with first shows on Dec. 31. Job candidates must bring their résumé and a valid ID—such as a Social Security card, state ID or passport.

The Krause Group missed a Des Moines city grant for a second year—its office employment numbers fell short of the required threshold.

The Iowa Board of Regents will elect new leadership in a meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.—following resignations from President Sherry Bates, who will step down on Dec 4, and President Pro Tem Greta Rouse, who will remain on the board until her term ends in 2027.

West Des Moines city council approved a $40 million expansion for the MidAmerican RecPlex Monday night, planning a 96,000-square-foot multi-purpose arena—this new space will host sports events, concerts, and community gatherings.

The project includes a third ice arena, a grab-and-go market, meeting space and 500 parking stalls—if all goes as planned, it will be completed by the end of 2027.

A new poll by Gallup and West Health of nearly 20,000 Americans showed Iowa ranked best for health care experience nationwide even though residents gave it a C+ overall; many reported delays in care due to long wait times and high costs.

Iowans are urged by wellness education specialist Christie Harris from Emplify Health by Gundersen to keep a gratitude journal—research shows this simple practice can boost immune health, lower stress, and improve sleep amid ongoing social tensions.

Iowans enjoyed a snowy day on Dec.

1, 2025 — residents sledded near the Iowa State Supreme Court, shopped for Christmas trees at Howell Tree Farm in Cumming, and ran along trails in Des Moines and Granger as the area felt the first snowfall. The winter scene brought families together across community outdoor spaces.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Python for Scientists Training/Class

N/A — Mon, Dec 8 – Fri, Dec 12 — Health Tech Associates — $2250 — Enhance your Python skills in a specialized training designed for scientists.

DNA Holiday Party

5:30-7 p.m. — The Royal Mile — Free entry — Cozy up with neighbors for a festive evening celebration.

Jolly Holiday Lights Celebration

11:59 p.m. – 1:29 a.m. — Iowa State Fair — Ticket availability limited — Experience the holiday magic with vibrant lights and festive cheer in Des Moines.

A Christmas Carol

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Stoner Theater — $25-$45 — Experience Iowa's best holiday tradition with the timeless tale of Scrooge and the magic of Christmas.

Christkindlmarket Des Moines

11 AM – 9 PM — Principal Park — Free entry — Experience a traditional German Christmas Market with crafts, music, and festive treats.