Good morning, Des Moines.

Yesterday morning at DART Central Station in downtown Des Moines, DART buses transported passengers after a major overhaul was approved.

Photos captured commuters boarding and leaving as the transit system implemented the new changes.

At its Dec. 3 meeting, the Iowa Board of Regents elected Robert Cramer as board president and Kurt Tjaden as president pro tem + they began their roles today with terms ending April 30, 2026.

Starting today, officials have opened several warming centers and offered free rides through DART — locations include central Des Moines libraries and community centers.

This measure activates Polk County’s Extreme Temperature Plan as record cold and hazardous wind chills are expected.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership unveiled its 2026 state policy priorities at a Legislative Leadership Breakfast on Dec.

3, focusing on economic growth, workforce readiness and housing. The organization also announced a networking reception on Jan. 12 and set DMDC tentatively for May 6-8.

Truman Davis (17), a senior at Valley High School, was clinically dead in July from a ruptured spleen until blood donations revived him, and he thanked local donors and medical staff for their help.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Is Hope a Virtue?

11:00 a.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Explore the philosophy of hope in a thought-provoking discussion led by renowned lecturer Scott Samuelson.

A Christmas Carol

2-4 p.m. — Stoner Theater — $45 standard ticket, $25 community-sponsored ticket — Experience Iowa's heartwarming holiday tradition that brings Dickens' classic tale of redemption to life.