Good morning, Des Moines.

Organizers announced that the Blue Angels will headline an air show at the Iowa Air National Guard base (Des Moines International Airport) on May 8 and 9, 2027, marking the first major event in 30 years.

Ticket sales will likely start in fall 2026.

Des Moines debuts a licensed Monopoly edition that features local landmarks, businesses, and organizations from downtown and across central Iowa - including High Trestle Trail, Water Works Park, and Ruan Center.

The game includes Community Chest and Chance cards and is sold at local Blank Park Zoo.

Iowa author Dan Henderson will visit two local libraries this week (Shenandoah tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. and Clarinda on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.) to share stories from his new book, Rhythm and Pep: The Vaudeville Career of the Pearson Brothers, which tells how local vaudeville stars made their mark.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership celebrated the graduation of the fourth Scale DSM Business Accelerator cohort on Dec.

9 as 18 local entrepreneurs completed a six-month program that provided practical business tools and peer learning. The program is powered by Interise and supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation.

Iowa farmers are discussing borrowing money for operations and equipment amid a second season of losses as crop prices remain low and credit conditions tighten, with the Federal Reserve Bank reporting about 20% of borrowers are highly leveraged — especially among younger and renting farmers.

The Iowa DNR announced updated info on chronic-wasting disease, including an interactive dashboard for deer health, as deer season is underway.

State deer biologist Jace Elliott said the details are available on the agency's deer hunting website (iowadnr.gov/deer).

Strong winds overnight led to whiteout conditions in northern areas, though rain today formed a crust over loose snow.

Forecasts show 1 to 4 inches of snow Thursday — a heavier storm is expected Saturday with subzero temperatures returning Sunday.

The Parks and Recreation Department announced it will keep all aquatic centers open next summer despite a $17 million budget shortfall.

The pools will operate on a rotating schedule to meet staffing needs and stay within budget.

Senator Chuck Grassley said Iowa farmers losing money on corn and soy may soon get bailout help with the $12-billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.

Checks will be available in late February for farmers raising 20 crops if USDA receives applications by Dec. 19.

Iowa State University Extension survey shows farmland values in Iowa increased 3.7% per acre, raising the average to $11,549 and hitting $16,269 in O’Brien County while Appanoose County saw $6,679.

Livestock regions recorded the strongest gains as limited supply helped drive prices + tougher crop returns challenged growth.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Make it Yourself Monday — Terre Vici

1-9 p.m. — Elevator CoWarehousing Community — Registration required — Create your own jewelry with a variety of charms, gems, and beads for holiday gifts and personal accessories.

Disenchanted! The Hit Musical Comedy

7-9 p.m. — Temple Theater — Ticket prices vary — Laugh along with the disenchanted princesses as they reclaim their stories in this hilarious musical.

Baby Rhyme Time

9:30-10:00 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage in rhymes, songs, and playtime for babies aged 0-18 months.

Christmas Sports Singles Mixer

6-9 p.m. — Vibes Kitchen & Bar — Entry + 1 free drink — Mingle with fellow singles in a festive sports-themed atmosphere, complete with fun icebreakers and holiday vibes.

The Outreach Project

1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with community resources including meal sites and shelters.

Russian Conversation Club

1-2 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage in light-hearted conversations while practicing or learning Russian with community members.