Good morning, Des Moines.

Des Moines Police and Fire Departments joined local families at Southridge Mall for the Heroes and Helpers event on Thursday, Dec.

11. Children enjoyed a fun day of Christmas shopping, dancing, and pizza with emergency responders.

Lucia Cheng joined the Des Moines Register as a trending and service reporter on Dec.

11. The California native and former award-winning pianist now covers local news and often visits nearby skate rinks.

The Iowa State Fair goes live today at 10:00 a.m. on iowastatefair.org, offering grandstand tickets for headliners Rod Stewart on Aug.

14 and Lainey Wilson on Aug. 16. CEO Jeremy Parsons warns against buying tickets from third party sellers (prices above $135 may signal a scam).

Waukee Superintendent Dr. Brad Buck announced his retirement effective June 30 and will start as Executive Director of the School Administrators of Iowa on July 1 (the Board will meet Monday to begin choosing his successor).

An Iowa Lottery ticket bought at Kwik Star in Norwalk on Nov.

11 won a $3 million Mega Millions prize, but the winner has yet to come forward. Lottery officials said the prize must be claimed at the main office in Clive by May 10, 2026 & appointments are recommended.

Former Gov. Terry Branstad, Iowa’s longest-serving governor, was honored with the Iowa Award on Thursday at the Capitol Rotunda where Gov. Kim Reynolds — his former lieutenant governor — also unveiled that a 36-mile section of Highway 9 near his hometown was dedicated in his honor.

Iowa DOT spokesman Stuart Anderson said air travel in October reached record levels while highway traffic held steady.

He noted the government shutdown had little impact then, but November may see delays and cancellations (according to DOT data).

State officials at the quarterly tax-estimating panel said consumer spending is expected to raise tax collections, but overall revenue will drop by over a billion dollars from January 1 income tax cuts.

They also noted challenges from federal uncertainty and positive signals from farm relief payments.

A study from MercyOne-Iowa Heart Center shows that heart attacks are most deadly during the last week of December in Iowa, and experts advise keeping up healthy routines amid holiday feasts.

They stress knowing heart attack signs and hands-only CPR to help save lives.

Nearly 1,800 nurses voted to unionize at UnityPoint hospitals while 251 ballots remain in dispute + the National Labor Relations Board will review these votes to confirm the final count.

The outcome may affect future contract talks that could extend union coverage to more hospital staff.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

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.

Drake Bulldogs Women's Basketball vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers

1-3:30 p.m. — Knapp Center — $10-$40 — Witness an exciting basketball showdown between the Drake Bulldogs and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

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