Good morning, West Des Moines.

Google has launched a new Preferred Sources feature that lets users choose KCCI for the latest news, weather, and sports, with a free event from 5 to 7 p.m. today to show how to set it up — KCCI also celebrated regional Emmy wins including retired director Cortney Kintzer’s Gold Circle induction and awards for reporter Olivia Tyler, photographer Mike Simmons, the promotions department, and meteorologist Zane Satre.

Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons said the Grandstand lineup sold a record 131,755 tickets, breaking the 2019 record and showing that Iowans enjoy many music styles.

He noted that while Def Leppard and Rascal Flatts were in the lineup, the top-selling shows—by Forrest Frank, Megan Moroney, Pitbull and T-Pain—drove the success and future acts will be chosen with fairgoers’ feedback in mind.

World Food Prize events are underway in Des Moines—thousands of officials, researchers and food producers gather to discuss food innovation and honor this year’s laureate while tomorrow’s schedule includes panels on hunger hotspots and a talk by the American Soybean Association.

Former Governor Vilsack said the events will showcase sustainable farming practices and address food insecurity challenges.

During National School Bus Safety Awareness week, State Trooper Paul Gardner urges drivers to stop when school bus red lights are flashing—he stressed that amber signals warn of an upcoming stop to protect children crossing streets.

The Iowa State Patrol also inspects buses to ensure safety equipment like brakes and tires is working properly.

Iowa Workforce Development furloughed 67 employees on Monday due to a federal government shutdown — some now work two days while others are off work.

The agency says key unemployment services remain active—ensuring that customers receive uninterrupted help.

Over 60 Iowa Workforce Development employees were furloughed yesterday due to the government shutdown—about 67 workers from the Unemployment Insurance and Labor Market Information Divisions now work only two days a week or not at all until the shutdown ends.

Remaining staff are focusing on essential duties to process claims and support customers, though noncritical tasks like releasing labor market data may be delayed.

Thousands of Iowans who rely on SNAP benefits may lose access next month due to the federal shutdown—local food banks are struggling with increased demand and urgently need more donations.

Des Moines University will host its free 50 and Better Health Fair on November 1 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at its clinic at 3200 Grand Ave+ students under faculty supervision will provide screenings like skin, blood pressure, and neurological checks for adults over 50 with no registration required.

Iowa safety Xavier Nwankpa from Pleasant Hill was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after his Saturday performance against Penn State where he forced a fumble, intercepted a pass and made a career-high 10 tackles in the 25-24 win.

The Hawkeyes, now 5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play, will host Minnesota at 2:40 p.m. on Oct. 25 on KCCI.

Storytelling with Analogies

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Principal Financial Group — Free entry — Discover how to make complex data relatable through creative analogies in an engaging, hands-on workshop.

Drop-In Tech Help

2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free service — Get support for your electronic devices in a friendly environment.

The Outreach Project

1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with community resources and support services at the library's outreach event.

Spooky Science

9 AM – 4 PM — Science Center of Iowa — Free for SCI members — Enjoy hair-raising experiments and creepy-crawly critters at this family-friendly Halloween event.

Beggar's Brunch at Exile Brewing

10 AM – 2 PM — Exile Brewing Company — Fun for the whole family — Test out costumes and enjoy Haunting Bingo for prizes ahead of Beggar's Night.

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.

K-pop Meet-up

5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Trade photocards, snack, and enjoy K-pop with fellow fans.

Koyo Concert

6:00-8:30 PM — Wooly's — Tickets from $49 — Experience a lively evening of music at Koyo's performance.

Special Effects Makeup Workshop - Session 1

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Learn to create realistic scary effects with special effects makeup just in time for Halloween.

Halloween Big Band Performance

7 & 9 p.m. — Noce — Costume Contest — Enjoy a spooktacular evening with a big band featuring scary soundtracks and fun arrangements.