Good morning, West Des Moines.

Fire crews were called to a house converted to apartments near Valley Junction late Monday night after flames and smoke were seen from the second floor—residents had evacuated and crews helped locate missing pets while arranging temporary shelter.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Former DMPS Superintendent Ian Roberts pleaded not guilty Tuesday to federal charges for illegally possessing firearms and making false statements on his job application—he was arrested by ICE in September and his case now proceeds through federal court.

Basi White, founder of Sensiil Studios and Iowa and Nebraska’s first Black comic book publisher, invites Iowans to Quad Comic Con at Merle Hay Mall from October 25-26 at 10 a.m.—the free event will showcase a new book and stories with Black lead characters.

He will also host Nightmare Mode: Anime Cosplay Party on November 1 at RezBlue Arena with a $24.99 admission that offers games, anime, food, and a costume contest.

Robert Lundin, the chief academic officer for Des Moines Public Schools, was placed on administrative leave on Oct.

6—district officials provided no further details on the personnel matter.

The Iowa DOGE task force released its final report today with over a dozen ideas such as linking teacher pay to student growth — Gov. Kim Reynolds said teachers would not see any pay cuts because a grant program already supports the change.

The Iowa State Education Association and some state lawmakers warned that paying for performance could hurt schools.

Food pantries in West Des Moines are bracing for increased demand if the ongoing government shutdown halts SNAP benefits in November.

Iowa HHS said it received a notice from the Food and Nutrition Service to stop benefits for 131,000 households monthly—and local pantries have adjusted their allotments to serve more people if needed.

Polk County Board of Supervisors approved a $200,000 investment to keep 60 water quality monitors operating, with $90,000 from leftover funds and $110,000 from ARPA, set to start in June when the current funding expires.

Officials said the move will help track nitrate levels, flooding and fishing conditions—ensuring safe water for the community.

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.

Hoyt Sherman Art Classes

2-4 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Space limited — Explore creativity through various art classes designed for Bigs and Littles.