Good morning, West Des Moines.

Governor Kim Reynolds has directed Iowa Health and Human Services to hold regular meetings with food banks as over 130,000 households may face a SNAP delay due to the government shutdown—food pantries warn that they will face increased demand if SNAP benefits are not issued in November.

European Taste, a Ukrainian bakery known for its honey cake, crème brûlée, baklava, and coffee, will leave Valley West Mall later this year and reopen in Grimes off Destination Drive in early December—owner Alina Dvorschii said that a summer closure for water main repairs hurt business and reduced mall foot traffic.

The Iowa Department of Transportation announced that the ramp from eastbound Interstate 235 to westbound Interstate 80 at the Northeast Mixmaster will close overnight October 29 and October 30 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to pave a lane connection.

Motorists will follow a marked detour via northbound Interstate 35, SE Corporate Woods Drive and southbound I-35, and a section of westbound I-80 will also close overnight October 29 and October 30 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.—potentially causing delays.

Immigration advocates say a Des Moines high school student—detained during a federal immigration check-in at a downtown building on Sept.

30—was held in Hardin County Jail, moved to a detention center in Louisiana, and then deported.

On Wednesday, the Iowa DOT announced the new voluntary four hour course 'Alive at 25' for young drivers aged 15 to 24—designed to improve decision-making by teaching about speeding, distractions and peer pressure as an alternative to a license suspension after a second violation.

The program will run in five classes from November 10 to December 1 as part of National Teen Driver Safety Week.

Animal Rescue League of Iowa director Megan Matamoros advised pet owners to keep their pets safe during Halloween by placing them in a secure room and storing candy high out of reach—she also urged owners to update pet ID tags and microchips in case pets wander off.

These precautions will help protect pets from noisy doorbells, curious trick-or-treaters, and hazardous decorations.

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.

Iowa Reptile Show

10 AM – 4 PM — Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines — VIP & General Admission tickets available at the door — Discover thousands of reptiles, amphibians, and supplies while engaging with local breeders.

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.