Good morning, West Des Moines.

Fit to be Tied, a local shoe store in Valley West Mall that has served customers for 21 years, is closing as its owner liquidates remaining stock in a going-away sale.

West Des Moines will choose a developer to redevelop the mall within two months—officials said planning will include discussions on incentives and guarantees.

Iowa hemp businesses and agriculture experts said a federal funding bill with a hemp ban could force the removal of hemp products—such as creams, massage oils, edibles and drinks—from shelves within a year if enacted, which they say would hurt farmers, jobs and small retailers.

They warned the measure would disrupt a sector that has grown since 2018 and challenge the future of the hemp market.

Rooftop Gardens is a Youth and Shelter Services program that offers at-risk youth and young adults aged 18 to 25 a chance to learn job skills and earn $15 per hour for up to 20 hours weekly working at a freight farm that grows produce — a converted shipping container that acts like three acres of farmland. The program runs in six‐month cohorts combining classroom lessons and hands on training, and its current group will have five graduates in December.

On Tuesday night, Iowans watched a stunning display of northern lights as many captured the moment on camera, and local videographer Brindlie Deitrick shared two timelapse videos (from Des Moines) with KCCI (highlighting the aurora).

Central Iowa communities prepared children for an AI future after a teen’s altered photos led Gov. Kim Reynolds to sign a law that makes it a felony to create explicit images of minors—Drake University’s AI program now includes ethics and digital safety in its curriculum to help kids navigate the internet carefully.

Susie Rider is working with Wasabi Sushi for the 11th year to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis.

Jay Wang at Wasabi Des Moines is selling Andrea’s Angel Roll at all seven locations—20% of the sale goes to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Iowa Chapter to help fund research and support families.

A free health vending machine at the Polk County Health Department in Des Moines now dispenses items like Plan B, naloxone and gun locks around the clock; its use rose from 1,300 items in May to an average of 2,300 items per month—officials say the increase reflects growing challenges in accessing reproductive healthcare.

ByHeart baby formula was recalled after a botulism outbreak led to 15 infants being hospitalized in 12 states; the formula is produced in Allerton, Iowa and canned in Portland—parents should stop using it and dispose of any remaining products.

No deaths have been reported and Iowa has not seen any infant botulism cases.

Des Moines backers of a proposed men's soccer team have announced plans for a women’s team that will be the first Division 1 women's professional team in the area—both teams will play at the planned Pro Iowa stadium.

The Krause group and the Iowa Soccer Development Foundation are working to close a few million dollar funding gap soon to start construction.

Les Miserables

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Des Moines Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the epic tale of broken dreams and redemption in this celebrated musical.

Morning Meet Up – MoM November Gathering

10-11 a.m. — The Slow Down Coffee Co. — Free entry — Connect with fellow parents of Asian & Pacific Islander children in a supportive environment.

Malcolm Wells - Student Harmonica Giveaway With Lesson

2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Discover the joy of the harmonica in this all-ages music lesson and giveaway.

SSBCI Lunch and Learn - Des Moines

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Elevator Co-Warehousing — Free entry — Discover how Iowa's $96 million investment supports local small businesses.

Hoyt Sherman Art Classes

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Registration required — Explore your creativity at art classes designed for mentorship matches.

Baby Rhyme Time

9:30-10:00 AM — 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Enjoy a lively session of rhymes, songs, and playtime for babies and caregivers.

Iowa CPCU I-Day 2025

7:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Nationwide Insurance — Registration required — A day of insightful sessions including a keynote by Sinikka Waugh focused on risk management and insurance opportunities.

Open Mic Poetry Night

7-8 p.m. — Beaverdale Books — Free entry — Celebrate creativity at this quarterly gathering of poets and spoken word enthusiasts.

Downtown Winter Farmers' Market

8 a.m. — EMC Expo Center — Free entry — Shop for holiday foods and gifts while enjoying local entertainment and supporting small businesses.

Downtown Winter Farmers' Market

8 AM – 2 PM — EMC Expo Center — Free entry — Explore holiday food, gifts, and live entertainment while supporting local vendors.