Good morning, West Des Moines.

Fareway Stores and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation donated 25,000 pounds of protein to six Feeding America food banks on Monday.

The delivery, which came in 23 pallets of taco meat and ground pork for 100,000 servings, happened as local food banks faced rising need ahead of the holidays.

Families near Des Moines can plan for Santa photo sessions at several local spots — from Holiday Hullabaloo at Southridge Mall and Bass Pro Shops in Altoona to sessions at Jordan Creek Town Center, Merle Hay Mall and a pet-friendly event on Willowmere Drive.

Dates vary by venue, with events running from now through Dec. 28 and some requiring appointments.

Des Moines International Airport is seeing a rise in holiday travelers this week and expects its busiest times on Sunday and Monday as families prepare to fly for Thanksgiving.

Officials advise arriving 90 minutes early and using the new easy pickup system in the 1,100-space parking garage—reminding travelers to be patient and courteous.

State data showed Iowa consumers spent more this year as tax payments rose 3% through October compared to last year.

Creighton economist Ernie Goss said higher income buyers are switching shopping to Walmart & Target while others cut back on extras.

Parents, students and teachers urged the board to keep Walnut Creek open during a Monday night meeting, saying that moving the program to Valley High would break a help system built over years—vulnerable students may lose a safe place to learn.

The board will decide in mid-January as it sets the budget for alternative education.

Iowa State Patrol said that 246 road fatalities have been reported so far this year and the state aims to keep deaths under 300—a safety milestone not reached for 100 years—by the end of the year.

A new hands free driving law effective July 1 helped achieve a 20% drop in traffic deaths, and officials expect holiday travel challenges and snow to influence the final count.

Starting this week, I-80 westbound drivers from Highway 65 to the east mixmaster must use the new north side lanes while the middle lanes remain unused; eastbound drivers will switch lanes next year as reconstruction continues.

The DOT advises drivers to check travel updates + stay alert as construction projects run into December.

Former Iowa governor and ambassador Terry Branstad will receive the state’s highest honor next month when Gov. Kim Reynolds presents him the Iowa Award at the State Capitol on Dec.

11 — his decades of service in state and national politics underscore the significance of this recognition. Branstad, who served as governor from 1983 to 1999 and 2011 to 2017, and as ambassador to China from 2017 to 2020, has long been a prominent figure in Iowa politics.

Farmers who sold unpaid grain to Hansen-Mueller before November 17 must file indemnity claims by March 17 for up to 90% reimbursement with a $400,000 cap, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship—this step comes as the Nebraska dealer, which had its license revoked and later reinstated, continues under Chapter 11 proceedings—.

University of Iowa professor and psychologist Michele Williams told Iowans to plan ahead for Thanksgiving by choosing safe topics instead of politics—she said that listening to family helps avoid heated debates at the dinner table.

Williams added that treating conversations as a dialogue will keep the holiday peaceful.

Baby Rhyme Time

9:30-10:00 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy rhymes, songs, bounces, and stories for caregivers and babies aged 0-18 months.

Open Studio Holiday Shopping

11 AM – 3 PM — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Explore unique art originals and prints at this festive shopping event.

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 participation fee — Unleash your creativity with hands-on art activities suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Truman's Miracle Drive

7:30 AM - 1:00 PM — Valley High School — Donations appreciated — Help save lives by donating blood in honor of a miracle patient.

Christmas With The Celts

7:30-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $29.50-$69.50 — Experience a lively blend of Irish Christmas carols and contemporary hits with spirited performances and dance.

Wiggles and Giggles

10:15-10:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime filled with movement, music, and rhymes.

Joyann Parker's Soulful Christmas

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Athletico Physical Therapy - Ingersoll — Ticket price includes dinner — Enjoy a soulful Christmas performance along with a delicious dining experience.

Holiday Movie Night

5:30-8:00 p.m. — Science Center of Iowa — $2 for kids, $3 for adults — Enjoy a festive screening of 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' with free drinks and snacks.

Princess Brunch

9 AM – 2 PM — Exile Brewing Company — Reservations recommended — Enjoy brunch with special meet and greet from the Snow Queen and Ice Princess visiting from Arendelle.

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity during hands-on art activities for all ages and skill levels.