Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of November.
Good morning, West Des Moines.
🏘️ Community
More than 3,000 MidAmerican Energy customers lost power Tuesday night in parts of the Des Moines metro — most affected areas include Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, and West Des Moines.
Crews are working to restore service as residents cope with the outage.
💼 Business
Most Des Moines shopping centers will be closed on Thanksgiving while key retailers plan varied hours on Black Friday; malls like Jordan Creek Town Center and Merle Hay Mall will open with times ranging from early morning to later in the evening.
Several stores, including Bass Pro Shops and Best Buy, will operate on extended schedules to kick off the holiday season—precise hours vary by location.
Big retailers like Ikea, Buc-ee's and Total Wine may not open stores in Des Moines because the area is still growing—strict rules, long distances, and tough competition keep them at bay.
Local leaders and experts say the region must expand and adjust before these brands decide to set up shop.
🏛️ Government
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig returned to Iowa Monday after a nine-day trade mission to Vietnam and Indonesia to explore new business opportunities in Southeast Asia.
He said Iowa commodity groups saw a chance to boost pork exports to Vietnam + grow beef exports in Indonesia while building on earlier agreements that secured $800 million in orders.
🏥 Health
Todd Robertson from the Iowa DNR said only experienced paddlers with proper gear should use Iowa's lakes and streams during the cold season—water temperatures are in the 40s and paddlers risk hypothermia if they are unprepared.
He urged wearing a full-body wetsuit or dry suit, a life jacket, and never paddling alone to stay safe.
🎉 West Des Moines Events
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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.
Downtown DNA Holiday Gathering
5:30-7 p.m. — The Royal Mile — Free entry — Cozy up with neighbors for an evening of holiday cheer and community spirit.
🏠 West Des Moines Real Estate
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📣 West Des Moines Announcements
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