1+ hour, 3+ min ago (766+ words) The holiday season has officially arrived in central Iowa, and communities across the Des Moines metro are lighting up with festive celebrations, pop-up experiences and family-friendly traditions. From classic light displays to themed dining events and immersive walk-through attractions, there's no shortage of ways to soak in the season. Whether you're looking for a cozy night out, a kid-friendly outing or a reason to bundle up and explore, the metro's annual favorites are back alongside several new holiday offerings. Did we miss an event? Email [email protected]. Nov. 4Jan. 4: Either/Or is launching "Tinsel," a festive holiday pop-up running through Jan. 4, featuring nostalgic d'cor, seasonal cocktails, themed dishes and a lineup of holiday events. Guests can stop in for a cozy, celebratory atmosphere whether dining with friends or family. Reservations and walk-ins are welcome. Nov. 21Dec. 28: Hessen Haus is debuting "A Kramp-ish Christmas,…...

3+ hour, 33+ min ago (150+ words) Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson was released from Northwestern Memorial Hospital Monday, the Rainbow PUSH Organization said, after sources said he was receiving care to manage his blood pressure. File video above: Jesse Jackson honored on stage at 2024 DNC Jackson, 84, a prot'g' of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., has been under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), the Rainbow PUSH Coalition said in a previous statement. He is currently in stable condition, the organization that Jackson founded said Monday. "Our family would like to thank the countless friends and supporters who have reached out, visited, and prayed for our father," said Yusef Jackson, son and family spokesperson. "We bear witness to the fact that prayer works and would also like to thank the professional, caring, and amazing medical and security staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. We humbly ask…...

7+ hour, 37+ min ago (196+ words) The Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball team continued its steady early-season climb this week, inching up to No. 15 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll after another convincing stretch on the court. Previous video above: Jefferson and Lipsey lead No. 16 Iowa State to 96-57 win over Stonehill Iowa State's 4-0 start " punctuated by a 96-57 rout of Stonehill " has highlighted the depth and defensive discipline T.J. Otzelberger has emphasized. Seniors Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson each scored 23 points in the Cyclones' latest win, which also featured their best second-half shooting performance of the season. Next up is Las Vegas and the Players Era Festival, where the Cyclones will get their toughest test yet: a Monday afternoon matchup with No. 14 St. John's. The Iowa Hawkeyes (5-0) received votes but did not breach the poll. Others receiving votes: Wisconsin 45, Kansas 34, Oregon 31, Georgetown 31, Saint Mary's 27, Nebraska 27, Ohio St....

8+ hour, 52+ min ago (193+ words) Voters in Clive, Windsor Heights and parts of West Des Moines are preparing to elect a new state senator in a race that has garnered national attention from Democrats following the death of Sen. Claire Celsi last month. Over the weekend, Democratic candidate Renee Hardman, who serves on the West Des Moines City Council and is president and CEO of Lutheran Services in Iowa, rallied volunteers to go door-to-door to reach voters. Hardman said Celsi was a friend and inspired her to run for office. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has highlighted this special election as a high priority. In 2024, Celsi won 70% of the vote in the district. Lucas Loftin, a board member of In His Light Ministries and Homeschool Iowa, is the Republican candidate for the seat. Loftin plans to gain the upper hand by listening to all voters…...

9+ hour, 30+ min ago (107+ words) The federal government is recalling a type of playpen sold on Amazon. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that play yards made in China that were sold under the name Anna Queen have been recalled. Investigators say infants can become trapped under the mattress or between the side of the play yard and the mattress. That could lead to serious injury or even suffocation. So far, there are no reports of any injuries. About 70 of the play yards were sold starting last March. The company urges anyone who may own the play yard to stop using it and to contact Anna Queen for a full refund....

16+ hour, 59+ min ago (366+ words) Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism after meeting with Ukrainian leaders to discuss the Trump administration's peace plan, despite concerns over the proposal's concessions to Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Ukrainian leaders in Europe to address concerns in the Trump administration's peace plan to end the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine, which has drawn criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans, as well as Kyiv. President Donald Trump initially set a deadline for Ukraine to accept his peace proposal by Thursday, but Rubio downplayed this deadline after meeting with Ukrainian officials over the weekend. "It is probably the most productive day we have had on this issue, maybe in the entirety of our engagement, but certainly in a very long time," Rubio said. The peace proposal drafted by the U.S. has sparked concern due to…...

18+ hour, 3+ min ago (113+ words) Thankfully, the bowlers were allowed to wear gloves while they threw the turkey. Thanksgiving can be stressful. To avoid that pressure, a group decided to bowl with frozen turkeys instead of cooking them. They weren't hurling turkeys just for fun. The group was holding a fundraiser in 1990 to put food on others' holiday tables. The frozen turkeys, which weighed about as much as a typical bowling ball, made a great alternative. When asked how she got a strike, one player said, "Trust me, it was luck." Watch the video above to see a fun alternative to eating turkey this Thanksgiving. If you liked this video, check out the archival playlist below:...

1+ day, 4+ min ago (153+ words) Jaden Grimm's senior season appeared to be over after Week 5 due to a broken collarbone, but the Nevada Cubs' continued victories extended the season and offered him a chance to return. As the team advanced, Grimm received encouraging words, "We'll get you one more game, one more game." Nevada's dream run continued as they defeated undefeated Solon in the state semifinals. Grimm then received another X-ray and was cleared to practice. Grimm not only practiced but played in Nevada's first-ever state championship game. Wearing No. 22, he rushed the passer and recorded a sack, contributing three tackles during the game. Powerhouse Bishop Heelan was competing in its 15th state championship game, but Nevada, a team of destiny, emerged victorious. They won 27-6, securing the first title in school history. It was an incredible moment for everyone, especially Grimm, who never thought he would…...

1+ day, 15+ hour ago (318+ words) President Donald Trump's proposal to end the Ukraine-Russia war is under scrutiny from senators, including Republicans, who argue it favors Russia and leaves Ukraine vulnerable. President Donald Trump's plan to end the nearly four-year Ukraine-Russia war is drawing criticism from senators, including some Republicans, who say it strongly favors Russian President Vladimir Putin and puts Ukraine in a vulnerable position. This comes as top U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials meet Sunday in Switzerland to discuss President Trump's plan to end the war. "It rewards aggression. This is pure and simple. There's no ethical, legal, moral, political justification for Russia claiming eastern Ukraine," Independent Maine Sen. Angus King said of Trump's proposal. "We should not do anything that makes (Putin) feel like he has a win here," said Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Trump initially said he was giving Ukrainian…...

1+ day, 16+ hour ago (653+ words) Talks between Ukraine and its Western allies on a U.S.-proposed peace plan to end Russia's invasion got underway in Geneva on Sunday, Ukrainian officials said on Sunday. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, presidential chief of staff Andrii Yermak, wrote on social media that they held their first meeting with the national security advisers from the U.K., France, and Germany. The allies have rallied around Kyiv in a push to revise the plan, which is seen as favoring Moscow. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was expected to join the talks together with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff. "The next meeting is with the U.S. delegation. We are in a very constructive mood," Yermak said. "We continue working together to achieve a lasting and just peace for Ukraine." Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was waiting…...