Hello Des Moines! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Top Dogs Member Market and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Prominent Des Moines developer ordered to pay millions in overdue loans (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — A prominent Des Moines developer has been ordered to repay more than $7 million in overdue loans, putting several downtown properties and a key Grand Avenue site on track for sheriff's sale. The ruling follows stalled plans for a boutique hotel and a PACE health facility that had city tax incentives, raising questions about the future of visible Ingersoll and Grand Avenue properties residents know well.
2. Des Moines City Council approves nearly $1M cuts to police and fire departments (who13.com) — Des Moines residents face nearly $1 million in cuts to local police and fire services as the City Council approves a budget plan to close a multimillion‑dollar shortfall. Fewer new officers will be hired, support roles in fire prevention and tech services are being eliminated, and both departments warn ongoing understaffing and heavy overtime could affect response times and neighborhood quality‑of‑life issues.
3. State News: Des Moines Budget Cuts, New Governor's Chief of Staff, Animal Rescue and Alcohol Harm Study (westerniowatoday.com) — Des Moines residents should watch today's City Council vote on more than $11 million in proposed budget cuts affecting police, fire, libraries, and parks for the 2028 fiscal year. Also in state news, the governor names a new chief of staff, the Animal Rescue League seeks help after large rescues, and a study ranks Iowa high for alcohol‑related harm.
4. Fallen Rider receives proper escort home (legion.org) — Des Moines quietly became the gathering point where Kansas and Iowa American Legion Riders met to escort fallen rider Michael Haas's remains back home to Kansas. Local riders, firefighters, and law enforcement helped organize a multi‑state motorcycle escort, complete with an honor guard and taps, to ensure he received a dignified final journey.
5. Michael Rohde earns Graduate Fellowship in Wildlife Policy (wildlife.org) — Des Moines will host The Wildlife Society's annual conference starting Nov. 1, where Iowa State University PhD student Michael Rohde will receive a prestigious wildlife policy fellowship. His work focuses on how farm wetlands can balance wildlife, water quality, and agriculture, highlighting conservation challenges and innovation with strong Midwest ties.
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Ok Des Moines! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
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