Good morning Des Moines! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Polk County approves $1 million grant for Grays Woods Recovery Center expansion (desmoinessun.com) — Polk County has approved a $1 million grant to expand the Grays Woods Recovery Center in Des Moines, significantly boosting local access to substance-use and behavioral health services. The project will add detox beds, residential treatment, mental health care, and recovery supports under one roof, aiming to simplify care for Central Iowa families.
2. As Iowa cities sue fire truck manufacturers for prices, one company has an alternative (who13.com) — Des Moines has joined other Iowa cities in suing major fire truck manufacturers, alleging industry consolidation has driven up prices and slowed deliveries just as departments struggle to replace aging rigs. As the Des Moines Fire Department faces a $425,000 budget cut, some agencies are turning to an online marketplace for used trucks to fill critical gaps.
3. Des Moines must repay drivers for traffic-camera fines taken from tax refunds (kcci.com) — Des Moines drivers who had overdue traffic-camera fines taken from their state tax refunds may now be entitled to repayment, interest, and legal costs after a Polk County judge ruled the city's process offered no meaningful way to challenge tickets. The decision, part of a long-running lawsuit over automated enforcement, has city leaders reviewing next steps while maintaining that the violations themselves remain legally valid.
4. Scenic Paved Trail Hike with Des Moines Skyline Views (news-usa.today) — Central Iowa's fall colors are about to frame some of the best skyline views along Des Moines' paved trail network, giving locals easy access to leaf-peeping close to home. The piece explains when foliage usually peaks around Polk County, how riverfront and park trails reveal the downtown skyline, and offers planning tips for comfortable, scenic walks or rides.
5. Des Moines man sentenced to life in prison in sex trafficking case (who13.com) — A Des Moines man has been sentenced to life in federal prison for sex trafficking and related drug and racketeering charges after coercing vulnerable homeless women into commercial sex. Prosecutors say he and a Des Moines accomplice used violence, threats, and drugs to control victims, and even continued the scheme while he was jailed; authorities urge anyone with trafficking information to contact the national hotline.
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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: I for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
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