Hello Des Moines! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What are the two favorite words for a shark to hear? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Des Moines Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Des Moines Patch AM possible.
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1. 14 Individuals Charged in Joint Federal and State Investigation of Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Organization Following Homeland Security Task Force Effort (ottumwaradio.com) — Federal and state authorities have charged 14 people after a meth-trafficking investigation that included search warrants in Des Moines, Marshalltown, and Perry, seizing cash, guns, and phones. Eleven suspects have already appeared in federal court in Des Moines, with trials set for late November under a Homeland Security Task Force initiative targeting cartels and trafficking networks.
2. Latino Heritage Festival celebrates Latin culture downtown for the 24th year (who13.com) — Downtown Des Moines is buzzing this weekend as the Iowa Latino Heritage Festival returns, filling the streets with music, dance, and food vendors from across Latin America. Local performers and small businesses highlight how much preparation and pride go into this single annual celebration, which runs during Hispanic Heritage Month through October 15.
3. This Affordable Midwest Suburb Has Home Values Around $322,000 And Tax Perks For Retirees (moneydigest.com) — If you live in Des Moines or nearby, this piece highlights why West Des Moines stands out for retirees, from lower-than-average home values to Iowa's generous tax breaks on Social Security and many retirement accounts. It also walks through local amenities like Valley Junction and Jordan Creek, plus detailed estimates of everyday living, utility, and healthcare costs.
4. Zach Nunn highlights breeder oversight efforts and Iowa's role in U.S. energy policy (desmoinessun.com) — Your congressman for Iowa's 3rd District, based in Des Moines, is spotlighting efforts to crack down on abusive dog breeders and promote Iowa's biofuels and energy sector. He's also tying in veteran support through an energy-focused wellness event, emphasizing affordability and reliability for families, farmers, and small businesses across central and southern Iowa.
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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: "MAN OVERBOARD!" (Thank you M J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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