Hi there, Des Moines! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Lawsuit against Des Moines police accuses them of excessive force (who13.com) — A Des Moines man is suing three city police officers and the City of Des Moines, claiming they used excessive force during a 2024 arrest that left him with a fractured jaw. The lawsuit alleges officers tased him and applied unnecessary force after he surrendered, and delayed medical care until he reached Polk County Jail. He's seeking damages and attorney fees.
2. Free bilingual science night in Des Moines Saturday (holaamericanews.com) — Families in Des Moines can enjoy a free bilingual science night this Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Science Center of Iowa on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. From 5 to 8 p.m., the museum will feature Spanish- and English-language science shows, robotics, cultural performances, crafts, and a community mural, plus local food vendors outside. Admission and activities are free for all ages.
3. Flood risk decreases in Des Moines after heavy rains (kcci.com) — Des Moines officials say flood risk along the Raccoon River has eased, so Fleur Drive should stay open even as flood gates and sandbags remain in place near Gray's Lake. Water Works leaders and Polk County emergency managers still warn that the river will crest above flood stage by Saturday, so residents in low-lying metro areas should stay alert for localized flooding.
4. Iowa expands AI reading tutor, but some parents share concerns (axios.com) — Families in West Des Moines and across the Des Moines metro are seeing rapid expansion of Amira, an AI reading tutor now used by nearly 100,000 Iowa students, including at Jordan Creek Elementary. One West Des Moines parent says the tool hurt her kindergartener's confidence and raised privacy worries, while state officials highlight strong reading gains and continued free access through 2028.
5. Des Moines sees wettest month in over 112 years, warmest September overnight lows on record (weareiowa.com) — Des Moines just wrapped up its wettest July-through-September stretch on record, with September alone bringing 14.50 inches of rain and frequent downpours. The city also experienced its warmest September overnight lows ever recorded, never dipping below 50 degrees and averaging more than eight degrees above normal. These extremes now rank 2026 among Des Moines' wettest years to date.
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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: "Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig?" — Because he was such a boar! (Thank you Theresa H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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