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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 do Norway's navy ships all have barcodes? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Nunn Hosts Air Force Secretary Meink, Makes Case for New 132d Wing Air Mission (ottumwaradio.com) — Des Moines' 132d Wing hosted Air Force Secretary Troy Meink as Rep. Zach Nunn pressed the case for restoring a permanent flying mission to the base. Nunn highlighted millions already secured for airport upgrades and a House-passed amendment positioning Des Moines' existing runway and Guard facilities for next-generation Air Force aircraft.
2. 16 unclaimed veterans honored in historic Iowa burial (kcci.com) — A Des Moines-based nonprofit, The Final Salute, organized a powerful ceremony laying 16 previously unclaimed veterans to rest at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, marking the group's 100th burial. Hundreds gathered in nearby Waukee and at the cemetery as a military helicopter, local leaders, and community members honored the veterans' service and ensured they received a dignified farewell.
3. State audit finds $160 million error in Iowa DOT reporting (who13.com) — A state audit based in Des Moines found the Iowa DOT overstated construction commitments by more than $160 million and misreported several other obligations and federal funds. While no missing money was identified, auditors flagged repeated reporting errors and urged stronger financial controls, which could influence how future transportation dollars are tracked and spent statewide.
4. Iowa researcher warns higher vape tax could drive people back to cigarettes (kwqc.com) — Des Moines University researcher Jason Semprini warns that sharply higher vape taxes could unintentionally push some Iowans back to cigarettes, raising secondhand smoke exposure for children in lower-education households. His findings come as Iowa implements a modest new vape tax and weighs how to reduce lung cancer risk without worsening harms for vulnerable families.
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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 do Norway's navy ships all have barcodes?" — So when they come back to port they can just scan-da-navi-an! (Thank you Jessica C. for sending it in!)
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