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🌱 Patch AM: Why a Des Moines man felt forced overseas for his final choice.

Coming up on the Des Moines Patch calendar: Paws & Pints 4th Birthday Bash

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Hi Des Moines! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Des Moines man felt forced overseas for his final choice.
  • How Des Moines' mayor squeezes city hall between fairground apple slushes
  • Who did Ed Wilson meet under the pork tent on day eight?

Also on today's calendar: Paws & Pints 4th Birthday Bash and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 88 and low of 64 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 83, low: 59.
  • Sunday: Sunshine; nice, less humid, with a high of 79 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Des Moines man with Alzheimer's dies in Switzerland after seeking assisted suicide (cbs2iowa.com) — A longtime Des Moines resident with Alzheimer's traveled to Switzerland to legally end his life, saying Iowa's ban on medical aid in dying left him no option at home. In farewell messages and a Des Moines Register column, Rusty Martin described cherishing time with family, wishing he could have died in Des Moines, and hoping Iowa law will change.
   

2. Des Moines mayor juggles fairground food stand and city leadership (kcci.com) — Des Moines residents can spot Mayor Connie Boesen pulling double duty, running her longtime Applishus stand at the Iowa State Fair while continuing her responsibilities at City Hall. She reflects on juggling 40 years of fair work with two years as mayor, noting both roles bring challenges and rewards. KCCI is also broadcasting weekday afternoons live from the fairgrounds.
   

3. Ed Wilson tries staying cool under the pork tent for day 8 of ISF 2026 (who13.com) — Out at the Iowa Pork Tent at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, WHO 13's Ed Wilson spends day eight chatting with longtime fairgoers, out-of-state visitors and pork producers. From cooling off with a fan-toting regular to meeting interns and concertgoers, the segment highlights the people who keep returning to Iowa's biggest summer tradition.
   

4. FFA student brings love of sheep showing to college (who13.com) — From the livestock barns at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, an FFA exhibitor from Osage is turning years of Dorset sheep showing into her next step at Iowa State University. She shares how early-morning fair routines, long days in the sheep barn, and deep pride in her animals are shaping her move from farm life to college.
   

5. Caitlin Clark Foundation brings book vending machine to Blank Children's Hospital (kcci.com) — Families at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines now have access to a new book vending machine that lets young patients choose free books during hospital stays. The Caitlin Clark Foundation and Scholastic launched the "Turning Pages, Healing Hearts" program to bring joy and a sense of control to kids facing medical uncertainty. Blank is one of three hospitals selected nationwide.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Moines

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📣 Des Moines Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Charitable Organizations' Alert! —Viking Foundation Read on Patch
  • Recently, some raccoons dug a hole large enough for them to enter the attic.
    I received a quote of $7,000.00 for a completely new roof. I want to know if anyone can raccoon-proof the roof for less than $7,000. I am aware that… (Nextdoor Oak Park)
  • Well i have made some new Coasters
    2.00 each 3.00 for 4 these are sets All sets will be posted together I am still living in Marion iowa . But still looking for a place to move in… (Nextdoor Sheridan Gardens)
  • Hy-Vee Supermarket posted a job opening for Overnight Stocker in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • AmeriPride Services posted a job opening for Bulk Folder in Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Des Moines here.

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: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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