What's up West Des Moines! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Historical West Des Moines Cemetery Tour and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)
• Valley West Mall's new owner pushing out remaining tenants (weareiowa.com) — Valley West Mall in West Des Moines is forcing its final 17 tenants, including the Des Moines Children's Museum and longtime shop Chocolaterie Stam, to vacate within 30 days as new owners prepare for redevelopment. Business owners say the short notice, coming just before the holiday season, feels abrupt and disrespectful, and some are scrambling to relocate while hoping to return after changes are complete.
• THC Drinks in Iowa: Are They Legal, Where to Buy Them and What's Changing (2026) (herb.co) — West Des Moines is highlighted as one of Iowa's main hubs for legal hemp-derived THC drinks, giving local adults several nearby options. The piece explains current state potency limits, where you can buy compliant beverages, how to verify legality, and how upcoming federal changes after December 11, 2026 could affect availability across Iowa.
• What we know about Andrew Tanaka and the Interstate 35 shooting in Iowa (attackofthefanboy.com) — Law enforcement agencies, including West Des Moines police, responded after a 27-year-old man allegedly fired at multiple vehicles on Interstate 35 near Martensdale, injuring one woman and leading to several attempted murder charges. The interstate was shut down for hours as officers arrested the suspect and began an ongoing investigation, with a preliminary court hearing set for October 16 and no motive yet disclosed.
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Clive
Urbandale
Ok West 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 cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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