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🌱 Patch AM: Could Medicaid changes quietly shrink kids’ speech therapy in Des Moines?

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Morning Des Moines! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could Medicaid changes quietly shrink kids’ speech therapy in Des Moines?
  • Why did ARL rush to rescue 33 cats near Des Moines?
  • How two Des Moines leaders just joined Iowa’s powerful Regents board

Also on today's calendar: "Bill Owens Work and Leisure" on view December 20, 2025 - April 19, 2026 and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Des Moinesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Des Moinesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high of 42 and low of 22 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 40, low: 31.
  • Monday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 49 and low of 36 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Iowa families, providers raise concerns over Medicaid speech therapy changes (kcci.com) — Families and providers in Des Moines are warning that new Iowa Medicaid rules could sharply cut reimbursement for children’s speech therapy, forcing shorter sessions and fewer services. A West Des Moines agency serving kids at Des Moines’ Conmigo Early Education Center says the change could reduce payments by about 60%, and local educators and parents are urging state officials to pause and reconsider.
   

2. ARL rescues more than 30 cats from central Iowa home (who13.com) — Des Moines’ ARL of Iowa has taken in 33 cats rescued from a Johnston home, many suffering from infections, fleas, and severe ear mites now being treated locally. The organization, which recently broke ground on a new Rescue Intake and Rehabilitation Center, is asking for donations to help cover ongoing medical care for these animals.
   

3. Governor Reynolds appoints new members to Iowa Board of Regents (who13.com) — Two prominent Des Moines figures, former Meredith CEO Steve Lacy and former state lawmaker Peter Cownie, have been appointed by Governor Kim Reynolds to the Iowa Board of Regents. Their selections follow recent leadership changes on the board and will shape oversight of Iowa’s public universities, pending Senate confirmation. Both men emphasize strengthening higher education and the state’s economy.
   

4. Pieper Lewis turns herself in year and a half after Iowa Dept. of Corrections issues arrest warrant (weareiowa.com) — A high-profile Des Moines case has taken a major turn, as 21-year-old Pieper Lewis is now in custody in Polk County after turning herself in more than a year after a nationwide arrest warrant was issued. State officials say her whereabouts had been unknown since April 2024, following probation violations tied to her earlier conviction and sentencing in a 2020 fatal stabbing case.
   

5. Iowa mom continues late son's legacy with holiday toy drive (kcci.com) — A Des Moines mother is turning grief into generosity with Bentley’s Annual Battle Buddy Christmas, a toy and care-item drive honoring her late son. The effort supports pediatric oncology families at Blank Children’s and Stead Family Children’s hospitals, with donations accepted through Christmas at Yellow Brick Road Childcare centers in downtown Des Moines, Norwalk, West Des Moines, Jordan Creek, and north Grimes.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • MISSING!!
    Agnes (Wag): french bulldog, grey fur with white patch on chest. wearing pink strawberry collar. If seen PLEASE reach out to me! (Nextdoor Downtown Des Moines)
  • Anyone in the area of sw 9th and park see a blonde baby pitbull?
    He is all blonde with maybe some white on his tummy. He has a collar on but no tags. Name is blondie. Thin little guy snuck out the gate. Please let… (Nextdoor South Side)
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Recreation Leader - Summer Camp in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Janitorial Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$47/Hr 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: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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