Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How the new 2026 pool closure schedule affects your swim plans

And check out Dante's Comedy Revue on the Des Moines Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Good morning Des Moines! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How the new 2026 pool closure schedule affects your swim plans
  • How a Des Moines police dog ended a dangerous overnight chase
  • What’s inside Des Moines police chief McTaggart’s new five-year roadmap?

Also on today's calendar: Free flu clinic and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: An icy mix, up to 1", with a high of 28 and low of 21 degrees.
  • Friday: Low clouds, brisk and cold, temps: high: 26, low: 4. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Colder with snow, 1-3", with a high of 8 and low of -11 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. All Des Moines pools will remain open in 2026 despite budget concerns (weareiowa.com) — Des Moines residents can count on all five city pools staying open in 2026, though each will close one weekday on a rotating schedule to control costs. Swim lessons and special programs will continue, and every pool will be open on Saturdays and Sundays, so families can still plan plenty of summer water time around the new schedule.
   

2. Des Moines police K-9 helps apprehend wanted Altoona man after pursuit (weareiowa.com) — Des Moines police say a K-9 helped catch a man accused of fleeing in a stolen SUV during an overnight chase on SE 14th Street, where the vehicle later crashed. Officers report finding suspected drugs, and both the Altoona driver and a Des Moines passenger with warrants were taken to a hospital with minor injuries before facing multiple charges.
   

3. Des Moines police chief outlines five-year strategic plan (kcci.com) — Des Moines residents now have a five-year roadmap for how their police department plans to build trust, use technology, and support officer wellness, unveiled by Chief Michael McTaggart. Developed over six months with community input, the plan follows national 21st Century Policing pillars and aims to move the department from “good to great” in serving city neighborhoods.
   

4. Federal grant funding restored for Iowa libraries, museums (thegazette.com) — Federal funding for the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines and other Iowa libraries has been restored after a federal judge ruled efforts to dismantle a key grant agency unlawful. The reinstated grants will help revive statewide programs like IA Shares delivery and online homework help, which had been scaled back, though future federal support for these services remains uncertain.
   

5. Starbucks workers in Des Moines join nationwide strike for better pay (kcci.com) — Unionized workers at the Starbucks on Merle Hay Road in Des Moines joined a nationwide strike today, pressing for higher pay, better staffing, and action on labor practice complaints. The walkout is part of a broader national push, though Starbucks says striking stores remain a small share of its U.S. operations.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Moines

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Thursday December 11
  • Dante's Comedy Revue
    Athletico Physical Therapy - Ingersoll, 1704 Ingersoll Ave Suite 101, Des Moines
    7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Des Moines Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Viking Foundation 2025 Grants Announced —Viking Foundation Read on Patch
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Ollie, a dog who went missing in Des Moines, IA, has been safely reunited with their family after 1 hours, 2 minutes. More details here https://www… (Nextdoor Oak Park)
  • This is for dog lovers ;
    my brother passed away November 18 and left behind his dog, which is a Chow. Dex is a very good watchdog and he loves being outside. He’s never been… (Nextdoor Sheridan Gardens)
  • AmeriPride Services posted a job opening for Washroom Operator in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • AEG posted a job opening for Building Attendant | Part-Time | Iowa Events Center & Wells Fargo Arena 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 could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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