Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What do Des Moines’ new conflict-of-interest rules let council members do?

Happening soon: Santa Run - Des Moines on the Des Moines Patch calendar

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
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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:

  • What do Des Moines’ new conflict-of-interest rules let council members do?
  • How new cancer-benefit rules could change life for Des Moines firefighters
  • How DMU’s new accreditation could reshape Des Moines’ doctor pipeline

Also on today's calendar: The Bomb Shelter Comedy Showcase and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Breezy with low clouds, with a high of 29 and low of 4 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Colder with snow, 1-3", temps: high: 8, low: -11.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high of 9 and low of 4 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Des Moines City Council loosens conflict of interest restrictions (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — Des Moines City Council has eased its conflict-of-interest rules, allowing members to vote on matters involving charities and boards they support, under certain conditions. The unanimously approved changes redefine what counts as an apparent conflict and expand exceptions, potentially affecting future votes on projects like nonprofit housing and other city-backed initiatives.
   

2. Rep. Zach Nunn supports bipartisan legislation to expand firefighter cancer benefits (kcci.com) — Des Moines firefighters are backing bipartisan federal legislation that would expand cancer-related death benefits for firefighters’ families nationwide, similar to a new Iowa law that took effect July 1. Local union leader Joe Van Haalen explains how much higher cancer risks are for firefighters and why broader coverage brings peace of mind to Des Moines first responders and their families.
   

3. Des Moines University (DMU) Earns Accreditation to Launch Its Own Residency Programs (rcreader.com) — Des Moines-area readers should know that Des Moines University in West Des Moines just earned accreditation to sponsor its own medical residency and fellowship programs, starting with a new osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine fellowship at the DMU Clinic. The move aims to expand local training slots, keep more physicians in Iowa, and enhance clinical education opportunities in the Des Moines metro and statewide.
   

4. Watch 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' at home or in theaters this year (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — Families in Des Moines can catch a live stage adaptation of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Des Moines Civic Center as part of the Willis Broadway Series add-ons. The story also breaks down where to watch every major Grinch movie version at home or in Iowa theaters, including new showings starting Dec. 12.
   

5. Des Moines woman charged with animal torture after dog found dead in suitcase (who13.com) — Police have charged a Des Moines resident after officers say they found one dead dog in a suitcase and another living in filthy conditions at a home on 10th Street. The surviving dog was transferred to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, and the woman is being held in Polk County Jail on animal torture and neglect charges with a hearing later this month.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Moines

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 12
  • Santa Run - Des Moines
    Des Moines International Airport, 5800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines
    8:00 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

  • Lost dog: Ari, a blond Pomeranian, escaped the yard when the wind blew the gate open during her midnight potty break.
    I live at 38th & Kingman. If you find her, please text me at 515-330-9981. (Nextdoor West Drake)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
    Daphany was LOST on December 9, 2025 in Des Moines, IA 50311 near Near clark street Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact… (Nextdoor Drake)
  • The Richdale Group posted a job opening for Maintenance Technician/Ticket Runner in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • Trinity Health Corporation posted a job opening for Part Time Patient Access Rep I - Part Time 1st Shift EOW 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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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