🌱 West DSM Revokes Mask Mandate + Stilwell Receives Threats

Happy Wednesday, Des Moines! Here's everything you need to know going on today.

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First, today's weather:

Winds becoming strong. High: 69 Low: 32.

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Here are the top stories today in Des Moines:

1. The West Des Moines school board revoked its mask mandate in a 4-3 vote on Monday evening. The new rule will go into effect on Jan. 18 following the district's winter break. Students under the age of five will still be required to wear a mask until they are eligible to be vaccinated. (KCCI Des Moines)
2. A series of threats directed at Stilwell Junior High left parents concerned for their students' safety. The first threats appeared on social media on Thursday afternoon, and the school discovered additional threats over the weekend. An investigation by West Des Moines police found that the threats were not credible. (KCCI Des Moines)
3. Urbandale schools have voted to keep five controversial books in the library following protests by some parents that the titles were "inappropriate." The school committee heard arguments from parents and teachers during a meeting Monday night before voting on each book individually. The committee members also considered whether the books properly fit the current school criteria for teaching. (KCRG)

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Today in Des Moines:

• Budget/ARPA Presentations - Des Moines City Hall (11:30 AM)
• Winter Book Chat - Urbandale Public Library (3:00 PM)
• Orchard Place Holiday Drive (5:00 PM)
• Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting (5:30 PM)
• University Ave Public Meeting - Engineering (6:00 PM)

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That's it for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Katarina Betterton

About me: Katarina loves to read and write. Her hobbies include cooking her grandmother's recipes, learning new languages, and crafting. She and her husband live with their mutt, Ledger, and Shiba Inu, Mikasa, who are both way too cute for their own good.