Morning West Des Moines! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Isaiah 117 Annual Golf Tournament.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Rainbow flag in Iowa classroom leads to controversy (ketv.com) — West Des Moines residents packed a recent school board meeting to debate a rainbow-themed flag and colored Chromebook tape in a Jordan Creek Elementary classroom. A parents' group wants the district to investigate whether the display violates Iowa's limits on K–6 instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity, while teachers, parents, and local advocates defended it as inclusive décor. District leaders say they're reviewing the concern and will respond later.
2. West Des Moines schools launch preschool program for 3-year-olds (kcci.com) — Families in West Des Moines now have a new preschool option for 3-year-olds as the district launches its Tiger Cubs program on August 31. Classes meet four mornings a week at Jordan Creek Elementary and Crestview School of Inquiry, with tuition assistance available for qualifying families. Kids can join anytime during the school year once they turn three by September 15.
3. Zach Lahn proposed this change for data centers (kcrg.com) — Business leaders gathered in West Des Moines as Republican gubernatorial nominee Zach Lahn called for a temporary pause on new data center projects across Iowa. He argues the state needs clearer rules to protect farmland, energy costs, and community benefits, while business leaders and Democratic candidate Rob Sand stake out their own positions on how to manage future developments. The discussion could shape how large tech facilities expand in Iowa communities.
4. Iowa HHS confirms more measles cases; first U.S. deaths from measles this year reported in Pennsylvania (littlevillagemag.com) — Iowa's measles outbreak now includes exposure sites in West Des Moines, alongside Des Moines, Clive and Bloomfield, as cases climb to 17 this year. Health officials stress vaccination, while national measles cases and recent deaths highlight the risks and counter misinformation about the MMR shot.
5. Massive Refinery Exemptions Would Undo Progress Under Trump's 2026-2027 RFS Blending Levels (iowarfa.org) — From its West Des Moines base, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is warning that rumored EPA refinery exemptions could erase gains from President Trump's recently finalized RFS blending levels. The group says expanded waivers would cut billions of gallons of biofuel demand, threatening Iowa biodiesel plants, farm income and recent job growth tied to stronger blending requirements.
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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: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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