DES MOINES – An Iowa House bill would eliminate vaccination requirements for students attending Iowa’s schools. The Gazette reports House File 2171 advanced on party lines in a subcommittee, and eliminates public health requirements that have been in place for nearly 50 years. Supporters frame the bill as a matter of parental choice, while the vast majority medical organizations in attendance opposed the measure, claiming the vaccines prevent potential disease outbreaks.

IOWA CITY – A man is facing multiple drug charges after the Iowa City Police Department claims he caused an explosion in a winter shelter bathroom. KCRG-TV reports 44-year-old Abdiqani Haji Mohamud was arrested after an incident on December 4th. Police found no active fire in the shelter’s bathroom, but there was charred splatter found on surfaces in the space. Officers say the found methamphetamine in the suspect’s sock after the incident.

ATLANTIC – A school board meeting in Atlantic was cancelled on Wednesday morning. KCCI-TV reports the special meeting was stopped before it started, and a crowd that had gathered expressed frustration with the district. Those in attendance told the TV station that the meeting was for allegations against a staff member. No charges have been filed with Atlantic police.