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I won sixth place at the Iowa State Fair’s husband calling contest on Friday.

• There were about a dozen entries.

Welcome to our special series this week, where we give you our honest fair food thoughts and let you know if it's "fair" for your money.

First up: The deep fried queso burger (pictured above) has beef chips mixed into what appears to be Cheese Whiz that is batter-dipped and fried.

People ineligible for monkeypox vaccinations have increasingly expressed concern in recent weeks that they are being discriminated against, Polk County Department of Health spokesperson Nola Aigner Davis told Axios Thursday.

Why it matters: The county's distribution plan is part of a public health strategy to use the limited supply of vaccines to target those who are most vulnerable to get it first and stop the disease.

My neighbor Marcia Miller is one of the state fair's annual culinary champs.

• She's been entering the competitions since 2000 and has, for years, labeled and given me samples after they've been judged.

A new study reveals the emergence of an "extreme heat belt" from Texas to Iowa, with days that feel like 125°F at least once a year by 2053, writes Axios' Andrew Freedman.

Why it matters: Most of Iowa falls under this belt, which could result in increased hardships, such as higher energy consumption and more health risks like heat stroke.

Welcome to our new political pulse column, where we take a look at timely issues leading up to November's Midterm election.

Today's topic: The Inflation Reduction Act, recently signed by President Joe Biden.

Nearly 70 students from low-income families wrapped up paid internships last week through Oakridge neighborhood's Youth Summer Employment Program (YSEP).

Why it matters: Summer jobs provide young people with benefits that extend beyond a paycheck.

Polk County Supervisors are drafting a letter to object to Navigator CO2 Venture's proposed 1,300-mile pipeline project, multiple supervisors tell Axios.

• The route would cross 33 of Iowa's 99 counties, including the northeast portion of Polk.