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How to fake it: 2026 IHSAA boys state wrestling

Downtown Des Moines is bustling this weekend with wrestlers. Impress your friends with knowledge.

Sports

If you&#x27;ve noticed an unusual number of intense teenagers roaming the skywalks, you&#x27;ve found your answer: It&#x27;s state wrestling tournament weekend in Des Moines.Why it matters: Iowa consistently produces some of the country&#x27;s most elite wrestlers, so when you see a kid dominate in Des Moines this weekend, there&#x27;s a real chance you&#x27;re watching a future Olympian.

Des Moines might buy adjacent buildings after Odd Fellows deal crumbles

A larger redevelopment package would be more likely to save the buildings, the city says.

News

The city of Des Moines is seeking to purchase three historic buildings adjacent to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Highland Park&#x27;s Odd Fellows Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/08/05/historic-highland-park-building-could-be-saved" data-vars-content-id="05a6aa3d-1ae2-4f99-9496-ec7e4220c11f" data-vars-headline="Des Moines might buy adjacent buildings after Odd Fellows deal crumbles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/08/05/historic-highland-park-building-could-be-saved" target="_self">Highland Park&#x27;s Odd Fellows Hall</a>.Why it matters: An effort to redevelop the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="landmark building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/economic_development/200_euclid_avenue.php" data-vars-content-id="05a6aa3d-1ae2-4f99-9496-ec7e4220c11f" data-vars-headline="Des Moines might buy adjacent buildings after Odd Fellows deal crumbles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dsm.city/departments/development_services/economic_development/200_euclid_avenue.php" target="_blank">landmark building</a> fell through last year.

Drake's Greek Street could become "Agha Street"

The name is for the past president of Drake's now-closed Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

Drake University&#x27;s Greek Street would be honorarily named &quot;Agha Street&quot; under a request being considered by city leaders.Catch up quick: Agha Noor Ahmed Khan was one of the last presidents of Drake&#x27;s Phi Gamma Delta fraternity before it closed late last year.

Iowa lawmakers push data center transparency

A new bill would require public reports on data center water and energy use.

Business

Iowa lawmakers want to know exactly how much water and energy the state&#x27;s booming data center industry is consuming.Why it matters: Iowa has become a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="magnet for data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/04/28/the-midwest-s-data-center-boom" data-vars-content-id="9d900c93-9b79-4fd0-acab-a9e75eef0878" data-vars-headline="Iowa lawmakers push data center transparency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/04/28/the-midwest-s-data-center-boom" target="_self">magnet for data centers</a>, but the infrastructure needed to power and cool these facilities puts pressure on the state&#x27;s electric grid and water supply, which can get passed on to homeowners.

Report: Research links pesticide use to cancer rates in farm states

Iowa ranks second in cancer rates as researchers examine pesticide exposure.

Health

A growing number of researchers, doctors and farmers say pesticides may be contributing to cancer rates, according to a new investigation by nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Investigate Midwest" data-vars-click-url="https://investigatemidwest.org/2026/02/18/pesticide-use-and-cancer-risk-rise-together-across-americas-heartland/" data-vars-content-id="7fe8227a-a58a-4535-a452-93e71306dc5b" data-vars-headline="Report: Research links pesticide use to cancer rates in farm states" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2026/02/18/pesticide-use-and-cancer-risk-rise-together-across-americas-heartland/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>.Why it matters: Iowa has the nation&#x27;s second-highest cancer rate and is a heavy-pesticide state, using 53 million pounds last year, per Investigate Midwest.

Iowa's new cancer map zooms into ZIP codes

University of Iowa researchers have a new tool to help examine cancer incidences at a hyper-local level.

As Iowa grapples with its growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cancer rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcrg.com/2026/02/06/87-99-iowa-counties-report-higher-cancer-rates-than-national-trend-new-research-shows/" data-vars-content-id="3f0c4da2-dab5-485c-99ce-5ec0730b45ae" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s new cancer map zooms into ZIP codes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcrg.com/2026/02/06/87-99-iowa-counties-report-higher-cancer-rates-than-national-trend-new-research-shows/" target="_blank">cancer rates</a>, a mapping tool by University of Iowa researchers is helping health officials and residents examine cancer at a hyper-local level.Why it matters: Prior to the launch of the tool, rural counties and smaller towns struggled to obtain reliable data showing their area&#x27;s unique disease trends, says Jacob Oleson, a University of Iowa biostatistician who has helped with the project over the last decade.

Iowa lawmakers propose banning undocumented women, kids from WIC

Republican lawmakers say they want to make public programs accountable to taxpayers.

An Iowa House bill would prohibit undocumented women, infants and children from a federally funded food assistance program for low-income families.Why it matters: Local food bank organizers warn that taking away aid would result in more hungry infants and children at a time when food banks are experiencing record demand.

Iowa kids' flu shots lag as "very high" illness rate hits the state

Schools across the state are experiencing high rates of absence due to illness.

Kids&#x27; flu shots are lagging compared to last year amid what&#x27;s shaping up to be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically nasty influenza season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/30/superflu-symptoms-2025-flu-h3n2" data-vars-content-id="c0077455-f4f1-404c-86c3-163237fe2188" data-vars-headline="Iowa kids&#x27; flu shots lag as &quot;very high&quot; illness rate hits the state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/30/superflu-symptoms-2025-flu-h3n2" target="_self">historically nasty influenza season</a> tied to the so-called &quot;super flu.&quot;Driving the news: Uptake among kids aged 6 months to 17 years is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="down 1.5 percentage points nationally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/16/childhood-flu-shots-vaccinations-rate" data-vars-content-id="c0077455-f4f1-404c-86c3-163237fe2188" data-vars-headline="Iowa kids&#x27; flu shots lag as &quot;very high&quot; illness rate hits the state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/16/childhood-flu-shots-vaccinations-rate" target="_self">down 1.5 percentage points nationally</a> as of Jan. 3 compared to the same time last year, per the CDC&#x27;s latest data.

Des Moines emergency rooms fill up as flu cases spike

UnityPoint hospitals alone have experienced a tenfold increase in flu positivity rates.

Des Moines has been battling a surge <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in flu cases since December" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/06/charted-our-rising-hleaahhhurkurkbleaah" data-vars-content-id="e71bd834-8bd6-4cb2-8efe-76c0b4c71e99" data-vars-headline="Des Moines emergency rooms fill up as flu cases spike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/06/charted-our-rising-hleaahhhurkurkbleaah" target="_self">in flu cases since December</a>, and the Polk County Health Department says the virus&#x27; spread isn&#x27;t over yet.State of play: Flu season is still going strong in the new year, and the peak could be coming more quickly than usual, PCHD spokesperson Addie Olson tells Axios.<ul><li>Typically, influenza in the area peaks between January and February, Olson says.</li></ul>By the numbers: UnityPoint hospitals in Des Moines experienced a tenfold increase in Influenza A positivity rates over three weeks in December.<ul><li>For the week of Dec. 14, four adults and 29 kids tested positive in the ER.</li><li>By the week of Dec. 28, that grew to 45 adults and 115 kids, per UnityPoint.</li><li>From Dec. 13 to Jan. 3, Methodist alone saw an increase from 18 to 176 positive results.</li></ul>Zoom in: UnityPoint hospitals in Des Moines are at capacity and are postponing elective surgeries and procedures requiring overnight hospital stays from Jan. 8-13, per a statement.<ul><li>The postponement is occurring due to &quot;unusually high&quot; patient numbers, increased ER holds and record-setting surgical cases, per UnityPoint. Flu cases are a significant contributor.</li><li>MercyOne is also experiencing higher-than-normal flu activity throughout the state.</li></ul>Reality check: People with fevers, headaches or coughs should go to urgent care or their primary doctor, Olson says.<ul><li>The ER is meant for people having trouble breathing or experiencing chest pain or dehydration, she says.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: It&#x27;s also not too late to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="get a flu shot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/clinical-services/schedule-your-flu-and-covid-19-shots/" data-vars-content-id="e71bd834-8bd6-4cb2-8efe-76c0b4c71e99" data-vars-headline="Des Moines emergency rooms fill up as flu cases spike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/clinical-services/schedule-your-flu-and-covid-19-shots/" target="_blank">get a flu shot</a>, which can reduce the severity of the flu and protect more vulnerable people, Olson says.

COVID-19 vaccines coming soon for uninsured, low-income Iowa residents

The Polk County Health Department was able to order its supply of vaccines this week.

Following <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weeks of waiting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/09/26/covid-19-vaccine-free-uninsured-iowans" data-vars-content-id="b28e3a68-9de4-4d93-9a59-728d9d9c082a" data-vars-headline="COVID-19 vaccines coming soon for uninsured, low-income Iowa residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/09/26/covid-19-vaccine-free-uninsured-iowans" target="_self">weeks of waiting</a>, uninsured and low-income Iowans will soon have access to low-cost COVID-19 boosters after the CDC officially approved a set of recommendations from federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccine advisers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/19/covid-vaccine-vote-cdc-recommendations" data-vars-content-id="b28e3a68-9de4-4d93-9a59-728d9d9c082a" data-vars-headline="COVID-19 vaccines coming soon for uninsured, low-income Iowa residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/19/covid-vaccine-vote-cdc-recommendations" target="_self">vaccine advisers</a> on Monday.Why it matters: More than half of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unvaccinated Americans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/07/12/covid-vaccines-low-income-poor-workers" data-vars-content-id="b28e3a68-9de4-4d93-9a59-728d9d9c082a" data-vars-headline="COVID-19 vaccines coming soon for uninsured, low-income Iowa residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/07/12/covid-vaccines-low-income-poor-workers" target="_self">unvaccinated Americans</a> live in households that make less than $50,000 annually and already deal with barriers like juggling work and child care schedules.

Traumatic childhood memories are not black and white, says ISU professor

A new theory from an Iowa State professor shows that recalling traumatic events isn't black and white.

Memories of childhood trauma aren&#x27;t set in stone — they can shift, resurface, or even diverge from the original event, according to a new theory from an Iowa State professor.Why it matters: That means someone may recall an experience they&#x27;d long forgotten — or, just as powerfully, their perception of the trauma may evolve into something different from what happened, says Carl Weems, ISU professor of human development and family studies.

Uninsured Iowans in limbo for free COVID-19 vaccines

Health departments are waiting for the CDC to approve new guidelines for the vaccines.

Uninsured and underinsured Iowans wanting a no-cost COVID-19 shot from the Polk County Health Department (PCHD) will have to wait at least several weeks, says PCHD spokesperson Addie Olson.Why it matters: While most insured people can get their booster shots at a pharmacy today, those relying on federally funded vaccination programs will have to wait until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approves the latest vaccine guidance.

Medicaid cuts could cause more challenges for expectant mothers

Pregnant people in rural areas often deal with fewer healthcare options.

Pregnant people are less likely to access prenatal care in rural counties where birthing units have shut down, despite other prenatal providers still being available locally, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to a study" data-vars-click-url="https://tippie.uiowa.edu/news/2023/04/when-rural-hospitals-stop-delivering-babies-fewer-mothers-receive-adequate-pre-natal" data-vars-content-id="d182cb14-d44d-4499-8654-bcf5f668ea7f" data-vars-headline="Medicaid cuts could cause more challenges for expectant mothers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tippie.uiowa.edu/news/2023/04/when-rural-hospitals-stop-delivering-babies-fewer-mothers-receive-adequate-pre-natal" target="_blank">according to a study</a> co-authored by a University of Iowa researcher.Why it matters: People who attend fewer prenatal care appointments are more likely to deliver prematurely — and a University of Iowa researcher says the issue could get worse if rural hospitals close due to Medicaid cuts.

Des Moines EMS calls drop for the first time in years

The reduction is attributed to targeted outreach to frequent 911 users.

For the first time in years, Des Moines has experienced a decline in fire and emergency medical service calls — a change city officials attribute to targeted outreach efforts aimed at frequent 911 users and vulnerable populations.Why it matters: The reduction could help conserve staff time and the department&#x27;s budget<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" as city leaders grapple" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/09/des-moines-fire-department-goals-response-time" data-vars-content-id="b84b1a44-c4ca-4bd7-8633-a97d4d38c245" data-vars-headline="Des Moines EMS calls drop for the first time in years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/09/des-moines-fire-department-goals-response-time" target="_self"> as city leaders grapple</a> with improving response times for more urgent calls.

Health 🩺

Report: Research links pesticide use to cancer rates in farm states

Iowa's new cancer map zooms into ZIP codes

Iowa lawmakers propose banning undocumented women, kids from WIC

Iowa kids' flu shots lag as "very high" illness rate hits the state

Des Moines emergency rooms fill up as flu cases spike