An Iowa child needed emergency care after a viral squishy fidget toy left in a hot car leaked and caused burns.

Why it matters: Reports of burns and other injuries involving NeeDoh toys are rising across the country as heat exposure and a dangerous TikTok challenge create new safety concerns.

The big picture: There have been at least 16 NeeDoh-related reports across the country published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) so far in 2026, up from three during all of 2025, according to an Axios review.

• Most involved burns, skin reactions or other injuries after toys ruptured, leaked or were exposed to heat.
• Several involved microwave incidents that were reported to have caused second-degree burns, hospitalization and surgery.

Driving the news: The commission's Iowa report says a 13-year-old girl was treated in an emergency department after the toy leaked on June 3.

Reality check: CPSC does not necessarily independently verify each incident or determine that a product caused an injury.

• The commission report's search results attribute the case to Iowa, but the individual report does not identify a city or state.

Yes, but: The Iowa Poison Control Center has seen an increase from the previous two years, managing about 60 exposure cases involving squishy sensory toys and stress balls so far in 2026, spokesperson Janna Day tells Axios.

• About half involved children 5 or younger.
• Most cases involved children biting into or rupturing the toys, resulting in contact with or ingestion of the filling.

What they're saying: In a statement to Axios, Schylling president Paul Weingard says the company has added warnings to NeeDoh packaging and online listings against product misuse.

• He says Schylling has also worked with TikTok and other social media platforms to remove content showing product misuse.

Zoom in: Schylling has posted general safety responses to some federal incident reports.

• Its statement to Axios did not specifically address the Iowa case or toys leaking after being left in hot cars.

What we're watching: Whether federal regulators take action as reports of burns increase.

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Des Moines parks crews are now pumping water from Gray's Lake to irrigate trees, flower beds and planters across the city.

Why it matters: It reduces demand on the regional drinking water system.

Driving the news: Parks and Recreation began preparing for the operation in mid-June and now pulls about 18,000 gallons a week from the lake. It has pulled roughly 100,000 gallons so far this summer, city spokesperson Ally MacLean tells Axios.

How it works: Crews use a transfer pump and trailer previously used to fill wading and splash pools, allowing them to fill a 350-gallon truck-mounted tank in about five minutes.

• The only new expense was about $40 for a discharge hose.

The intrigue: The water removed so far this summer is equivalent to lowering the lake by about the depth of a nickel, MacLean said.

Reality check: The effort won't lower the city's water costs since the municipality doesn't pay for the water it uses for irrigation.

Yes, but: It creates operational efficiencies because the pump is close to the areas being watered, and it helps reduce pressure on DSM Water Works facilities, MacLean said.

Zoom out: The city also uses a 2,000-gallon rainwater collection system at its Municipal Service Center II building to help with park cleanup and street sweeping.

What we're watching: Whether Des Moines expands the use of alternative water sources, which city staff continue to explore, MacLean tells Axios.

🗳️ National Democrats moved to make South Carolina the first 2028 primary state, a decision that could prompt New Hampshire — and possibly Iowa — to push back with unsanctioned contests. (Axios)

🚒 A Des Moines firefighter is raising alarms that potential city budget cuts could affect staffing and response times. (KCCI)

🏗️ Exterior construction of the 33-floor 515 Walnut is nearing completion. (WHO-TV)

Jason here: Linh returns to work today after participating in RAGBRAI, and I'm preparing to answer for what happened on my watch.

Friction point: She left me to help care for her giant pumpkin plants, Hope #1 and Hope #2, and they had a very tough week — intense heat, a storm, and, worst of all, my supervision.

Zoom in: My first official act as pumpkin caretaker was amputating a rotted fruit from Hope #1.

• Later, Linh ordered me back to her house at midday with another ice pack and a fan after I sent her the above pic and reported that Hope #2's biggest pumpkin appeared to be shriveling.

What's next: Linh will issue her findings in an update later this week.

• I've already retained counsel.