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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 strokes.

Driving the news: As average temperatures increase due to human-driven greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from the burning of fossil fuels, instances of extreme heat are forecast to escalate.

• A hyperlocal report released Monday by the nonprofit First Street Foundation makes clear where households will be vulnerable to what would now be considered almost unheard-of heat indices.

Threat level: The report, which is based on First Street's peer reviewed heat model, shows the number of Americans currently exposed to "extreme heat" — defined as having a maximum heat index of greater than 125°F — is just eight million.

Yes, but: Due to the anticipated warming during the next three decades, that number is expected to balloon to 107 million people.

Zoom in: In Des Moines, a "hot day" is considered anything that feels like 103ºF.

• The 50311 ZIP code is expected to reach seven "hot days" this year. But due to climate change, that's expected to double to 15 days by 2053.

Read more: An "Extreme Heat Belt" will soon emerge in the U.S., study warns

Welcome to our column "Political Pulse," 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.

State of play: The Democrat-backed $740 billion package includes provisions that increase taxes on large corporations, addresses climate change, lowers prescription drug costs and caps insulin prices.

• It also allows the IRS to hire 87,000 new employees, which they say is needed because of upcoming retirements.

Driving the news: Democratic U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne and Republican Iowa Sen. Zach Nunn spoke at length about the package during their soapbox speeches at the Iowa State Fair.

✋ Where they differed:

• Axne voted for the bill, saying it forces corporations earning over $1 billion to pay their "fair share," the Register reports. She also said the new IRS workers will help collect overlooked taxes.
• Meanwhile, Nunn said it will hurt small business owners, especially if they have to deal with IRS audits, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reports. Nunn said it's unnecessary government spending.

🤝 Where they were the same:

• ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Between the lines: Biden has emphasized that the bill will help lower the deficit and drive down inflation, though economic models suggest it will affect overall inflation only a little.

📣 Let us know what issues you want us to report on in future “Political Pulse” editions!

💉COVID-19 hospitalizations were down nearly 25% in the past week, a turnaround from recent weeks. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

🤷 Even if the DNC snubs Iowa's first-in-the-nation status, the local Democratic party could still hold the caucuses early anyway. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

✏️ Local schools are struggling with staff shortages again this year. (WHO-13)

👮‍♂️ Des Moines City Councilperson Indira Sheumaker has filed a counterclaim against two police officers, alleging they violated her constitutional rights when they arrested her in 2020. (Des Moines Register)

⭐️ Today's headline maker: Joe Clark of DSM.

The Spam deluxe cheeseburger ($10) is a thick cut of fried canned pork with an optional topper of egg and cheese.

• Ours was jalapeno-flavored but traditional Spam is available.

Jason's thought bubble: It was flavorful and far different than the spongy lunchmeat I recall from my childhood.

• Sure, it was salty and greasy — but in comparison with other fair eats I’ve had this week — it’s probably on the healthier side.

🧈 Butter ranking: Out of five

• Aesthetics: 🧈🧈
• Creativity: 🧈🧈🧈
• Overall taste: 🧈🧈🧈🧈

Go get it: At the Spam stand, east of the Administration Building.

Read our review on the new wild Alaskan salmon sandwich

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Soooooooieeeee! If you're around the Iowa State Fair Friday morning, come see Jason make history.

Driving the news: Jason is competing in the fair's husband calling contest — and he'll be the first-ever man to do so.

Flashback: The contest goes way back, said Regina Pirtle, superintendent of Pioneer Hall. She started running it 30 years ago, but it's been going even longer than that.

How it got here: Back in the day, husbands would be out working on the farm, while their wives cooked up large meals, Pirtle said.

• When it was time for supper, there were no cell phones to ding them. So wives had to yell across the farm for their husbands to come in.

Where to see him: 10am at Pioneer Hall at the Iowa State Fair on Friday.

• And if you spot us, say hi. We'll have some Axios swag to give you!