Republicans, especially men, are among the most reluctant to receive a COVID vaccine, Iowa and national polls show.

Why it matters: That runs counter to the dominant narrative that minority groups are the most hesitant, as explored last week in a New York Times podcast.

• As Iowa opens vaccine eligibility to all adults next week, we’re quickly approaching a point where we'll will soon shift our vaccination focus to those who have declined earlier opportunities.

By the numbers: 41% of Iowa Republicans don’t plan to be vaccinated compared with 8% of Democrats and 30% of independents, according to an Iowa Poll published by the Des Moines Register this month.

What they're saying: Polk County Republican Party Chairwoman Gloria Mazza, who recovered from COVID and had a friend who died from it, doesn't plan to push for vaccinations among her group, arguing that peoples' concerns about potential unknown consequences must be respected.

• "I'm not a rebel by any means. I know this stuff is real. I've lived it, but I also believe strongly in personal choice," she told Jason.

The big picture: The percent of the population that must be vaccinated to reach herd immunity remains under study, but is generally believed to be about 60-70%.

• We'll reach herd immunity, but it may be through a "long, very difficult and remarkably unpleasant way" if people don't get vaccinated, John Rovers, a pharmacy professor at Drake told Jason.

What's next: Polk County health officials will soon launch outreach efforts to "any groups" that are hesitant, spokeswoman Nola Aigner Davis told Jason when asked about whether the department would target politically-affiliated organizations.

• Full story.

Job recovery in Iowa's hospitality and leisure industry rebounded when reopenings started last spring — but numbers have remained mostly stagnant since then.

Why it matters: Low-paying jobs make up a large portion of the industry's workforce, but they were also the most vulnerable to last year's economic shock.

• That remains true today: Employment in low-wage occupations decreased by 12.5%, compared with a loss of 5.3% in middle-wage jobs in December, according to Pew Research Center.

• These workers are the most likely to stay unemployed the longest and struggle paying bills, according to Pew Research Center.

Some positive signs: February's national BLS data shows the largest job gains were in the sector — signaling Iowa could see positive gains as well.

• In Des Moines, more restaurants said they're phasing back to in-person dining, according to the Register.

The state of play: The industry relies on its ability to stay open, as well as consumers feeling they can safely go out with cash in their pockets.

• Accelerated vaccine distribution and a stimulus boost are both wins, but hotels and restaurants still aren't expected to reach prepandemic business levels until 2022, according to the National Restaurant Association.

• The majority of Iowans support requiring students to use bathrooms that correspond with their birth-assigned gender, regardless of their gender identity. (Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll)
• A Des Moines mom and her son charged in connection with the Capitol riot pleaded not guilty during an arraignment Friday. (WOI-TV)
• A funeral for Anamosa State Penitentiary nurse Lorena Schulte was held yesterday, while corrections officer Robert McFarland will be buried today. Their deaths last week by inmates allegedly trying to escape has heightened the call for increased staffing at state prisons. (WHO-TV)
• House Speaker Pat Grassley said about $100 million will be proposed for the state budget to expand broadband service. (Iowa PBS)

Skating has experienced a resurgence thanks to the pandemic and a 90s renaissance, and Des Moines is in a unique position to take it to the next level with the upcoming Lauridsen Skatepark.

Why it matters: One-of-a-kind attractions will draw needed tourists and money once the pandemic recovery starts in earnest.

The big picture: Katie Baird, a career skater in Des Moines, said the park will be huge for people like her who travel 2+ hours to practice at skateparks.

• Baird, aka Bambi Bloodlust, moved to Des Moines in 2018 — a week after skating the whole week of RAGBRAI with her boyfriend.
• She said large concrete parks are atypical in the Midwest, so she expects it to draw in both professional and amateur skaters regionally.
• "It's huge to have a facility like this in our backyard," Baird said. "It's like a training ground opening for us — it's so much opportunity."

Beyond pro skaters, there's an influx of new skaters that you've likely seen on the trails or around your neighborhood, according to Rollerskate Des Moines co-founder Charissa Thornton-Raysby.

• The park could inspire the new batch of pandemic skaters to get immersed in the sport or inspire bystanders to lace up, she said.

Roller rinks are also seeing a resurgence in people, said Romina Muse, co-owner of Skateland.

• Black in Iowa holds monthly skate nights at Skate South.

Tips from Thornton-Raysby's for newbies:

• Hit up Des Moines' extensive bike trail system.
• Find smooth parking lots to practice in.
• Don't be shy — join her club!

Linh’s take: Nothing was more fun than cracking glow sticks and rolling around Skate West.

• 📣 Shout out: Do you have fond memories of skate nights? Hit reply and share!

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Jay Wang, the owner of the popular "Wasabi" restaurants around town, recently opened his latest venture in Clive at the former Trostel's Dish location.

• Aura is an American small-plate restaurant with a menu inspired by Wang's international travels, said operating manager Michelle Booth.

Some dishes you'll find:

• Korean fried cauliflower with gochujang, sesame and green onion. ($10)
• Pimento shells — smothered with pimento cheese, Tabasco bechamel and bread crumbs. ($14)
• Pork belly with smashed cucumbers, Vietnamese caramel and cashews. ($13)

Once the weather warms up, Booth said they're also planning on opening the 50-seat patio.

Open: 3-9pm Tues.-Thurs.; 3-10pm Fri.-Sat.; 12851 University Ave., #400, Clive.

These pileated woodpeckers were photographed Saturday at Walnut Woods State Park along the Raccoon River in West Des Moines.

• They're uncommon in Iowa and naturally reclusive.
• But their numbers have been increasing in recent years, especially in the north-central part of the state, according to the DNR and the Iowa Wildlife Federation.

Your best chance to see them is before trees leaf and while the ground is wet to cover sounds of footsteps, photographer Tom Alex told Jason.