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Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines plans campus expansion

The West Des Moines campus is one of the most popular churches in the state.

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Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, the largest church in Iowa, plans to expand its campus by 14,000 square feet, per a council meeting— including a gym, teen center and a larger food pantry.Why it matters: The $20 million project, funded through donations, reflects the church&#x27;s efforts to encourage more in-person interactions and accommodate a growing congregation, Pastor Jeremy Johnson tells Axios.

Polk County pushes "Polk Proud" plates

The new campaign urges people to get their vehicles titled locally.

Polk County&#x27;s treasurer is urging car buyers and dealers to title vehicles locally, launching a &quot;Polk Proud&quot; campaign to keep that business in the county.Why it matters: Hundreds of vehicles are being titled in surrounding counties each month, draining thousands in revenue that would otherwise support Polk County services, Treasurer Mary Wells tells Axios.

Iowa among states making early Medicaid choices

States are facing increasing financial pressures.

Iowa is among the first states reshaping its Medicaid budget ahead of nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1 trillion in federal Medicaid cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/01/state-budgets-medicaid-austerity" data-vars-content-id="bf3bc7b4-d97f-4472-8dfb-734fc2df52bf" data-vars-headline="Iowa among states making early Medicaid choices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/01/state-budgets-medicaid-austerity" target="_self">$1 trillion in federal Medicaid cuts</a>, with Gov. Kim Reynolds signing a bill last week to raise taxes on insurers.Why it matters: The move signals potential ripple effects for coverage, costs and state budgets nationwide.

West Des Moines considers $700K bathroom near Jamie Hurd Amphitheater

City staff say it's one of the most requested amenities from residents.

The Jamie Hurd Amphitheater is used for everything from theater performances to symphony concerts, rock cover bands and film screenings.<ul><li>But the one major thing missing for those events is a bathroom with flushable toilets, West Des Moines city staff say.</li></ul>

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.

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A choropleth map of U.S. states showing the change in flu vaccination rate among children from the 2024-25 flu season to the 2025-26 flu season. As of Jan. 3, 2026, 31 states had lower vaccination rates, 14 states had higher rates, and 6 states had missing data. Nationally, the vaccination rate declined by 1.5 percentage points.

Change in flu vaccination rate among children, 2024-25 to 2025-26

Data: CDC. (States in gray had no data available in the most recent reporting period.) Map: Kavya Beheraj/Axios

Health 🩺

Iowa among states making early Medicaid choices

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