Iowa
What is a red flag warning? Iowa sees ‘very high to extreme’ fire danger Thursday
The majority of Iowa, including the Des Moines metro, is under a red flag warning for Thursday.
The warning runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and has been expanded to replace the previous fire weather watch, according to the National Weather Service.
What is a red flag warning?
Warm temperatures combined with low humidities and strong winds create an increased risk for fire danger. Red flag warnings are usually only issued in the spring and fall weather seasons from Feb. 15 to April 30 and Oct. 1 to Dec. 15, according to the National Weather Service.
Where is the Red Flag warning in Iowa?
High wind gusts from 35 mph to 45 mph west and north of the Des Moines metro will create “very high to extreme fire danger conditions,” according to the National Weather Service. Humidity will be quite low, ranging from 15% to 25%. Des Moines is expected to see a peak humidity point of 22% and winds at 31 mph.
Is a red flag warning a burn ban in Iowa?
Red flag warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. Meteorologists strongly advise against starting fires, but cannot ban them.
Individual counties or cities may issue burn bans. Polk, Story and Johnson counties were among the 59 counties with burn bans active as of 8:45 a.m. Thursday. The Iowa State Fire Marshall’s Office maintains an interactive map of all active burn bans.
Safety practices you should take during red flag warnings
- In areas that permit burning, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
- Do not throw away cigarettes or matches while driving. This could ignite dry vegetation.
- Properly extinguish outdoor fires by drowning it with plenty of water, and never leave a fire unattended.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
Iowa
Iowa lawmakers at a standstill over pipeline fight that could shape landowners’ rights
Iowa
3 key bills that survived the Iowa funnel deadline — and 2 that didn’t
The Iowa Legislature’s 2nd funnel deadline put an expiration date on dozens of bills that failed to advance far enough this session. Here’s a quick rundown:
What is Iowa’s legislative ‘funnel’ and how does it work? (2026)
What is Iowa’s legislative ‘funnel’ and how does it work? (2026)
The Iowa Legislature’s second funnel deadline has passed, closing the door on dozens of proposed bills.
The self-imposed deadline requires bills to have passed one chamber and be approved by a committee in the opposite chamber by March 20 or be relegated to the trash heap.
What Iowa bills missed the cut?
Among the casualties: bills that would have allowed community colleges to offer some four-year degrees and eliminated all school vaccination requirements.
What Iowa bills made the cut?
Other bills remain alive, including legislation restricting the governor’s emergency powers, allowing Iowans to buy ivermectin over the counter without a prescription and limiting tuition increases at Iowa’s public universities.
What big issues are hung up?
Republicans, who control the Iowa House and Senate, have yet to strike deals on two of the top issues of the legislative session: property tax relief and eminent domain restrictions.
“There are some heavy lifts obviously,” Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh, R-Spillville, told reporters. “Property taxes, eminent domain conversation, and budgeting.”
What was the fate of dozens of other Iowa bills?
If you’re looking for a more complete list of bills that lived and died, read our exhaustive roundup of education, health care, business, state government and law enforcement and courts legislation.
Portions of this article appeared in the Des Moines Register’s politics newsletter. Don’t miss out. Sign up here.
Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne.
Iowa
Iowa Girls High School Basketball: Top Returning Juniors
We have officially closed the book on the 2025-26 Iowa girls high school basketball season with the crowning of state champions and individual all-state and player of the year awards being handed out by High School on SI.
Now, we take a sneak peek towards 2026-27 with a look at some of the top junior players in Iowa girls high school basketball. All numbers are from those listed on Bound.
Iowa Girls High School Basketball: Top Returning Juniors
Melina Snoozy, Sioux City Bishop Heelan
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Snoozy was dominant this past winter again, averaging 21.2 points to lead all juniors while adding eight rebounds, three assists and over two steals per game.
Kylee Pexa, Dunkerton
In addition to her 19 points a game, Pexa contributed almost five steals, five assists and 3.5 rebounds a game.
Ainley Ulrich, North Union
Ulrich nearly helped the Warriors reach the state tournament this past year after posting 20 points with five rebounds and 2.4 steals per game.
Izzy Gilbertson, Mount Ayr
At nearly 21 points and over nine rebounds per game, Gilbertson is a tough opponent to slow down. She also blocked four shots a night with 3.6 assists and 3.6 steals.
Maryn Franken, Sioux Center
Franken posted 20 points per game with nearly nine rebounds while also averaging six steals, three assists and a block to her stat line.
Taryn Petersen, Exira-EHK
Petersen was just a shade under 20 points per game for her team, adding in over six steals, five assists and four rebounds.
Cora Sauer, Lake Mills
Lake Mills went as Sauer did, reaching the regional final before falling to Bishop Garrigan. She contributed 19.7 points, six rebounds, almost four steals and just under four assists a game.
Lizzy Frazell, Waverly-Shell Rock
Frazell and the Go-Hawks continue to make a strong statement, as she finished the year averaging 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.
Addy Wolfswinkel, Cherokee Washington
Wolfswinkel recently committed to Omaha to play volleyball, but she is strong on the basketball court as well, averaging 19 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.5 steals.
Maggie McChesney, Glenwood
In addition to her 19.5 points per game, McChesney averaged eight rebounds, 3.5 steals, three assists and over a block.
KeaOnna Worley, Cedar Rapids Prairie
Watch out for a big senior season from Worley after producing 18 points, nearly five assists, over four rebounds and two steals.
Graclyn Eastman, Bishop Garrigan
Eastman and the Golden Bears reached the finals this past season in Class 1A, as she averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, three steals and two assists.
Katie Muller, Dowling Catholic
The Maroons will lean heavily on Muller next year, as she steps in for sister Ellie Muller. This past year, she averaged 16.5 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and a steal.
Fayth Sullivan, North Polk
Sullivan and the Comets made it back to state after she averaged 16 points, nine rebounds, three steals and three assists.
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