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What is a red flag warning? Iowa sees ‘very high to extreme’ fire danger Thursday

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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.

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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.





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‘GoFundMe’ shares update on Univ. of Iowa student shot at Ped Mall

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‘GoFundMe’ shares update on Univ. of Iowa student shot at Ped Mall


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A University of Iowa student critically injured in an April 19 shooting at the Pedestrian Mall is off a ventilator after multiple surgeries.

Miranda, who suffered the most serious injuries in the shooting, was taken off a ventilator and breathing through her tracheostomy with oxygen support as needed, according to a May 2 update on a GoFundMe page organized by her sister, Janjay Peters. The fundraiser has raised more than $195,000.

Doctors said if Miranda continues to do well with her breathing, she may be moved out of the ICU soon. The family expressed appreciation for the support they have been receiving.

The shooting happened at the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City, around 1:45 a.m. on April 19. Five people were hurt, one critically.

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Iowa City Police said 17-year-old Damarian Jones of Cedar Rapids was involved in a fight before he retrieved a gun from another person and fired six shots into the crowd, hitting five people.

Authorities said there is no evidence Jones targeted any of the victims, and none were involved in the initial fight.

Iowa City Police are still searching for Jones. He is facing five counts of attempted murder among several other charges.

The Iowa City Police Department said it expects to arrest more people in addition to the charges for Jones.

Copyright 2026 KCRG. All rights reserved.

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Iowa Democrats challenge Vance and Nunn over Burlington CNH plant closures

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Iowa Democrats challenge Vance and Nunn over Burlington CNH plant closures


IOWA (KWQC) – Iowa Democrats responded to Vice President JD Vance’s visit and endorsement of Rep. Zach Nunn in a press release.

The statement addressed Vance’s comments on tax cuts for American manufacturers. Democrats said corporate greed and policies pushed by Republicans including Vance and Nunn have led to the ongoing closure of Burlington’s CNH plant.

The release stated that from 2015 to 2024, CNH made $11.6 billion in profit and the CEO made $113 million during that time period. The statement said the money could have provided as much as $5 per hour per employee and could have been used to keep plants open in the U.S. and Iowa.

Vance discussed opening regulation for E15 fuel so Iowa farmers can have another revenue source, along with recent progress made for the Farm Bill.

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A farmer from central Iowa remarked on the recent Farm Bill, saying a new Farm Bill has just passed the House, but it is not future-looking and continues to support big operations. The farmer said the bill gives money for precision agriculture development and purchases for farmers.

The statement referenced the president’s February executive order to purchase metric tons of beef from Argentina instead of supporting Iowa’s beef production.

Copyright 2026 KWQC. All rights reserved.



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VP JD Vance visits Iowa during Tuesday visit

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VP JD Vance visits Iowa during Tuesday visit


Vice President JD Vance is headed to Iowa on Tuesday, expected to speak at a manufacturing facility. Tuesday’s visit will mark the first since taking office last January.

Vance is making the trip to campaign on behalf of Rep. Zach Nunn, who will be facing off in a competitive race to keep his seat in the Des Moines area in the November midterm elections. He is accompanied by his son Vivek on the trip, making a stop in Cincinnati to vote in Ohio, where he previously served as Senator, and then made an appearance in Oklahoma City to hold a fundraiser as the finance chair of the Republican National Committee.

Vance’s visit to Iowa was originally slated for last week, but the timing was changed because the House moved to pass a farm bill that Nunn was due to vote on.

He also had been prepared to appear last week at an Iowa State University event with Turning Point USA. However, the organization said it was not able to reschedule the event with the university until the fall.

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Vance’s visit to Iowa also offers him the chance to test his reception before Iowa voters, who make up a crucial voter bloc for the next presidential election.



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