Record Heat, Statehouse Shift, and Shooting Investigation Lead Des Moines Headlines

Unseasonable Heat Rewrites February Records

Des Moines is still talking about February’s remarkable warm streak. The city logged multiple record high temperatures during the month, including a 68-degree day that broke a standing record set in 1981. What’s typically one of the coldest stretches of the year instead felt more like early spring.

Weather experts say this run now ranks among the most notable late-winter warm periods in local climate history. The clustering of record highs in a single month has made February 2026 stand out in long-term weather records.

The spring preview won’t last indefinitely. Forecasters say a cooldown is on the way, with temperatures sliding back into the 30s and even the possibility of light snow by the end of the week. For now, it’s a reminder of how quickly Iowa weather can pivot.

All-Out Abortion Ban Will Not Advance This Session

At the Iowa Statehouse, a proposal from House Republicans that would have banned nearly all abortions will not move forward this legislative session. Lawmakers confirmed the measure failed to advance before a key procedural deadline.

That decision leaves Iowa’s current abortion restrictions in place for now. Supporters and opponents alike had been closely watching the bill, which would have marked a significant policy shift.

While the proposal is off the table for this year, the broader debate is far from settled. The issue remains politically charged and could return in a future session.

West Des Moines Shooting Under Investigation

Police in West Des Moines are continuing to investigate a shooting that left one person hospitalized earlier this week. Authorities say the victim was taken to a local hospital with injuries. No additional details about the victim’s condition have been released.

Investigators have not announced any suspects or arrests. Officers are working to piece together what led up to the shooting and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

The investigation remains active as officials seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Sources

• https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/february-heat-des-moines-sets-another-temperature-record-monday/ar-AA1WtY
• https://www.weareiowa.com/article/weather/des-moines-notches-multiple-february-record-highs-extending-recent-pattern-of-clus
• https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMizwFBVV95cUxNNF9nQjhhaVlBUXFzZFNoS08tS001V0tNeExTVHJEX2ZjUlp5QW1La
• https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiigFBVV95cUxPSHJlSS10NnBreVRTX3dwNFFYbEdFR0VHU3poMDdxaWFYZkI4M3R