Are Iowa lakes safe for Memorial Day weekend?
Fishing at Gray's Lake park in Des Moines on May 23, 2025. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
Memorial Day weekend is typically considered the opening weekend for summer water recreation, but for some Iowans the thought of diving headfirst into a lake sounds more concerning than refreshing.
Driftless Water Defenders, an environmental group based in northeastern Iowa, is launching an initiative to bring awareness to the 'deteriorating quality' of Iowa's water and its impact on summer recreation.
The first beach monitoring report of the season, issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, shows the department does not recommend swimming from beaches at four of the 41 monitored state lakes.
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
DNR tests waters at the beaches weekly during the summer season, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, for E. coli bacteria and microcystins.
When levels of either exceed safety levels, DNR issues a beach warning which is not a closure, but an advisory to visitors that the water 'may carry a higher risk' of causing things like diarrhea, nausea or other acute symptoms.
According to a press release from DNR, advisories are especially important for Iowans with weakened immune systems, young children or those who plan to swim and might ingest water.
Advisories are issued when E. coli levels are higher than 235 colony forming units, or CFU, per 100 milliliters. At this threshold, the estimated illness rate is 36 minor illnesses per 1,000 swimmers. High concentrations of E. coli can also signal that other bacteria or pathogens are present in the water.
The DNR beach monitoring also logs county and city beach test results. As of Friday, beaches at F.W. Kent Park, Hickory Grove Park and Lake Iowa Park had E. coli values above the standard.
Microcystins, which DNR also monitors at beaches, are toxins produced by types of blue-green algae that can cause acute health effects, like rashes, nausea, diarrhea, or fever. These algal blooms appear as green 'paint-like' scum on bodies of water and should be avoided, especially if they have an oily appearance.
According to DNR, Iowa saw seven microcystin-related beach advisories in 2024. The blooms occur in nutrient-rich waters, which are exacerbated by industrial and agricultural runoff.
Iowa Environmental Council monitors the lake data throughout the summer as well and reported 23 state park beaches had swim advisories in 2024. IEC also noted Green Valley Lake, Honey Creek Resort Beach, and Lake Anita as the only monitored state lake beaches that have never had an E. coli related advisory.
The 48 Lakes Initiative, headed by Driftless Water Defenders, will kick off Saturday at 10 lakes across the state with in-person meet ups and the distribution of water quality statistics at each lake. Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences of recreating in Iowa lakes and how it has changed over time.
Chris Jones, the organization's president, said industrial agriculture practices are polluting the waters and 'depriving' Iowans of recreational opportunities.
'The Iowa citizens' dialogue we are starting today will help citizens to increase the accountability of polluters and governmental agencies responsible for enforcing the state's environmental laws and regulations,' Jones said in a statement.
Those interested in attending a Saturday meet up can find more information online.
The organization hopes the citizen-initiated dialogue will persist through the summer on social media and it encouraged folks to share their stories with the tags : #NoSwimEra and #48Lakes.
Food and Water Watch, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement and Progress Iowa are also supporting the initiative. Mazie Stilwell, the executive director for Progress Iowa, said the state's rivers, beaches and lakes should be enjoyed 'free of worry.'
'But for Iowans, you either enter at your own risk or heed the warnings for fear of getting sick,' Stilwell said in a statement. 'Iowans are making it clear they're done with politicians and wealthy executives who let these waters deteriorate … These are our waters, it's time we turn the tide and clean them up.'
Lake temperatures are still fairly chilly for swimming, as the latest fishing report issued by DNR shows most waters measured in the mid 60s, but the department encouraged Iowans to wear lifejackets and stay safe if they do decide to take a plunge.
Additionally DNR reminded those camping at state parks to avoid transporting firewood, as it can spread insects like the emerald ash borer or oak wilt.
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Boston Globe
4 hours ago
- Boston Globe
Biden's doctor failed to properly assess fitness for office, Obama's doctor says
The rare criticism of one White House doctor by another comes as Republicans have increased scrutiny of O'Connor and other former White House aides. House Republicans subpoenaed O'Connor on Thursday, a day after President Donald Trump ordered White House attorneys to determine whether Biden's inner circle tried to conceal his alleged cognitive decline. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Kuhlman also said the 2024 report merely assessed Biden's health when it should have considered his fitness to serve in one of the most taxing jobs on the planet. Advertisement 'It shouldn't be just health, it should be fitness,' Kuhlman said. 'Fitness is: Do you have that robust mind, body, spirit that you can do this physically, mentally, emotionally demanding job?' O'Connor did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Biden's recent disclosure of metastatic prostate cancer and reporting about his alleged physical and cognitive decline have fueled suspicion - among Democrats as well as Republicans - that the true state of Biden's health toward the end of his term was known only by O'Connor and a few others closest to Biden. Advertisement Journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson sketched a picture of a well-meaning but weakened president in a book they released last month. The book, which draws on interviews with dozens of Democratic insiders after the 2024 election, paints a portrait of a man suffering at times from forgetfulness, incoherence and fatigue. It also says that O'Connor was reluctant to give Biden a cognitive test, though he was assessed by a neurologist for conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Biden gave a sarcastic response last week. 'You can see that I'm mentally incompetent, and I can't walk, and I can beat the hell out of both of them,' he told reporters at a Memorial Day event, apparently referring to Tapper and Thompson. Biden's granddaughter Naomi Biden has called the book 'political fairy smut.' The book isn't the first time Biden's cognitive state has been questioned. Special counsel Robert K. Hur said in February 2024 that Biden had 'limited precision and recall' - including not remembering when his vice-presidential term ended - after Hur conducted two days of interviews with Biden about his handling of classified documents. Kuhlman formerly worked alongside O'Connor in the White House medical unit, a nonpartisan post, and appointed him in 2009 to serve as then-Vice President Biden's personal doctor. Kuhlman was Obama's physician from 2009 to 2013. O'Connor examined Biden - and signed his name to the February 2024 medical report that said the president 'continues to be fit for duty' - four months before a disastrous campaign debate between Trump and Biden prompted Democrats to call for Biden to step down as the nominee. Advertisement Kuhlman, who left the medical unit in 2013, said he tries not to criticize those who have held similar positions. He called O'Connor 'a good doctor' who seemed to do his best to 'give trusted medical advice.' 'I didn't see that he's purposely hiding stuff, but I don't know that,' he said. 'Maybe the investigation will show it.' Kuhlman wrote a 2024 book about his experiences in the White House Medical Unit in which he argued for cognitive testing for older candidates and presidents. O'Connor's six-page report included Biden's lab results and an explanation of various conditions for which he was being treated. It also listed 10 medical specialists, including a neurologist, who also examined Biden. 'President Biden is a healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male, who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency,' O'Connor wrote. White House doctors have long been under intense public scrutiny, balancing the deeply personal doctor-patient relationship with a responsibility to tell the American public whether the president is fit to serve - and if not, why. Some have gone to great lengths to hide when the president is severely ill - as Grover Cleveland's doctors did when they turned a yacht into an operating room to secretly remove a tumor from the president's mouth in 1893. Presidential physicians also are expected to communicate to Americans personal information about the very person who could fire them. 'Whether it's family who are worried for them or people who work for them and don't want to lose their jobs, no one has a vested interest in hearing the truth about the president's health - except for the American people and the world,' said Barbara Perry, a presidential historian at the University of Virginia. Advertisement It has not always been clear what role the White House doctors see for themselves. Even as they are often close confidants of the president, they must consider the good of the country in their recommendations about what tests and treatments to pursue. O'Connor repeatedly refused last year to administer a cognitive exam to Biden even as aides privately expressed concerns about his mental fitness, according to Tapper and Thompson's book. Trump's former doctors, including Ronny Jackson and Sean Conley, have at times sounded more like cheerleaders for the president than sober judges of his health. His current doctor, Sean Barbabella, mentioned Trump's 'frequent victories in golf events' in the first medical report of his second term. Jackson suggested to the media in 2018 that Trump had 'incredibly good genes' and joked that he might live to 200 years old if his eating habits were more healthful. Jackson, now a Republican congressman from Texas, was demoted by the U.S. Navy after an inspector general report shed light on multiple misdeeds involving alcohol and harassment while he served in the White House medical unit. Conley, who succeeded Jackson, repeatedly downplayed the severity of Trump's symptoms when he was hospitalized with covid-19 in the fall of 2020. Past presidents who didn't want the public to know the truth about their poor health have orchestrated elaborate cover-ups. After Woodrow Wilson suffered a major stroke in 1919, leaving him with a paralyzed left side, his doctor conspired with Wilson's wife to keep his condition hidden from his own Cabinet. Advertisement Cleveland insisted the operation to remove his tumor be secretly performed on a friend's yacht, under the guise that he was on a fishing trip near his summer home on Long Island. The administration denied an initial report about the surgery, and the truth wasn't widely accepted until after Cleveland's death many years later, when one of his doctors publicly confessed. On the other hand, Dwight D. Eisenhower reportedly ordered his press secretary to 'tell them everything' after suffering a heart attack in 1955. His surgeons regularly briefed the public after his heart surgery. But medical transparency is only as strong as the president wants it to be. Like regular Americans, the president is protected by medical privacy laws, so disclosing any health information is ultimately up to him. An additional challenge, former White House doctors and presidential historians say, is that there is no official requirement for how often a president should undergo an exam, what the exam should include and which of the results should be made public. 'There's nothing codified about what to do,' said Kuhlman, who also served on the White House medical unit under George W. Bush. White House doctors traditionally conduct an annual physical exam on the president and release a memo of varying length that includes vital signs, a summary of the physical examination and the results of blood tests. These memos generally conclude with some kind of pronouncement from the doctor that the president is fit to execute the duties of the presidency. Trump's and Biden's doctors have largely followed that pattern, although the reports on Biden's health have been significantly longer and more detailed than the reports on Trump. Advertisement Kuhlman and Lawrence Mohr, who served as physician to Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, said they were never asked by any president to withhold medical information in their reports. Mohr said he recalls that there was 'never any question' about being candid about the president's health. 'You never lie; never, never say anything that's not true,' Mohr said. 'You put out a clear press release about what's going on, what to expect and you get it out there. If you don't do that, you end up with all sorts of speculation.' Reagan was 77 when he left office and five years later announced he had Alzheimer's disease. He faced similar questions about his fitness to serve. Mohr recollected administering the Mini-Mental State Examination - a test used to assess cognitive function - to the 40th president. Trump's doctors have given him a different cognitive test, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. But cognitive tests are not standard practice. Neither George W. Bush nor Obama took one, Kuhlman said. But they were much younger while in office than Biden. 'I was fortunate to have 50-year-old patients instead of 80-year-old ones,' Kuhlman said.
USA Today
9 hours ago
- USA Today
Save $228 on stress-relief tech for dad—exclusive Pulsetto discount here
Save $228 on stress-relief tech for dad—exclusive Pulsetto discount here Use our special promo code to save an extra 10% on this high-tech wearable device. By now, hopefully you're aware that Father's Day is right around the corner. But did you know that June is also National Men's Health Month? It's a time dedicated to raising awareness about the physical and mental health challenges men and boys face, from medical concerns to mental health issues. It's also the perfect time to start meaningful conversations about dad's stress levels and help provide him with some relief and support. The Pulsetto wearable device stimulates the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and helping Dad unwind and relax, which is why it makes the perfect gift for both Men's Health Month and Father's Day. Pulsetto has vagus nerve stimulation down to a science. And this June, Pulsetto is offering their high-tech device for $200 off, plus you can get free shipping and an additional 10% off when you use our exclusive promo code USATODAY at checkout. That's $228 in savings. What is Pulsetto? What does it come with? The Pulsetto is a non-invasive, vagus nerve stimulator in a wearable technology form that fits around your neck. The entire kit comes with the Pulsetto nerve stimulator, a charging cable, a user manual, access to the Pulsetto app and electrode gel for optimal skin contact. How much does the Pulsetto wearable device cost? Originally $478, the Pulsetto device is on sale for $278 and you can use our exclusive code USATODAY to save an extra 10% and ring up at $250 before taxes. What does the Pulsetto app offer? The Pulsetto app syncs to your device and provides five programs to help combat stress, anxiety and more. Pulsetto Premium gives you access to three different kinds of stimulations, 11 guided meditations, 54 breathing exercises and over 1,200 positive affirmations. The goal is help you relax, unwind and de-stress beyond the benefits of just meditating. Both the free and premium plan offer a range of features to help you on your wellness journey. More: Save up to 57% at the Johnson Fitness & Wellness Memorial Day sale What is the Vagus Nerve? Are there benefits to Vagus Nerve Stimulation? The vagus nerve is your longest cranial nerve, connecting your brain to several of your internal organs, including your heart, lungs and digestive system. The word vagus is Latin for wandering. It was given this name because it looks like it's wandering throughout the body, since it is so thoroughly spread out. Your vagus nerve is responsible for signaling the brain to activate your relaxation response by releasing calming neurotransmitters like serotonin. Vagnus nerve stimulation (VNS) works by delivering electrical impulses to the nerve. Thanks to the Pulsetto's technology, the stimulation process no longer requires needles or surgery, but is non-invasive, wearable technology. Stimulating the vagus nerve helps to aid in relaxation, which means it is helping to inhibit the stress response in your body, lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation. A majority of Pulsetto customers feel the difference in a matter of days or week, depending on their health factors. Shop Pulsetto's wearable tech Does Pulsetto offer a warranty? Yes! You can try the Pulsetto device risk-free for 21 days. If you don't love the results, you can return the device for a full refund. Additionally, every Pulsetto comes with a two-year warranty and you have the option of doubling the warranty to four years.
Fox News
11 hours ago
- Fox News
New mobile robot helps seniors walk safely and prevent falls
The demographic landscape in the U.S. is shifting rapidly, with the median age now at 38.9, almost a decade older than it was in 1980. By 2050, the population of adults over 65 is projected to surge from 58 million to 82 million, intensifying the already urgent challenge of eldercare. With falls remaining the top cause of injury among older adults, the need for innovative, tech-driven solutions has never been clearer. MIT engineers are stepping up to this challenge with E-BAR, a mobile robot designed to physically support seniors and prevent falls as they move around their homes. E-BAR, short for Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot, is not your typical assistive device. Rather than relying on harnesses or wearables, which many seniors find cumbersome or stigmatizing, E-BAR operates as a set of robotic handlebars that follow users from behind. This allows individuals to walk freely, lean on the robot's arms for support or receive full-body assistance when transitioning between sitting and standing. The robot's articulated body, constructed from 18 interconnected bars, mimics the natural movement of the human body, delivering a seamless and intuitive experience. The engineering behind E-BAR's mobility is equally impressive. The robot's 220-pound base is meticulously designed to support the weight of an average adult without tipping or slipping, and its omnidirectional wheels enable smooth navigation through tight spaces and around household obstacles. This means E-BAR can move effortlessly alongside users, providing support in real time, whether they are reaching for a high shelf or stepping out of a bathtub. What sets E-BAR apart from previous eldercare robots is its integrated fall-prevention system. Each arm is embedded with airbags made from soft, grippable materials that can inflate instantly if a fall is detected. This rapid response cushions the user without causing bruising, and, crucially, it does so without requiring the user to wear any special gear. In lab tests, E-BAR successfully supported elderly volunteers as they performed everyday tasks that often pose a risk for falls, such as bending down, stretching up or navigating the tricky edge of a bathtub. Currently, E-BAR is operated via remote control, but the MIT team is already working on automating its navigation and assistance features. The vision is for future versions to autonomously follow users, assess their real-time fall risk using machine learning algorithms and provide adaptive support as their mobility needs evolve. The E-BAR project is rooted in extensive interviews with seniors and caregivers, which revealed a strong preference for unobtrusive, non-restrictive support systems. E-BAR's U-shaped handlebars leave the front of the user completely open, allowing for a natural stride and easy exit at any time. The robot is slim enough to fit through standard doorways and is designed to blend into the home environment, making it a practical addition rather than an intrusive medical device. MIT researchers see E-BAR as part of a broader ecosystem of assistive technologies, each tailored to different stages of aging and mobility. While some devices may offer predictive fall detection or harness-based support, E-BAR's unique combination of full-body assistance, fall prevention and user autonomy addresses a critical gap for those who want to maintain independence but need occasional support. Currently, MIT's E-BAR robot is still in the prototype stage and is not yet available for consumer purchase. The research team is continuing to refine the design and aims to bring it to market in the coming years, but it could take 5–10 years before the device receives full regulatory approval and becomes commercially accessible. Looking forward, the research team is also focused on refining E-BAR's design to make it slimmer, more maneuverable and even more intuitive to use. They are also exploring ways to integrate advanced AI for real-time fall prediction and adaptive assistance, ensuring that the robot can meet users' changing needs as they age. The ultimate goal is to provide seamless, continuous support, empowering seniors to live safely and confidently in their own homes. What stands out about E-BAR is how it's designed with real people in mind, not just as a tech gadget. It's easy to see how something like this could make a big difference for seniors wanting to stay independent without feeling tied down by bulky or uncomfortable devices. As the technology improves, it could change the way we think about caring for older adults, making everyday life safer and a bit easier for everyone involved. How comfortable would you feel trusting a robot like E-BAR to help your loved ones move safely around their home? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
