Cobble Hill chef Andy Schumacher is a Best Chef Midwest semifinalist. Simon's, an Italian restaurant in Des Moines, is named for Outstanding Hospitality.

Central Iowa has become a haven for all things fried chicken, especially in sandwich form. Des Moines already has Chick-fil-A, which reopened in West Des Moines after a remodel late last year; Chicken Heat for Nashville hot chicken; Charlotte’s Kitchen with its locations in Johnston and Altoona; and so many more.

Andy Schumacher, chef and co-owner of Cobble Hill in Cedar Rapids, was named semifinalist for the Best Chef Midwest award category. He was the only Iowa chef to make this year’s list.

A new bill introduced in the Iowa General Assembly aims to regulate the licensing of gambling games, including a moratorium on issuing new li

Under the proposed legislation — the full language of which has not been released — all Iowa school districts would be required to adopt by July 1, 2025, minimum standards for restrictions on personal electronic devices.

Two startup companies are getting a boost from the Iowa Economic Development Authority board. IEDA spokesperson Kannan Kappleman says Reality Wave based in Coralville is one of the businesses.”Reality Wave received a $50,

Overnight snow is leaving a light dusting on the roads for morning commuters. It's slowly clearing as nearly 200 plows across Iowa work to clear the interstates. Drivers are still advised to be cautious on less-traveled roads. More covered roads and slick spots in Eastern Iowa are causing multiple crashes closer to Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

Chick N Max – a next generation fast casual franchise specializing in almond wood smoked chicken and wings, chef-crafted sandwiches and golden fried tenders – is headed to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after signing its first-ever franchise agreement for three restaurants. (Chick N Max)

Simon's in Des Moines and chef Andy Schumacher of Cobble Hill in Cedar Rapids were both named to James Beard semifinalist lists.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is seeing an increase in flu cases. And dozens of schools are also seeing 10 percent or more of students gone for illness.

Addison Lathers covers growth and development, from neighborhood ice cream shops to downtown skyscrapers.