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Step aside, Midwest neighbors — Iowa is the belle of the ball when it comes to attracting bald eagles this winter.

Driving the news: Not only are these large raptors actively out and about right now — you'll likely find groups of them hanging around together.

Polk County will receive up to $60 million more in federal emergency rent assistance that had previously been allocated to the state, according to county administrator John Norris' memo to supervisors last week.

Why it matters: Polk County families need the help and federal officials have threatened to reclaim a state grant if the money goes unused.

An outpatient addiction and gambling treatment facility on Des Moines' east side is slated to expand its operations.

Driving the news: The City Council approved Prelude Behavioral Services' rezoning request for its property at 3451 Easton Blvd. last week.

Why it matters: Alcohol and substance abuse has increased in Iowa, and across the country, since the pandemic began.

Parents and community members are kicking off a petition drive Friday to call for a special election to fill a contested Ankeny school board seat.

Driving the news: Board member Deshara Bohanna resigned earlier this month with about two years left on her term.

• The remaining members could have called for a special election but instead appointed Aaron Johnson, a former member.

Cinnaholic is opening its first Iowa location in Des Moines' East Village this March — and the shop won't offer just any plain ol' cinnamon roll.

Driving the news: Franchise owners Shane and Erica Shouldeen of Des Moines are opening a store at 505 East Grand Ave., in the same building that houses Raygun.

• They expect to open multiple locations around the metro.

Many Afghan refugees resettling in Des Moines are struggling to find oral surgeons who are willing to take Medicaid — resulting in long drives to find care.

What's happening: Some of the refugees arrived with severe oral needs, like root canals and extractions, because they were unable to get care in Afghanistan and at the U.S. base camps, said Kerri True-Funk of USCRI-Des Moines.

• One Afghan refugee got off the plane in Des Moines with a wadded-up napkin containing several of her teeth.
• She lost them while chewing gum that someone gave her to keep her ears from popping, said Emily Mendez, of local nonprofit Dental Connections.

Thursday marks a rather, er — batty day in Des Moines history.

Driving the news: Forty years ago, Ozzy Osbourne bit off a bat's head while he was performing his "Diary of a Madman" tour at Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Jan. 20, 1982.

Former Iowa House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is running for Polk County attorney.

Why it matters: The office shapes the direction of local law enforcement and whoever lands the job will likely bring policy change.

• John Sarcone, a Democrat who has held the office for more than three decades, isn't seeking re-election this year.