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Red Bull Soapbox Race — promoted as "the world's wildest downhill” competition — is coming to Des Moines on June 18, organizers told Axios.

Why it matters: The races have attracted tens of thousands of spectators in places like Los Angeles and Hong Kong. This will be Red Bull's first competition in Iowa.

• At least 25,000 people are expected to attend the Des Moines races, with an economic impact of $1 million, Greg Edwards, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, told Axios.

Thousands of Iowans are seeking assistance to pay heat bills as natural gas prices soar, records obtained by Axios show.

Why it matters: Limited natural gas inventories and production, along with an increase in demand globally, are driving prices up, MidAmerican Energy stated.

• A shutoff moratorium runs until April but, after that, Iowa families unable to pay their bills could get cut off.

Chef Lynn Pritchard is opening a fine-casual restaurant in Des Moines' East Village, to be called "503: A Drink Lab and Tasting Room."

What's happening: Pritchard, who's been preparing to reopen his popular restaurant Table 128, said the perfect opportunity popped up to take over the space at 503 East Locust Street in Des Moines.

• Des Moines Does Things was planning to open a cocktail bar for vinyl listening in the building, which initially held Dobre.
• Yes, but: That concept is now paused because of COVID and worker shortages, said Nick Tillinghast, co-owner of the hospitality group.

Five metro Hy-Vee stores donate imperfect or soon-to-expire fruits and veggies to the Ape Initiative, Amanda Epping, a research coordinator at the trust, told Axios.

• The Hy-Vee donations have been ongoing for more than five years.
• She said that's worth about $35,000 a year to the nonprofit's Des Moines research facility — the only one in the world dedicated to the study of bonobos.

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.