The Des Moines City Council is reevaluating its ethics policy after concerns recently surfaced that the current ordinance is overly broad, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The policy was implemented four years ago to prevent conflicts of interest after concerns were raised about the appearance of nepotism linked to decisions about several large developments — though the councilmembers with family ties to the projects did not vote on them.

• There's now concern that it could instead hamper fair decision-making, Councilperson Josh Mandelbaum tells Axios.

Driving the news: In October, the city's legal team presented councilmembers with a confidential memo detailing possible issues related to the ordinance.

• The City Council was scheduled to vote on revising the conflict policy this week but postponed the decision after Mandelbaum requested the memo be released to facilitate "a more informed conversation."

Zoom in: The revision would add exceptions, permitting councilmembers to serve on boards where they receive no compensation and when the primary focus of their work is charitable or governmental.

• It would also instruct the city's ethics officer to use "clear and convincing evidence" when determining whether conflicts exist.

What they're saying: The legal guidance indicates that the policy could unjustly disqualify councilmembers from engaging in discussions or votes due to their civic activities, donations or advocacy, said Mandelbaum, who is also an attorney for the Environmental Law & Policy Center.

• "I work for an environmental nonprofit. I feel like that could be weaponized at any time to try and get me off issues — not because I have an actual legal conflict but because I have a strongly held opinion," Mandelbaum said.

The other side: The proposed change would lower the standard for determining conflicts, making it easier for councilmembers to vote on issues where their impartiality might be questioned, Councilperson Joe Gatto wrote on Facebook.

• "At a time when people are losing faith in their elected officials, we should be reinforcing our ethical standards instead of weakening them," Gatto wrote.

What's next: The City Council is expected to vote April 7 on whether to publicly release the legal review of the ordinance and consider its first of three readings.

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Toppling Goliath — one of Iowa's most prolific breweries — is venturing into the THC and CBD drink market with its new sparkling water, Merry Rain.

Why it matters: Local makers of consumable cannabis products have faced hurdles due to restrictions signed into law last year that capped THC at 4 milligrams per 12-ounce container.

How it started: The Decorah brewery started developing THC drinks in early 2024 as hemp products grew more popular in Iowa and surrounding states, Sam Lewey, TG's spokesperson, tells Axios.

• Initially, they wanted to launch 5- and 10-milligram options, but the new law resulted in them delaying their products.

Details: Iowans can get 4-milligram strawberry and lemon-lime drinks, while more potent, 10-milligram orange cream and strawberry drinks are sold in states like Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Behind the scenes: While Toppling Goliath's beer is brewed here, because of Iowa's hemp laws, the brewery contracts with a Minnesota producer to handle its THC drinks because the 10-milligram drinks can't enter the state, Lewey says.

Yes, but: Following clarifications on state law, the company plans to sell a 5-milligram, 16-ounce drink that is being made in-house.

Where to find it: Merry Rain is mostly distributed in eastern Iowa at the moment, with plans for wider distribution into central Iowa this year.

• They're also shippable, with a four-pack costing $20.99.

Fong's Pizza, an iconic Des Moines restaurant, is set to reopen in its brand new space at the former Peace Tree location in the East Village.

Driving the news: The Asian-inspired fusion restaurant is opening April 1, complete with its well-known items like crab rangoon pizza ($18 for 10") and Chinese cheesesticks ($11) — but expect some new foods as well.

• Entrees include a new custom option where people can pick a base and then a protein of their choice, like sesame chicken ($13) and beef and broccoli ($14).

Plus: The inside is also redone, including a 70-foot dragon from the former Spaghetti Works restaurant, a new wrap-around bar and roof tiles from a former Chinese restaurant.

What's next: The former Fong's space will be rebranded into "The Empire" — and will serve comfort food and American beers, WHO-13 reports.

If you go: 11am-11pm, Sunday-Thursday; 11am-late in the evening depending on demand, Friday-Saturday.

• 317 E. Court Ave., Des Moines.

💰 Fines would increase for local government officials who violate Iowa's open meetings and public information laws under a bill passed by the Iowa House. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

🎬 Calypso 968 is closing at Jordan Creek Mall after 25 years of business. The gift shop originally opened at Valley West Mall. (Des Moines Register)

🏥 The Iowa Senate passed a bill requiring people to work at least 80 hours a month to qualify for expanded Medicaid coverage. Legislative Services Agency projects that around 32,000 Iowans would lose benefits. (WHO-13)

The former Kinship Brewing space was damaged following a fire. The current owner is Lincoln Savings Bank. (Des Moines Register)

👀 Discover new local events.

Edencrest Grand Opening at Pleasant Hill on March 26: From 4-7pm, enjoy drinks, apps and live music and tour our premier senior living community in Central Iowa.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

Starbucks is trying to get more people to sit and stay at their cafes to reverse a decline in foot traffic and sales.

The big picture: Under new CEO Brian Niccol — who joined from Chipotle in September — the company has been making a series of changes under its "Back to Starbucks" plan.

What's next: The company tells Axios it plans to bring back "more comfortable seating and spaces to ensure our stores are a place where customers want to sit, work, and meet."

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