A unique gaming cafe is opening in downtown Des Moines — complete with a coffee bar, creative snacks and "gametenders" to curate board games.

Why it matters: In an increasingly lonely world, Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe aims to be a community "third place" where people can play tabletop games with friends and strangers alike.

State of play: The lounge will open in March at 300 SW Fifth St.

• Co-owners Annelise Tarnowski and Tony Tandeski have run the Rook Room as a pop-up business over the last five years and now their "dream" brick-and-mortar space is becoming a reality.
• "We've been searching the city for the exact right space," Tandeski tells Axios.

Details: They'll utilize parts of the former St. Kilda space, including the "giant espresso" machine, bar and kitchen, while adding their own "nerdy touches," like themed beverages.

• For the food menu, they're consulting with Lachele's to offer "elevated" junk food typically eaten during game nights at home, like homemade "Hot Pockets" and hand-cut fries.

Zoom in: They plan on opening in the mornings for coffee, as well as in the evenings for Dungeons & Dragons groups doing "four-hour gaming sessions."

How it works: People can select among hundreds of board games and puzzles to play.

• Visitors can bring friends or signal a willingness to play with strangers by placing a card on their table.
• "It just helps people with some of that social anxiety, especially coming to the space alone," Tarnowski says.

Plus: Rook Room will regularly hold its own board game events and tournaments and is renovating the basement for private events.

• And non-gamers are welcome to work or just hang out.

The last word: "Hopefully it's a comfortable, inviting atmosphere with just enough nerdy touches to make you feel like you're at home," Tandeski says.

Iowa's legislative session starts Monday, and Republicans are returning with supermajorities in the House and Senate.

Driving the news: Republican lawmakers have more power than ever to pass their priorities.

• There are still divisive issues within the party to work out, such as property tax reform and a hands-free driving bill.

Property tax reform

Republicans in both chambers say lowering property taxes is a priority, but plans to change the formula are still up in the air.

Flashback: In 2023, lawmakers passed $100 million in cuts by restricting cities' and counties' property tax growth.

• House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl says they'll probably review the 2023 law for any needed changes, Iowa Capital Dispatch reports.

Higher education changes

House lawmakers have formed a new Higher Education Committee focused on colleges and universities.

• The existing Education Committee will tackle issues concerning K-12 schools.

Why it matters: Major reforms are already happening at Iowa's universities, including ending "DEI" (diversity, equity and inclusion) at schools through the elimination of DEI offices and LGBTQ+ student centers.

• Democrats fear the new committee may go even further, ICD reports.

What they're saying: Republican House Speaker Pat Grassley told ICD he wants to focus on training students for high-demand jobs, as well as the cost of higher education.

• Lawmakers may also ban "DEI" at community colleges this session, he says.

Distracted driving legislation

Although a hands-free driving bill has failed to pass the Legislature for several years, Grassley won't "stand in the way" of it this session, IPR reports.

Driving the news: The proposal would ban cellphone use while driving, unless done with a hands-free method.

• The ban is supported by law enforcement, insurance companies, cycling advocates and Gov. Kim Reynolds.

💵 Customers are calling out Jethro's BBQ for charging an "inflation fee." Restaurant owner Bruce Gerleman says it's to pay for rising costs. (WHO-13)

💧 The Iowa DNR is objecting to the EPA's decision to add five rivers with high levels of nitrates to the state's list of impaired waters, which includes local stretches of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers. (Des Moines Register)

City Manager Scott Sanders laid off two employees in Des Moines' sustainability department, leaving the future of the office up in the air. (KCCI)

🍔 Food inspectors recently cited several metro spots for safety violations:

• Crouse Café, Samurai Sushi & Hibachi Restaurant, The Palms movie theater, Great Wok/Great Teriyaki in Jordan Creek mall, A&W in Indianola, La Tapatia III, Tanganyika Grocery Store and El Toreado Mexican Bar & Grill. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

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If you're feeling the winter blues, be thankful the snow isn't over your head.

Flashback: In 2009, Polk County experienced its heaviest snowfall record with 20 inches falling Dec. 8 into the following day.

• The major issue at the time were wind gusts.
• Winds reached over 50mph in some areas, producing huge snow drifts over 6 feet tall and dramatically reducing visibility, according to the National Weather Service.