Hardly worth the squeeze

I'm not saying Des Moines Register Publisher Mary Stier should be fired, but when the big East Coast business types who own our daily newspaper find out that she named their soon-to-be "faux alt" weekly newspaper - and accompanying Web site - after a guy who killed his wife and her waiter (allegedly), I can only imagine there will be hell to pay. Huge media conglomerates like Gannett haven't had the best of luck trying to reach younger readers no matter their approach, but, to me, saddling this venture with a name that conjures up images of O.J. Simpson is the kiss of death. I mean, why not just call it Gacy? >> more

By Michael Swanger

Two concert promotion companies run by Iowa State University students - one that focuses on hardcore and metal and the other, catering to Christian rock fans - are teaming up for the first time to produce a show next week at The House of Bricks. >> more

Court Avenue nearly escaped certain death - again

The Harry Bookey-Jim Hubbell saving of Court Avenue was "dead in the water," according to top city and state sources, until Gov. Vilsack himself began encouraging state officials handling tax credit requests who had miscalculated to "get their numbers right," we're told. City of Des Moines officials were ready to walk away from the deal with the two local developers and find new developers who would concentrate solely on residential (rather than the upgraded plan of Bookey and Hubbell, which includes entertainment and dining venues) so that "something was in place." "The state really dropped the ball on this one, and we had to hold our breath," a city official told us. "Why they think they know better than we do what's best for us is beyond me. This is a huge deal." As it is now, though, with Bookey and Hubbell seemingly aboard, we understand that eastern Iowa businessman and on-again, off-again political candidate Mike Whalen is back making noise about a hotel, and developer George Sherman (Vine Street Lofts) is poking around as well. Our source also told us that if the deals start falling into place, residents should expect some changes on Court Avenue regarding business' signage, exterior design and hours of operation. "Those who don't fit with the vision of the new regime will be asked to leave and bought out by the city," we're told. >> more

Two of the stars from "Napoleon Dynamite" are scheduled to speak at Stephens Auditorium in Ames at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27. Aaron "Kip" Ruell and Efren "Pedro" Ramirez will talk about their experiences making "Napoleon" and answer audience questions. Ruell will share some behind-the-scenes clips and photographs. >> more