Winners

Mosquitoes, we’re told, might be the only beneficiaries of recent flooding that has created ideal conditions for them later this summer. The good news is that they’re not the type that carry the West Nile virus. City crews began spraying last week to cut down on the mosquito harvest. Stock up on DEET.

Is there anyone who didn’t think West Des Moines gymnast Shawn Johnson wouldn’t lock up a spot on the six-member U.S. women’s gymnastics squad that will compete in the Olympics in China? Her performance was so convincing at last week’s trials in Philadelphia that the national press was relegated to talking to the teenager about floodwaters in Iowa. The only thing more bankable than Johnson is the media’s desire to find a dramatic angle to this feel-good story that continues to unfold.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama went on the offensive last week by abandoning public financing for his bid for the White House. It was a shrewd move that shines a spotlight on Republican candidate Sen. John McCain. About $85 million in public money is available to each major party nominee. Then again, it’s easy to forgo public money when you’ve raised record amounts of private money — more than $265 million — like Obama did during the primary. McCain, thus far, has raised $115 million.

In case anybody cares: The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in six games to capture their 17th NBA title. It did not rekindle feelings of nostalgia like previous Celtics-Lakers championships series have. Then again, does anything about the NBA make anyone feel warm and fuzzy inside?

Losers

Here’s hoping police and residents can work together to catch a male suspect who reportedly is linked to nine cases of attempted abduction and sexual exploitation of young girls in Dallas Center, Panora, Urbandale and Des Moines. In Des Moines, the suspect allegedly sexually assaulted two sisters, ages 8 and 14, in Riley Park near 53rd Street and Urbandale Avenue. Police have issued a composite sketch of a white male with short dark hair and a thin build driving a newer, dark-colored sedan. Officials are encouraging parents to speak with their children about the risks of talking to strangers. If you have any information, call Polk County Crime Stoppers at 223-1400.

Just when consumers thought gas prices were making trips to the grocery expensive already, now comes news that flooded farm fields will also drive up prices for food. Seems corn and soybean crops devastated by floods in the Midwest is driving up prices that were already at historic highs and increasing the cost of feed for cattle, hogs and poultry. Economists say that will force farmers to cut back on production, which will lead to higher prices for beef, pork, chicken, milk and eggs.

Attention smokers: Smoke, smoke, smoke those cigarettes at your favorite bar and restaurant while you can. You have until Tuesday before it’s illegal to light up in public.

Former state Rep. Ed Fallon is asking friends to help bail him out of the debt he racked up in an unsuccessful bid against Rep. Leonard Boswell. Fallon’s $35,000 debt is due largely to his campaign’s inability to raise its goal of $700,000. Boswell, a six-term incumbent Democrat, raised almost $1.2 million before the primary on June 3 and beat Fallon by a margin of 61 to 39 percent. The most recently filed report with the Federal Election Commission shows he raised about $245,000. “I’ll admit that lately I sometimes feel drained and discouraged,” Fallon wrote in a letter to his supporters. “But I also feel blessed by the incredible, often tireless efforts of so many good people coming together to act on their passion and principles. You give me hope. You inspire me. And I want you to know that.” Now, write Ed a check.

Razamatazz, 2301 Rocklyn Drive in Urbandale, had its liquor license suspended last week after James Henry Brown, 21, was shot to death outside the establishment on June 15. Urbandale City Attorney Robert Laden filed a request for emergency suspension that included portions of reports filed by Urbandale police including the following information, “while attempting to perform first aid on the shooting victim, a large crowd gathered in the parking lot and began interfering” and “several people in the crowd attempted to attack the officer.” Neighbors have been critical of Urbandale officials for allowing Razamatazz to remain open. Well, it looks like they got their wish.

A pact made by a group of teens to get pregnant and raise their children together is partly responsible for the increased number of pregnancies at Gloucester High School in Gloucester, Mass. The school’s principal told Time magazine that the girls confessed to making the pact after the school began investigating pregnancies that left 17 students pregnant. None of the girls who made the pact are over 16. CV

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