Italian-American center says you don't have to be Italian to enjoy its new Des Moines home
When Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio visited the museum at the original Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa in Des Moines five years ago, he was impressed. Housed in a mural-bedecked former bakery on Indianola Avenue, the museum told the story of Italians who migrated to Iowa to work in coal mines or on railroads, then set down deep root...
Colorado Buffaloes add 7’1 Italian forward to 2025-26 roster
Meglio tardi che mai. The Colorado Buffaloes have added another forward to the 2025-26 men’s basketball roster. Well, it might be more accurate to say he’s been added to the cafeteria and weight room before he plays a game at the CU Events Center. Tad Boyle’s newest addition is Leonardo van Elswyk. He’s a 7’1 pile of sticks and bones the coaches un...
Illuminating Heritage Through Art: Santa Lucia Painting Bridges Cultures Between Carlentini and Omaha
A magnificent new piece of artwork has made its way from Carlentini, Sicily, to Omaha, Nebraska—a vivid painting of Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy) created by 14-year-old artist Martina Piccione. Originally sent rolled in a box alongside dozens of letters for school aged children intended to travel 5,000 miles across the ocean, the painting was meant to s...
Work on new Italian-American center begins soon
The renovation and expansion of an iconic white mansion that overlooks Gray’s Lake and downtown Des Moines is expected to begin this summer with much of the work completed by fall 2026. Members of the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa have spent more than two years planning and raising money for the center at 2633 Fleur Drive in Des Moines....
Denver Mourns the Passing of Jim Leprino, Mozzarella Magnate and Compassionate Philanthropist
Jim Leprino, a notable figure in Denver as well as the broader food industry, passed away at the age of 87. Known for his reclusive nature, Leprino built a dairy empire that stands as the world's largest producer of mozzarella cheese, an enterprise which began humbly in a small family shop. 9NEWS reported on the legacy he leaves behind, a global bu...
SOLD OUT – July 1st 2025 – Acquisition of biometric data at the Honorary Vice Consulate in Denver for the purpose of issuing a passport
Slots available for biometric data capture for the issuance of Italian passports in Denver on the date of July 1, 2025 are SOLD OUT. Additional passport days in Denver will be scheduled in the future, the details of which will be promptly communicated through institutional channels. As always, the possibility of booking a passport appointment at th...
‘Little Italy’ pop-up cafe opens in downtown Davenport
A new “Little Italy”-themed, pop-up cafe has opened in downtown Davenport. Cafe San Lorenzo aims to offer an authentic--yet whimsical--Italian alfresco dining experience, with a focus on shared plates and a relaxed, continental style of eating. It’s described on Facebook as “a pop-up restaurant love letter to Italian piazza dining by the folks at T...
Italian-American Charity Golf Association Completes $100,000 Pledge To The Star Hospice House
The Italian-American Charity Golf Association has fulfilled its $100,000 pledge to support The Star Hospice House. This year’s donation of $16,460 marks the completion of the organization’s commitment and the continuation of its partnership with Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care “Our organization is deeply rooted in community, and The Star Hospi...
Montrose’s Italian Food Emporium to join Rural Jump-Start Program
Italian Food Emporium, an artisanal pasta manufacturing company, has joined the Rural Jump-Start (RJS) Program, the Business Funding and Incentives Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced. The emporium has a commitment to “time-honored Italian pasta-making techniques,” and will support local agricu...
Authentic Italian dining in Yuma
The new authentic Italian restaurant in Yuma is off to a great start. Located in downtown Yuma at 202 S. Main St., Trattoria Rossi has been attracting hungry and thirsty clients from all over the region since it opened in early March. “We have had great response,” owner and head chef Diego Rossi said. Besides Yuma, people have come from communities...
Kansas City Royals are calling up top prospect Jac Caglianone
The wait is over. Jac Caglianone is headed to Kauffman Stadium. On Sunday, the Kansas City Royals promoted Caglianone from Triple-A Omaha after a torrid start in the minor leagues. The Kansas City Star confirmed the news Sunday evening. Caglianone showcased his elite power across two different levels, beginning with Double-A. In 38 games with Nort...
House-made flavors the focus at must-try Italian spot in Colorado Springs
If you're craving some delicious Italian food in Colorado Springs – but don't want to deal with making reservations at a fine dining spot, you should know about Stellina Pizza Cafe. Found a few blocks east of downtown, this restaurant serves up popular Italian staples without the 'stuffy' atmosphere found at some upscale spots. Diners order from a...