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After cyclists fight back, city councils rethink biking ordinances

Their city councils are considering new proposals following critiques from the cycling community.

News

Two Des Moines metro cities are revising proposed e-bike ordinances after pushback from local cyclists.Why it matters: Clive and Waukee city leaders say they want to limit the reckless use of high-powered electric devices, but cycling advocates say their proposals would also restrict where regular cyclists could go.

Iowa retailers say D.C. law fuels unfair shakedowns

Small businesses say private enforcement has created a settlement machine that they can't afford to challenge.

Two Des Moines retailers say a D.C. law firm and a nonprofit are using consumer protection laws to squeeze thousands of dollars from businesses over online sale prices.Why it matters: Consumer protection laws are meant to prevent deceptive pricing, but Iowa retailers say private enforcement has created a settlement machine that small businesses can&#x27;t afford to challenge.

Here's how Steelers pick and Iowa Hawkeye Gennings Dunker starts his day

The offensive lineman played for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Gennings Dunker, the Iowa Hawkeye offensive lineman drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, is definitely a morning person.<ul><li>&quot;Naturally with football and early workouts you need to start your day early to make the most of it,&quot; he tells Axios.</li></ul>

Polk County Conservation considers new ATV park

PCC's executive director says the new park could help expand outdoor recreation without tapping into taxpayer dollars.

Polk County Conservation (PCC) is considering building a new park for all-terrain and off-road vehicles east of Pleasant Hill.Why it matters: PCC executive director Rich Leopold says the new park could be an opportunity to expand outdoor recreation without tapping into taxpayer dollars, though some board members have questioned the impact on local wildlife.

After camping ban, Harvard fellow to aid Des Moines' homelessness work

The city accepted up to $300,000 in grant-funded support.

Politics

Des Moines&#x27; push to address homeless camps is getting a boost through a Harvard College program, with up to $300,000 in grant-funded support for a policy aide to work with the city for the next two years.Why it matters: City leaders hope the support will help the metro <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="move beyond planning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/12/11/homeless-des-moines-iowa-businesses-blueprint" data-vars-content-id="d88e0a49-69f9-4977-9528-5736d67a9abd" data-vars-headline="After camping ban, Harvard fellow to aid Des Moines&#x27; homelessness work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/12/11/homeless-des-moines-iowa-businesses-blueprint" target="_self">move beyond planning</a> and expand shelter options for unsheltered people.

Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing "big ag"

Zach Lahn, a MAHA-backed candidate, criticized big ag in Iowa.

Zach Lahn won the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa GOP gubernatorial nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-governor-zach-lahn-feenstra-primary" data-vars-content-id="8ba57b9c-26c9-413f-9ad8-ea0a710f5f5e" data-vars-headline="Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing &quot;big ag&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-governor-zach-lahn-feenstra-primary" target="_self">Iowa GOP gubernatorial nomination</a> after doing something almost no Republican in this state does: criticize &quot;big agriculture,&quot; per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Washington Post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/06/08/zach-lahn-wins-iowa-republican-governor-primary-after-blasting-pesticides/" data-vars-content-id="8ba57b9c-26c9-413f-9ad8-ea0a710f5f5e" data-vars-headline="Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing &quot;big ag&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/06/08/zach-lahn-wins-iowa-republican-governor-primary-after-blasting-pesticides/" target="_blank">The Washington Post</a>.Why it matters: Once shied away from, the public health impact of Iowa&#x27;s industrial farming is on the ballot for both sides of the aisle.

Rob Sand adds rural voice to Iowa governor ticket

Sand picked western Iowa farmer Dave Muhlbauer as his running mate.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand named Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer as his running mate for lieutenant governor Monday.Why it matters: Muhlbauer is a fifth-generation family farmer and cattleman from a rural, western county — a notable choice as Sand tries to build a bipartisan, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rural-friendly campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-democrats-stage-rural-comeback-turek-sand" data-vars-content-id="4767904b-a017-4a8d-91b5-039f3610d0a3" data-vars-headline="Rob Sand adds rural voice to Iowa governor ticket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-democrats-stage-rural-comeback-turek-sand" target="_self">rural-friendly campaign</a> in a state that has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moved sharply right" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/11/14/iowa-2024-election-results-republican-democrat-red-wave" data-vars-content-id="4767904b-a017-4a8d-91b5-039f3610d0a3" data-vars-headline="Rob Sand adds rural voice to Iowa governor ticket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/11/14/iowa-2024-election-results-republican-democrat-red-wave" target="_self">moved sharply right</a>.

Iowa Democrats stage a rural comeback with Sand and Turek

Iowa's voter-registration math is still tough with the GOP ahead in voter registrations.

Iowa Democrats are staging <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a blue comeback" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/11/07/iowa-results-takeaways-red-wave" data-vars-content-id="399f79ae-222d-4bbb-9926-2dc625f77001" data-vars-headline="Iowa Democrats stage a rural comeback with Sand and Turek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/11/07/iowa-results-takeaways-red-wave" target="_self">a blue comeback</a> with Josh Turek and Rob Sand atop the ticket.Why it matters: Turek&#x27;s U.S. Senate primary win and Sand&#x27;s uncontested path to the governor&#x27;s race give Democrats two statewide candidates with outside-the-metro appeal — the kind of profile <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CNN framed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/30/politics/josh-turek-zach-wahls-iowa-senate" data-vars-content-id="399f79ae-222d-4bbb-9926-2dc625f77001" data-vars-headline="Iowa Democrats stage a rural comeback with Sand and Turek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/30/politics/josh-turek-zach-wahls-iowa-senate" target="_blank">CNN framed</a> as central to Democrats&#x27; hopes for a rural revival.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst helping Urbandale get a ZIP code

The city has dealt with mailing problems and delays.

For decades, Urbandale has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="endured a ZIP code problem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/17/urbandale-lobbies-dc-to-get-its-own-zip-code" data-vars-content-id="b62043cf-48f8-4bcb-88f6-9a44b05d2e44" data-vars-headline="U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst helping Urbandale get a ZIP code" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/17/urbandale-lobbies-dc-to-get-its-own-zip-code" target="_self">endured a ZIP code problem</a>, but a new bill led by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst may finally allow the suburb to have its own unique five digits.Why it matters: Residents and businesses near the city&#x27;s limits have experienced missing packages, mail delays and confusion over which government agencies to turn to.

Dallas County polling site mix-ups frustrate West Des Moines officials

For the special election, Dallas County had three voting centers, instead of the typical precincts.

Confusion over Dallas County polling locations did not help with the low voter turnout for a special West Des Moines City Council election last month, city officials say.Why it matters: Running the special election cost the city an estimated $30,000–$40,000, according to City Clerk Ryan Jacobson, and a runoff election on March 17 is expected to have a similar price tag.

Bills restricting abortion pills, ending vaccine requirements advance in Iowa

Lawmakers advanced bills that would restrict abortion pills and remove school vaccine mandates.

Iowa&#x27;s first legislative funnel deadline passed last week, narrowing the field of bills that can become law this session.Why it matters: Several measures have direct implications for Des Moines residents, including vaccine requirements and access to public libraries and abortion pills.

Iowa lawmakers propose banning undocumented women, kids from WIC

Republican lawmakers say they want to make public programs accountable to taxpayers.

Health

An Iowa House bill would prohibit undocumented women, infants and children from a federally funded food assistance program for low-income families.Why it matters: Local food bank organizers warn that taking away aid would result in more hungry infants and children at a time when food banks are experiencing record demand.

Bills by state lawmakers may curb local control, leaders warn

Legislation advancing through the House would prohibit local jurisdictions from enacting certain policies.

Iowa lawmakers advanced two bills this week that would further restrict local authority.Why it matters: City and county leaders and advocates say state legislation restricting local authority can undermine their ability to respond to community needs.

Trump brings midterm messaging, E15 push to Iowa

Trump said an E15 bill would reach his desk and pledged to sign it quickly.

President Trump used a Tuesday stop in Clive to kick off midterm-mode messaging — leaning hard into ethanol politics with a year-round E15 endorsement and addressing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE protests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/24/minneapolis-shooting-federal-agent?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="214b5cc8-9218-4225-9119-5456efc13100" data-vars-headline="Trump brings midterm messaging, E15 push to Iowa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/24/minneapolis-shooting-federal-agent?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_self">ICE protests</a>.Why it matters: Trump warned that midterm losses could erase his signature policies while wins could lock in long-term changes and define his place in history.

Politics 🇺🇸

After camping ban, Harvard fellow to aid Des Moines' homelessness work

Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing "big ag"

Rob Sand adds rural voice to Iowa governor ticket

Iowa Democrats stage a rural comeback with Sand and Turek

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst helping Urbandale get a ZIP code