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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.

How AI could help prevent violence against seniors, kids

Professors at the University of Iowa are developing technology to help detect when violence occurs.

Professors at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University of Iowa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/04/08/iowa-hawkeye-women-caitlin-clark-leaves-ncaa-wnba" data-vars-content-id="ea625ae0-3d97-42cd-8f76-81a26b29056d" data-vars-headline="How AI could help prevent violence against seniors, kids" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/04/08/iowa-hawkeye-women-caitlin-clark-leaves-ncaa-wnba" target="_self">University of Iowa</a> are developing an AI technology that can detect violent behavior, and they hope it someday can even predict violence before it happens.Why it matters: Researchers argue that this AI and camera technology could provide protective surveillance for vulnerable populations such as seniors and children when they&#x27;re under care in nursing homes and daycares.

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