RAGBRAI Turns Backyards into Bike Havens | Des Moines News

Iowa Votes Could Decide Congress | Des Moines News

Senator Ted Cruz is rallying Iowa voters, warning that their ballots could decide national control of Congress, calling the state a critical battleground. He touted Republican achievements—lower immigration, fewer drug deaths, tax cuts—and slammed Democrats as a “Communist takeover.” Attorney General Brenna Bird echoed the urgency, highlighting her legal battles against Biden-era mandates harming Iowa farmers, attacking opponent Nate Willems as “dangerous and extreme,” and stressing zero tolerance for election fraud. Cruz backed Bird as a principled defender of the Constitution, reinforcing that Iowa’s vote carries weight far beyond state lines. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/8d02e401af935192

Ledges State Park Closed All August | Des Moines News

Ledges State Park is shutting down for the entire month of August, starting August 3rd, for major road and parking lot resurfacing — including milling down several inches and laying new asphalt. The closure affects everything: campgrounds, hiking trails, and even access to nearby wildlife stations. While inconvenient, the work includes improved drainage, new signage, and reseeding. Expect the park to reopen fresh and ready by September — so plan your visit for September or find an alternative if you’re counting on August. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/340a83c86ed97aa5

Republicans Urged to Vote in November | Des Moines News

Polk County Republicans turned up the heat at their Summer Sizzle fundraiser, packing the room with 150 energized supporters and even a dunk tank for good measure. With extra chairs needed to keep up, the vibe was electric — and the message was urgent: voter turnout is non-negotiable for November’s election. U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, stepping down, rallied the crowd behind Ashley Hinson, stressing that Hinson’s win hinges on Republicans showing up. Candidates like Alyson DeMoss and Derek Wulf echoed the call, urging door-knocking across party lines and focusing on common sense. Rep. Zach Nunn warned this could be the most consequential election of our generation — a loss could set the GOP back decades. Across the ticket, from governor to local offices, the rallying cry was clear: mobilize, vote, and win. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/d68b75a834bc7b05

RAGBRAI Turns Backyards into Bike Havens | Des Moines News

RAGBRAI just finished, and Iowa’s small towns are buzzing—thanks to thousands of cyclists flooding in. In Panora, a backyard tiki bar, The Tiki Bar, turned into a surprise hit after the Jensens spent $10K on a liquor license, breaking even and creating unforgettable memories with riders. Meanwhile, in Marshalltown, Smokin’ G’s BBQ saw a surge of hungry cyclists, with owner Kimberly Gratopp loving the stories and the rush—despite the event flying by faster than she expected. It’s proof that big events can turn ordinary spots into vibrant community hubs, leaving lasting impacts and memories for everyone involved. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/3a6c9257996287bd

E-Bikes May Not Crash More But Injuries Are Worse | Des Moines News

New research reveals that while e-bikes may not crash more often than regular bikes, riders are far more likely to suffer serious injuries — especially to the head, face, and neck — when accidents do happen. With crash data often missing or misclassified, especially in the U.S., the true risk picture remains murky. The added speed and weight of e-bikes, combined with lack of rider training, may be to blame. Comparisons with electric scooters show conflicting results, and inconsistent definitions of what counts as an e-bike make broad safety claims risky. The takeaway? Better infrastructure, clearer rules, and rider education are urgently needed to keep e-bike users safe as their popularity soars. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/0f1fec8742090fd3