What’s Up in Des Moines?

• Des Moines City Council's public commenters will be limited to 25 seconds of speaking time during Monday's meeting
  "There's nothing illegal about what they're doing, but ... the way they are doing it now just makes a mockery out of 'public comment.'"      
• Des Moines council to hold final vote on conflicts of interest policy after contentious debates
  The council unanimously passed a first reading, then split 4-3 to approve a second version with fewer allowed exceptions.       
• Des Moines defends decision to make police sergeant disciplined for excessive force a de-escalation trainer
  City Manager Scott Sanders and Police Chief Dana Wingert "continue to support this decision and do not intend to make a change," Sanders said.       
• The Des Moines Public Library building turns 15 with a look back at the past
  The Des Moines library building on the west edge of downtown help revitalize the area when it opened 15 years ago.       
• Des Moines loop scooping hits 'boiling point,' prompts restricted weekend parking downtown
  Des Moines City Council voted to restrict parking along 12th Street from Walnut Street to Grand Avenue, where loop scoopers congregate.      
• Des Moines council considering a new conflicts of interest policy; members differ over its merits
  Debate over adopting a policy began after a council member's daughter asked for a home restoration grant from a nonprofit partly funded by the city.       
• Activists ask: Why is Des Moines officer disciplined for excessive force leading police de-escalation training?
  Police defend Sgt. Michael Fong, saying assignment based on 'his complete career performance, not simply a fraction of it.'       
• Pro skaters say Des Moines' Lauridsen Skatepark, Dew Tour will elevate Midwest skate scene
  Dew Tour is expected to contribute at least $4 million to the local economy, said Catch Des Moines President and CEO Greg Edwards.      
• Des Moines boosts pay and benefits for police, hundreds of workers in new union contracts
  Juneteenth will become a paid holiday for all city employees starting this year.       
• Des Moines' Lauridsen Skatepark to host Dew Tour, an Olympic-qualifying event, during grand opening
  The Dew Tour is exactly the type of event that local officials have promised to attract with the 88,000-square-foot skatepark — the country's largest.       
• Des Moines Public Library invites all to register for two visiting authors
  Des Moines library schedules virtual activities and speakers     
• Mansion Monday: Magnificent home in Polk City is selling for $2.3 million
  Mansion Monday: This estate combines rustic with glamour: reclaimed barn beams serve as mantles, imported Italian kitchen range, radiant heat floors.