Transportation

Former U.S. Senator and Ambassador Jeff Flake on party politics and restoring balance in Washington — plus how nature is shaping the future of vehicle safety.

The Des Moines metro's regional transit network introduced a major redesign of its bus routes, with a new focus on high frequency, local routes in denser parts of the metro. The scaled back services are aimed at cutting back on a projected budget deficit.

Iowa's hands-free driving law aimed at combating distracted driving goes into effect July 1. Under the new law, drivers can't hold their phone in any way.

The nonprofit works to reduce barriers to cycling through its bike checkout service and programs aimed at Spanish-speaking, gender diverse and limited mobility individuals.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law Wednesday banning cellphone use while driving, unless it’s in a hands-free mode. The law takes effect July 1.

Handling a cellphone while driving could soon be illegal in Iowa under a bill that is on its way to the governor’s desk.

The top Republican in the Iowa House of Representatives said he is “not going to stand in the way of” legislation cracking down on drivers who are distracted by their phones, as a new coalition gears up to push for a bill that would only allow hands-free phone use while driving.

Most of Iowa’s traffic cameras that issue speeding tickets in permanent locations must be turned off after the Iowa Department of Transportation denied the vast majority of cities’ requests to operate them.

Public transportation in Iowa urban areas is important for commuters, but faces funding challenges.

A controlled operation took place Monday to start the demolition of a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway bridge destroyed by floodwaters in northwest Iowa.