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Government Policy and Law

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FCC rules will enable phone companies to block robocalls

The Federal Communications Commission approved new rules Thursday to protect consumers from unwanted robocalls, allowing phone companies to proactively block calls that are likely to be fraudulent because they come from certain types of phone numbers. Iowa …

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NOTEBOOK: Ted Cruz vs. Kim Reynolds

The fight over Bill Northey’s nomination as undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture has turned into a T-shirt-wearing, letter-writing free-for-all between ethanol and oil interests.

And a direct battle of wits between U.S. Sen. …

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AFSCME appeals lawsuit challenging collective Iowa bargaining law

Des Moines Register: Iowa’s largest union for public employees has filed an appeal in a case challenging the state’s new law sharply limiting collective bargaining rights. The suit, filed by the American Federation of State, County …

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A Closer Look: J. Benjamin Champ

Ben Champ was named Pleasant Hill city manager in July after serving the city since 2008 in a variety of roles, including as community development director and assistant city manager. As city manager, he was …

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Eddy will lead Polk County Health Department

Helen Eddy, pictured, has been named director of the Polk County Health Department, effective in February with the retirement of current Director Rick Kozin. “We are thrilled to welcome Helen to Polk County. She has …

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Perdue, in Urbandale, warns NAFTA talks could get ‘bumpy’

Cedar Rapids Gazette: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue told Iowa farmers today to expect a “bumpy ride” as the Trump administration works to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement — but to look for good …

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McQuillen named Clive city manager

Matt McQuillen has been named Clive city manager, effective Jan. 20 after the retirement of Dennis Henderson, who has served the city for 22 years. McQuillen, who has been assistant city manager in Clive since …

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Postal Service workers in Iowa picket to protest job cuts

U.S. Postal Service workers have taken to the sidewalks to protest job cuts at Des Moines’ main post office and other postal facilities across the country. About 100 people, consisting of postal workers, customers, teachers …

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Iowa law school graduates are better at passing the bar

Des Moines Register: More than three-fourths of law school graduates who want to become an Iowa lawyer passed the state’s bar exam this year — significantly higher than 2016, Iowa Judicial Branch data show.…

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Polk County local tax vote coming in March?

Dallas County voters’ overwhelming approval of a local option sales tax Tuesday has Greater Des Moines leaders talking of a similar vote in Polk County as early as March 6, which would be a special …