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Government Policy and Law

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Fireworks debris prompts closure of a Des Moines park

    The splash pool at Pete Crivaro Park, located at 1105 E. Railroad Ave., will remain closed today to allow city crews to continue cleaning up fireworks debris left by Fourth of July celebrants.…
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Iowa Supreme Court upholds law barring Planned Parenthood from sex education grants

Cedar Rapids Gazette: The Iowa Supreme Court has upheld a 2019 law that blocks federal funds from Planned Parenthood to provide young Iowans with sex education curriculum, overturning a district court decision that ruled that law …

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Iowa Supreme Court rules against Godfrey in lawsuit against Branstad

Des Moines Register: The Iowa Supreme Court ruled today that former Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Christopher Godfrey has no claims against former Gov. Terry Branstad or his administration, ending a longtime discrimination lawsuit and overturning a $1.5 …

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The Fifth’s parking garage to open Thursday

Des Moines Register: Starting Thursday, Des Moines downtown visitors and workers can park in an 11-story garage designed to serve a 40-story tower that may never get built. The city of Des Moines purchased the garage …

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After announcing plans to turn to a third-party nonprofit to conduct police de-escalation training nearly a month ago, the Des Moines City Council approved a contract Monday night that solidifies training plans for the Des Moines Police Department valued at about $148,000.

Des Moines Register: Polk County supervisors today chose a new towing company for the sheriff’s office and the county after a series of complaints, including allegations of predatory practices, against the current contract holder. Supervisors Chair …

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Des Moines City Council approves police de-escalation training contract

Des Moines Register: After announcing plans to turn to a third-party nonprofit to conduct police de-escalation training nearly a month ago, the Des Moines City Council approved a contract Monday night that solidifies training plans for …

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Heated Des Moines City Council meeting leads to one arrest

Des Moines Register: For the second meeting in a row, members of Des Moines City Council and community organizers butted heads at an in-person city council meeting, this time resulting in one of the city’s residents …

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Iowa Supreme Court upholds district court ruling in fired employees’ challenge to Casey’s drug testing policy

The Iowa Supreme Court today issued a ruling that found Casey’s General Stores Inc. — for the most part — properly handled its amended policy for conducting unannounced random drug testing of its employees in 2016.

Four …

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Polk County Treasurer’s Office experiencing backlog amid staff shortage

Des Moines Register: Need to renew your vehicle tags or register your car? Be prepared to wait. Currently, an email sent to the Polk County Treasurer’s Office will receive an automated reply saying to expect a …

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Iowa Supreme Court boosts FY22 budget 4.7%; courts to add four judges, 17 clerks

The Iowa Supreme Court on Wednesday approved a 2021-2022 judicial branch budget that officials say will provide the courts the resources needed to transition from pandemic court services and processes to post-pandemic operations. The $189.6 million budget, …

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