Government Policy and Law

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Farrell’s no longer exercised by fitness competitor

Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping Inc. has dropped a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against the owners of the Kosama fitness centers.

The lawsuit alleged that Kosama directed viewers to its websites by using Internet search keywords associated …

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Partnership to release its legislative agenda

The Greater Des Moines Partnership will unveil its 2011 state legislative agenda at a luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Renaissance Savery Hotel. Democratic and Republican legislative leaders will provide …

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New meters slash city’s replacement costs


A new type of parking meter could save Des Moines money by replacing old meters.

The city began installation of more than 30 “double space” parking meters in the last two weeks on High Street, …

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Across the country, more states are yelling ‘cut!’


Iowa ran into expensive and embarrassing problems in its efforts to support movie production, but it isn’t alone – other states also have seen the glamour fall away.

Incentives for Hollywood have been scaled back …

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It’s no time for raising state pay


Are we trying to cut the state budget or not? Gov. Chet Culver’s decision to go ahead and approve $100 million in pay increases to state employees might mollify union members and keep them in …

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Disaster recovery task force makes recommendations


How can state government better assist businesses following a natural disaster? Last week a task force addressing that topic issued its recommendations to the Rebuild Iowa Coordinating Council.

Among the recommendations of the Business Disaster …

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IDED awards benefit local companies

Gov. Chet Culver announced yesterday that 17 companies plan to add a total of 300 new jobs across Iowa after receiving awards from the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Four Greater Des Moines companies — …

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Michigan company lands local contracts

A Portage, Mich.-based company that provides integrated property tax and records management software for state and local governments was awarded contracts for Polk and Linn counties. Manatron Inc. said in a press release that those …

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Buyouts proposed for flood-damaged homes

The city of Des Moines plans to submit an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a proposed voluntary buyout project for owners of single-family homes located in 100-year flood plain areas that sustained …

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Jobless benefits drain state funds, place burden on businesses

Out-of-work Americans have collected $319 billion in unemployment benefits during the past three years, CNNMoney.com reported.

In the coming weeks, members of Congress are expected to debate the cost of such benefits as they consider …