Portability costs stir Iowa phone fee debate
The piece traces the 1996 FCC mandate for local number portability and the 1998 rule allowing fixed monthly charges to cover portability costs. It argues small Iowa providers struggle with 50 cent to $3 per customer per month fees, advocates a one time service fee plus small ongoing charge, and calls for a consumer friendly regulation to prevent non-users from subsidizing portability.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Federal Communications Commission
Commission
Iowa
FCC
Iowa Utilities Board
Federal Commission
Myths of Malpractice Reform at Johns Hopkins University
In defense of comprehensive reform William R. Brody president of Johns Hopkins University challenges myths about medical malpractice. He argues premiums threaten access to care escalate costs drive defensive medicine and misallocate funds while urging systemic changes and transparency.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ews
New England Journal of Medicine
Harvard University
U.S
Johns Hopkins
William R. Brody
Johns Hopkins University
eBay policy shifts over offensive item titles
San Jose Mercury News notes eBay announced a policy change to ban ethnic slurs in item titles except for books music and movies. The move follows concerns raised at the National League of Cities meeting and a San Jose effort led by Vice Mayor Pat Dando to push for civility in online auctions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
San Jose Mercury News
Washington
eBay
National League of Cities
San Jose
Calif
Pat Dando
Pet Shelter Volunteer Call Echoes Sunday Help
A reader urges volunteering at the animal shelter in response to a November 12 letter. The writer supports pets and proposes volunteers work four to five hours on Sundays to assist at the facility nicknamed the Pet Prison.
District Attorney Ronnie Earle's Sixth Term and Ethics Award
The letter notes Ronnie Earle serving his sixth four year term as District Attorney. It mentions the Texas Bar Foundation Award for Advancing Legal Ethics in Texas and criticizes Republicans for viewing politics as a game at any cost questioning what was elected.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ronnie Earle
Texas Bar Foundation
Texas
Republicans change rules when bullying is in jeopardy
A reader argues the Republican House changes rules to avoid indictments, citing Tom DeLay and a 1993 ethics bill. The letter rails at hypocrisy, Senate grand juries, and party tactics while urging concrete, long-ago governance examples before any structural change.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Republican House
House
Tom DeLay
Congress
Tommy
Questioning City Government Reform Motives
A reader questions motives behind pushing for a new city form after losing an election. The letter urges voters to scrutinize leaders and seek the most effective governance for the city.
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Gazette
Hillary
Terminator
Schwarzenegger
Dando
DeLay
Grand Jury
Cedar Rapids
Linn County
Ron Corbett
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