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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Obama Order Could Result in Highest-Possible Internet Speed for Rural Arizona

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Thursday, January 15, 2015   

PHOENIX - President Obama says he plans on taking executive action that will lead to the highest-possible Internet speed being available in rural Arizona, and in cities and towns across the nation.

During a speech on Wednesday in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the president pointed out that the city of about 40,000 people has among the fastest Internet speeds on the planet.

"So today, Cedar Falls is Iowa's first gigabit city," said Obama. "Here's what it means: Your network is as fast as some of the best networks in the world. There's Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris, Cedar Falls."

Obama says Cedar Falls has next-generation broadband Internet because it built its own network over the past two decades, rather than depending upon big corporate Internet service providers. He says only about half of rural Americans have access to high-speed Internet from any source.

According to Obama, he is taking executive action that will direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other government agencies to do "everything they can" to expand broadband access in rural America.

"I'm directing federal agencies to get rid of unnecessary regulations that slow the expansion of broadband or limit competition," said Obama. "The Department of Commerce, they're going to work to offer support and technical assistance to communities that want to follow your lead and set up their own networks. The USDA - the Department of Agriculture - is announcing new loan opportunities for rural providers."

Obama says rural communities have the right to have access to affordable high-speed Internet, which he says has become a necessity for any city, anywhere, to compete in a global economy.


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