Thursday Morning Read: Alliant shifts coal-burning unit to natural gas; Marion looks to further restrict fireworks; neighbors take development into their own hands

TODAY'S WEATHER — Chance of rain. High 51, low 32.

ALLIANT SHIFTS COAL-BURNING UNIT TO NATURAL GAS — After nearly 50 years burning coal, Alliant Energy's largest Cedar Rapids unit is being converted to produce energy using natural gas. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/business/alliant-shifting-largest-cedar-rapids-coal-unit-to-burn-natural-gas/

MARION LOOKS TO FURTHER RESTRICT FIREWORKS — After ongoing complaints from residents, Marion City Council has passed the first reading of a city ordinance that would restrict firework use to only two days out of the year. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/government-politics/marion-tries-for-revised-fireworks-restrictions/

NEIGHBORS TAKE DEVELOPMENT INTO THEIR OWN HANDS — There are good neighbors, and then there are neighbors you go into business with. Rather than deal with the uncertain future of 7.8 acres of desirable agricultural land situated between high-end residential developments, 10 neighbors took matters into their own hands, formed a company and bought the property. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/news/cedar-rapids-neighbors-form-company-buy-land-take-development-into-their-own-hands/

JACKSON'S BUZZ GETTING LOUDER — Things are happening fast for Josh Jackson. In the last week, the Iowa junior cornerback was named a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award (top defensive player in college football). ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper put Jackson on his Big Board. Pro Football Focus has him going in the first round in a mock draft. It's pretty good to be Josh Jackson right now. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/sports/winning-week-for-iowas-josh-jackson/

QUOTABLE — 'If you're like me, you're sick and tired of the dysfunction we have in politics The DC swamp is winning.' Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett, who is conducting robocalls to urge the confirmation of Iowa's Bill Northey to a USDA position. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/news/corbett-robocalls-urge-northey-confirmation/