Gomers: What's going wrong

GETTING MESSY: Malik Juweid, a radiology professor at the University of Iowa, allegedly sent dozens of e-mails to colleagues accusing them of being anti-Arab, with threats to sue. And now UI officials, saying they believe he has violated UI policies, are seeking disciplinary action, possibly termination, states a letter by a UI official. Meanwhile, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission is investigating Juweid's claims of discrimination.

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GAS PRICE LAG: It's a common complaint - when oil prices drop, gas prices at the pump don't, at least not for what seems like an undue length of time. Latest example: Oil prices have fallen 7.4 percent over the past month, but gas in Iowa rose from $3 per gallon on Jan. 14 to $3.06 for midgrade ethanol-blended fuel as of Feb. 14.

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SHORT-TIMER: On April 13, the Cedar Rapids City Council hired Stephen Reid as the new fire chief, agreeing with former City Manager Jim Prosser's recommendation. Reid began work May 10. Wednesday, after just nine months on the job, he suddenly submitted his retirement notice, effective right away. No explanation from anyone during or immediately after the announcement. And so the search process for a new chief begins again. Assistant Chief Mark English, one of the seven finalists last time, again is serving as interim leader.

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