Gomers -- What's going wrong

DRAWING THE LINE: Complaints about worsening behavior by homeless people in Iowa City's downtown area have spiked in recent weeks. One business owner and City Council member says this situation is “probably the worst it's been.” Finding the right balance of regulations that ensure everyone's right to be in the Ped Mall and nearby, but not encroach on others, has been a long-standing challenge for city officials.

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BEHAVIOR WORRIES: Increased reports of fights and disturbances on the Taylor Elementary School grounds are raising worries in the neighborhood. The school principal, Brian Christoffersen, says he's concerned that the escalating complaints are making families and students afraid to visit the school, which began classes on July 25. More than 100 people turned out last week to talk with police and school officials.

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ANOTHER PARASITE: Even as Iowans are getting past an outbreak of cyclospora, an illness linked to salad mixes used by restaurants, now we have increasing reports of cryptosporidiosis (crypto) - also a parasite-based condition that produces diarrhea and symptoms similar to cyclospora.

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