Government & Politics

The pest was first found in 2010 in far Northeast Iowa and has since spread -- now 98 of the state’s 99 counties have confirmed cases.

Waypoint is looking to convert its now-closed emergency shelter, the Madge Phillips Center, in southeast Cedar Rapids into a “housing first” facility. It is planned to add new affordable rental units with community services in an effort to move toward ending homelessness.

Instead of immediately waiving charges and lease restrictions on pets, Iowa landlords could evaluate requests and must respond promptly.

Also, another bill would increase penalties for trespassing while hunting

Unless legislators take action this year to change Iowa law, the estimated roughly 300 to 350 Iowans involved in the settlement will receive a fraction of the awards they would be entitled to.

Also, Iowa City is asking for residents’ input on the future of a downtown property

The Gazette talked with two leaders of the board to check in on what the panel has been up to since it was created: Chair Arthur Kim, 46, a development officer for the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, and Vice Chair Aaron Eddy, 33, a staff attorney for Linn County Advocate Inc.

They said the Sioux City field office's response to routine requests often takes "weeks to months" and the office is "dismissive or provides no substantive updates" when presented with concerns.