116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

Marissa Payne
Growing up, I loved to read stories featuring the fictional teen mystery-solver Nancy Drew. She taught me girls could be sleuths, too, so it makes sense that I decided to become a journalist. Being a reporter allows me to chase down interesting leads, ask questions, and learn something new every day. I cover the city of Cedar Rapids for The Gazette. My beat encompasses many facets of life in Iowa’s second-largest (but best) city – housing, economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and sometimes casinos as the city keeps dreaming of getting one. I love the people here and care deeply about sharing the facts residents need to stay informed about their community.
In my spare time, I coach young journalists to report on government and politics at The Daily Iowan, the University of Iowa’s independent student-run newspaper. That’s where I got my start in journalism and navigated being the first in my family to graduate from college. I’m also a board member for CR Pride, helping to increase visibility of the local LGBTQ community. When I’m off the clock, I can typically be found cuddling with my cat Scout, re-watching The West Wing, or grabbing a cup of coffee or hazy IPA from somewhere local. Stay informed with our Daily News newsletter.
Latest Articles by Marissa Payne
State Government Jun. 19, 2022 8:04 am223d ago
The pause impacts plans for a new, $250 million casino near downtown Cedar Rapids
Local Government Jun. 17, 2022 4:51 pm225d ago
High-end appliance company Sub-Zero this week was awarded millions in city and state incentives to build a $140.6 million facility in Cedar Rapids that would add nearly 200 full-time jobs and bring a new company to Iowa
Local Government Jun. 16, 2022 5:49 pm226d ago
The raising of the Juneteenth flag -- the first to be flown under the new policy -- “should also inspire us to use our platform and our voices for actions that demand equity for all people,” said LaNisha Cassell of the African American Museum of Iowa
Local Government Jun. 16, 2022 3:02 pm226d ago
The city will try for a third time to sell and repurpose an old brick building at 2000 Mount Vernon Rd. SE that has been vacant for more than five years. The building once housed Buchanan Elementary School and then the Ambroz Recreation Center.
Local Government Jun. 16, 2022 6:00 am227d ago
Iowa DOT has accelerated plans to reconfigure the I-380/Wright Brothers Boulevard interchange, giving a major boost to a fast-growing part of Cedar Rapids that has become host to massive industrial developments and attracted over $1 billion in new investment in recent years
Local Government Jun. 16, 2022 10:29 am226d ago
Council and school district proposals differ on keeping police in middle schools. “If we were ever going to be accused of overprotecting, overspending, wouldn’t we do it for our kids?” Mayor O’Donnell said as the council OK’d a new contract for school resource officers.
Jun. 14, 2022 6:00 am229d ago
Transamerica’s Cedar Rapids campus at Edgewood Road and 42nd Street NE will be auctioned off starting June 20 after previous attempts to sell the site failed.
News Jun. 13, 2022 6:00 am231d ago
Arts and culture organization CSPS is looking to raise around $120,000 by the end of 2022 to maintain operations as the group waits for the IRS to reinstate its tax-exempt status, which it lost last year after not filing three years of tax returns.
Fact Checker Podcast Jul. 25, 2022 1:05 pm187d ago
Sen. Joni Ernst is among the critics of President Joe Biden as Americans see higher prices when they fill up on gas. But recent claims on surging gas costs earn mixed grades.
Local Government Jun. 10, 2022 5:33 pm232d ago
Wisconsin-based kitchen appliance company Sub-Zero is seeking city and state incentives to build a $140.6 million light manufacturing facility in Cedar Rapids that would add nearly 200 full-time jobs, most considered to be at the high-quality wage rate.
Local Government Jun. 8, 2022 6:01 pm234d ago
The panel reviewing Cedar Rapids’ charter moved to more clearly define that a conflict of interest includes nonfinancial benefits, but opted to study ranked choice voting before deciding whether the city should look to switch its electoral system.
Community Jun. 8, 2022 6:00 am236d ago
Three Iowa BIG students are organizing a June 24 event in New Bohemia to support both the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and local businesses.
Campaigns & Elections Jun. 8, 2022 3:45 pm234d ago
Combat veteran Colman Silbernagel came out just two votes ahead of current state Rep. Charlie McClintock in the GOP primary race for Iowa Senate District 42. They were split on school vouchers.
Local Government Jun. 7, 2022 11:19 pm234d ago
Second-term state Rep. Molly Donahue has staved off competition from a newcomer in the race for the Democratic nomination to represent Iowa Senate District 37.
Campaigns & Elections Jun. 8, 2022 5:56 pm234d ago
Brad Sherman prevailed in a six-way race for the Republican nomination to represent Iowa House District 91.