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
Local Government Nov. 8, 2022 3:50 pm88d ago
The Cedar Rapids City Council took a first step to drop a rule requiring that five of the nine-member Citizen Review Board identify as people of color, but said they remain committed to appointing a diverse law enforcement oversight panel.
Local Government Nov. 7, 2022 5:08 pm89d ago
The Loftus Lumber redevelopment into a mixed-use facility that is expected to transform a long-vacant block between downtown and the New Bohemia District is slated to get a final green light Tuesday from the Cedar Rapids City Council.
Local Government Nov. 4, 2022 5:00 am93d ago
A Saturday workshop will offer information to Cedar Rapids residents about assistance available for people wanting to buy or renovate a home. The workshop will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Horizons Family Services, 819 Fifth St. SE.
Local Government Nov. 3, 2022 6:47 pm93d ago
After advancing to a third round of the popular game show “Family Feud,” Cedar Rapids City Council member Pat Loeffler and his family were defeated in the episode airing Thursday night.
Local Government Nov. 2, 2022 8:25 pm94d ago
Cedar Rapids City Council member Pat Loeffler and his family won $20,000 in the episode that aired Tuesday. They’ll move on to a second round, which airs at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday on Fox. The family will host another watch party at Double Z’s.
Local Government Nov. 1, 2022 6:00 am96d ago
Seedlings planted in in gravel beds June as a pilot project were recently planted in Bever Park, the first city park where the seedlings were planted. These seedlings offer an additional source of tree stock for parks as Cedar Rapids works to replant about 42,000 trees on public land after the derecho.
Local Government Nov. 1, 2022 12:11 pm96d ago
Cedar Rapids City Council member Pat Loeffler and his family competed on the long-running game show “Family Feud.” He can’t say whether or not he won, but the family is hosting a watch party at Double Z’s as the episode airs at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Local Government Oct. 27, 2022 5:37 am101d ago
The authors of “Our Towns,” the book that inspired an HBO documentary, told a local audience Wednesday that Cedar Rapids is leading in the way it has recovered from recent disasters, and in the steps it’s taking to address the climate crisis.
Local Government Oct. 26, 2022 5:37 pm101d ago
A $6 million ARPA contribution from the city of Cedar Rapids gets the library closer to its goal of raising $25 million to build a permanent facility off 20th Avenue and Wiley Boulevard SW.
Local Government Oct. 25, 2022 6:12 pm102d ago
The Cedar Rapids City Council on Tuesday advanced a rezoning request to make way for Linn County’s overflow shelter to serve the homeless population this winter.
Local Government Oct. 24, 2022 12:20 pm104d ago
As Cedar Rapids continues to grow its collection of public art, residents and visitors can now pull up their phones and take a virtual tour of a selection of public art pieces located downtown.
Local Government Oct. 24, 2022 5:00 am106d ago
Residents of Cedar Rapids can share their input on how the city should expand community gardens in municipal parks through an online survey, which is available until the end of November.
Local Government Oct. 21, 2022 3:23 pm106d ago
Cedar Rapids plans to eliminate a rule requiring that five of the nine-member Citizen Review Board identify as people of color after a federal judge blocked enforcement of this policy pending the outcome of a lawsuit alleging the rule is racially discriminatory.
Business News Oct. 20, 2022 1:51 pm108d ago
FedEx Ground is looking to hire nearly 300 workers as it prepares to open its massive new automated facility in southwest Cedar Rapids. Many of those workers would be able to stay with the company beyond the holiday season.
Local Government Oct. 17, 2022 7:56 am111d ago
As the city of Cedar Rapids continues to recover from the devastation of the 2020 derecho’s hurricane-force winds, the city will purchase a new stump grinder to aid in its efforts. Staff and contracted crews have removed about 7,300 stumps since March.