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 Oct. 24, 2022 12:20 pm157d 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 am160d 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 pm160d 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 pm161d 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 am164d 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.
Campaigns & Elections Oct. 19, 2022 1:36 pm162d ago
Early in-person and mail-in voting begins Wednesday for Iowa's 2022 midterm elections. Here's what you need to know about how to check your voter registration status, how to vote early in-person and by mail, and how to vote on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Campaigns & Elections Nov. 3, 2022 1:41 pm147d ago
Two former elected officials — Republican Susie Weinacht and Democrat Elizabeth Wilson — are vying for the House District 73 seat to represent a portion of Cedar Rapids and much of the north and eastern sides of Marion.
Local Government Oct. 14, 2022 5:00 am168d ago
NEWSTRACK: Save CR Heritage continues to work with the Cedar Rapids Country Club in a bid to save four historic homes from demolition to make way for the club’s expansion project. The club is still looking for people to commit to moving the homes.
Local Government Oct. 12, 2022 6:00 am170d ago
Ashley Vanorny, who represents District 5 covering much of Cedar Rapids’ southwest quadrant, has been tapped to serve as president-elect of the executive board of the Iowa League of Cities.
Local Government Oct. 11, 2022 6:10 pm170d ago
Cedar Rapids is one step closer to protecting Czech Village from rising Cedar River waters with a massive $27.2 million pump station that will transport rainfall runoff from Czech Village over a levee and into the river.
Local Government Oct. 7, 2022 3:45 pm174d ago
Cedar Rapids’ City Planning Commission this week advanced Linn County’s request to rezone a property the county is preparing to open as a new overflow shelter for homeless individuals.
Local Government Oct. 5, 2022 6:00 am177d ago
Effective Wednesday, the Ellis Boulevard and E Avenue NW intersection will reopen. The intersection of Ellis Boulevard and F Avenue NW will close Thursday morning for construction of a roundabout.
Crime and Courts Oct. 4, 2022 3:05 pm177d ago
In a hearing Tuesday on a lawsuit over the Cedar Rapids ordinance requiring five of the nine-member Citizens Review Board identify as people of color, a judge asked whether the policy reflected a bias that white people could not identify trends rooted in bias.
Campaigns & Elections Nov. 3, 2022 9:56 am147d ago
Molly Donahue, a second-term Democratic state representative, faces GOP newcomer Kurt Bendixen in the Nov. 8 race for the Iowa Senate 37 seat representing eastern Cedar Rapids and Marion.
Higher Ed Sep. 29, 2022 7:18 am182d ago
Kirkwood is partnering with The Eastern Iowa Airport to launch a Aviation Maintenance Technology program in fall 2023 to address an area of need in the workforce. About $1 million in federal and private funds will support the renovation of an aircraft hangar into a classroom.