Wednesday Morning Read: Panhandling rules get initial OK, five suspected of double-voting fraud, panel favors fireworks restrictions

TODAY'S WEATHER — Hot and humid, chance of storms. High 91, low 71.

PANHANDLING RULES GET INITIAL OK — Pedestrian safety rules that would create major restrictions for panhandling in roadways gained initial approval from the Cedar Rapids City Council on Tuesday. The plan drew backlash from members of the community saying it undermines the most needy, but elected officials said it is a matter of safety. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/local-government/pedestrian-safety-rules-that-restrict-panhandling-get-initial-approval-in-cedar-rapids/

FIVE SUSPECTED of DOUBLE-VOTING FRAUD — Linn County Auditor Joel Miller has identified five instances of suspected double voting in the November 2016 presidential election. The cases have been handed over to the Linn County Attorney's Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation for further investigation. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/government-politics/linn-county-auditor-suspects-five-residents-of-double-voting-fraud/

PANEL FAVORS FIREWORKS RESTRICTIONS — Cedar Rapids' first period of legal fireworks use was put under the microscope for the first time on Tuesday. The city's public safety committee heard data that showed a large uptick in strain on public safety responders, and also a sampling of the public backlash that's been bubbling up since the City Council in May voted for the most lax rules allowed under a new state law. The committee is eyeing ways to limit sales and strengthen enforcement plans as it works to draft 'significant changes' to fireworks rules, and present it to the full City Council on Aug. 22. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/government-politics/enforcement-zoning-could-be-examined-to-control-fireworks-in-cedar-rapids/

KENNEDY, JEFFERSON ON TO STATE — Both the Kennedy and Jefferson softball teams will be competing for a state championship in Fort Dodge next week. Kennedy beat Davenport West, 3-1, while Jefferson topped Dubuque Hempstead, 6-2. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/iowa-prep-sports/cedar-rapids-kennedy-softball-advances-to-state-for-first-time-since-1999/ and https://www.thegazette.com/iowa-prep-sports/jefferson-makes-its-way-back-to-state/

QUOTABLE — 'I think the key for whatever we do is not to say we are going to ban them or severely restrict them and dust our hands off and say we are done. We have to work on an enforcement mechanism where people that use them illegally will feel some pain.' Pat Shey, Cedar Rapids City Council member, regarding proposed restrictions to fireworks sales and use