Gazette Daily News Podcast: Monday, Apr. 22, 2024

- Iowa Senate doesn’t extend pause on new casinos, opening door for C.R. to seek license

- Here’s why half of Latino immigrants are chronically homeless in Johnson County

- Bill Quinby, community builder and moral compass, dies at 92

Episode Transcript

Welcome to The Gazette’s Daily News Podcast for Monday, April 22, 2024. This podcast provides the latest headlines from the Gazette newsroom. I’m Becky Lutgen Gardner.

First, Casino backers’ long-held dreams to build a gambling facility in Cedar Rapids stayed alive this weekend.

In 2022, Iowa lawmakers passed a moratorium on new casino licenses, thwarting hopes for a casino in Cedar Rapids.

On Saturday, the Iowa House passed an amendment that would have extended the moratorium by five years, but the Senate did not pass the amendment before adjourning.

So, beginning in July, the five-member Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will be able to consider new casino license applications.

For Cedar Rapids, this decision is a lifeline for their long-held dreams of a gambling facility.

Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell emphasized that they're not asking for special treatment, just the opportunity to apply for a license that voters supported.

O’Donnell says the prospect of a casino represents not just a gambling venue but a modern entertainment facility that reflects how people game today.

Opponents, like Elite Casino Resorts' CEO Dan Kehl, have argued that a Cedar Rapids casino would cannibalize its operations in Riverside.

But Cedar Rapids sees this as a crucial economic growth and revitalization moment.

The City Council has earmarked land for a potential casino, and developers are eager to realize their plans.

Jonathan Swain is president of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, Cedar Rapids' preferred provider. Swain expressed excitement for the future, emphasizing the positive impact of gaming on jobs, taxes, and nonprofit funding.

Next, In Johnson County, the issue of immigrant homelessness is reaching critical levels, with over half of Latino immigrants experiencing chronic homelessness according to a new report. These families are forced to double, triple, or even quadruple in housing to make ends meet.

Johnson County Public Health, the University of Iowa College of Nursing, and Escucha Mi Voz released the report. It paints a stark picture of the housing disparities faced by African and Latino immigrants. Despite having roofs over their heads, many of these families are technically considered homeless because they share small spaces with multiple families.

The report reveals that many immigrants are concentrated in just a few neighborhoods and struggle to find affordable housing. The barriers to quality housing are immense, with documentation and financial constraints preventing many from accessing affordable options.

The situation is dire for immigrants like Dimambu. Despite living in Iowa City for six years, she faces housing challenges. Many immigrants live in the shadows, invisible to society, making advocating for their needs difficult.

However, the effects of poor housing conditions extend beyond mere discomfort. Expensive, overcrowded, and substandard housing contributes to health problems and exacerbating existing medical conditions among immigrants.

Escucha Mi Voz is calling on policymakers to act, urging them to fund innovative community health partnerships and permanent supportive housing developments. However, despite previous support for affordable housing projects, compliance concerns have halted funding.

Supervisor Jon Green emphasized the county's inability to meet compliance requirements, leading to the redirection of funds to other projects. While alternative funding sources are being explored, Voz insists that any affordable housing initiative must guarantee tenant affordability for at least 20 years.

Finally, Bill Quinby, a pillar of the Cedar Rapids community, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday morning at 92.

Known for his unwavering dedication to serving others, Quinby's legacy as a doer and community leader will be remembered by all who knew him.

Quinby's daughter, Karen Delaney, described her father as always there to lend a helping hand: Quote, "Dad did it on his own time. He was ready. He had a great run."

Quinby played a pivotal role in numerous community initiatives and organizations throughout his life. Quinby's dedication to improving the lives of others was unparalleled from his involvement in building a new Veterans Memorial Stadium to his contributions to the East Central Iowa Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.

Despite his many achievements, Quinby remained humble and never sought recognition for his contributions.

Close friend and Cedar Rapids City Council member Dale Todd reflected on Quinby's impact, saying quote, "Bill represents all that is good about us as people — humble, thankful, loving." Quinby's influence extended beyond his community involvement; he served as a moral compass for many, guiding them toward making the right decisions.

Quinby's passion for sports was evident throughout his life, from his time as a student-athlete to his years as an NFL official. He remained deeply connected to the Cedar Rapids sports community, where he mentored and inspired countless individuals.

Monday’s weather will start with areas of frost before 9 a.m., then breezy with increasing clouds and a high near 66. Monday night has a 40 percent chance of showers after 3 a.m., with a low around 50. Tuesday will be mostly cloudy to start, but it will gradually become sunny, with a high near 69. It will be breezy.

You can find a link to each of the stories featured in today’s episode in the episode’s description or at the gazette dot com.

Thank you for listening to The Gazette’s Daily News Podcast. I’m Becky Lutgen Gardner.