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OVERWHELMED: Leaders of the non-profit Mission of Hope in Cedar Rapids say record demand for assistance this summer has left some food pantry shelves bare. 'I think our support group, like everyone else, does get distracted with other activities during the summer,” Executive Director Martin Dwyer told The Gazette this past week.

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OPTING OUT: Johnson County officials say more parents are opting not to have their children receive the minimum required immunizations to enroll in public school, an important step that helps protect all students from preventable disease. The most recent data show 329 kids enrolled in Iowa City schools are not fully vaccinated.

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RETIREMENT POSTPONED: A recent AARP survey shows half of Iowa seniors have or expect to postpone retirement as living expenses increase faster than expected incomes. That doesn't only affect seniors, but also sends ripples throughout the economy as younger workers try to advance in their careers.