On Wednesday morning, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported 21 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, including six in Johnson County and one in Linn County. The new cases bring the state’s total number of Iowans who have tested positive for the disease to 145. The new case in Linn County means […]
Brad Hart
CR Mayor Brad Hart talks infrastructure, traffic cameras and making ‘difficult decisions’ in State of the City speech

During his third State of the City speech, Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart shared his top infrastructure goals for 2020, his thoughts on the city’s traffic cameras and various projects residents can look forward to in 2020. Hart also acknowledged that during his two years as mayor there “have been — and will be — […]
New report shows economic impact of immigrants in Linn County

Immigrants in Linn County are making crucial contributions, from creating jobs to boosting the local economy, according to findings published last week by New American Economy (NAE). Using data collected from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey, the report dives into contributions immigrants have made to the city’s economy. […]
Cedar Rapids will start using its speed cameras on I-380 ‘soon’

Cedar Rapids will start using its speed cameras on I-380 to issue tickets again “soon,” Mayor Brad Hart announced during his State of the City speech on Wednesday. Hart seemed to acknowledge that the decision is unpopular by prefacing his announcement with, “You probably don’t want to hear this,” before claiming the cameras are almost […]
Cedar Rapids has banned alcohol in Greene Square Park, and is considering bans on drinking and smoking in all parks

Changes are coming to the oldest park in Cedar Rapids. Starting Saturday, alcohol will no longer be permitted in Greene Square Park. The city council unanimously approved the ban at its July 10 meeting. The vote came one month after Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman announced plans to install security cameras in the park, […]
Cedar Rapids to get millions from the federal government for flood prevention

Ten years after the biggest flood in Cedar Rapids history, the city will finally be receiving long sought after federal funds for a flood control system. On Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers announced it was awarding Cedar Rapids $117 million for its planned flood control project. “The announcement of this federal funding award to […]
Cedar Rapids is getting in ‘on the ground floor’ of marijuana manufacturing

Cannabidiol will join breakfast cereal as a one of the things Cedar Rapids proudly produces. Last week, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) awarded a license to grow marijuana and process it into cannabidiol last week to Iowa Relief, as part of the state’s medical marijuana program. According Iowa Relief’s application, it plans to […]
Voters will choose between Vernon and Hart for Cedar Rapids mayor on Tuesday

Voters choosing between Monica Vernon and Brad Hart in Tuesday’s run-off election for mayor of Cedar Rapids will find the candidates have much in common. Both list improving flood protection, fixing the city’s streets, fostering economic development and working with neighborhood associations to strengthen communities as priorities. At a candidate’s forum, neither expressed any current interest in serving more than one term, and both said they would not have run if Mayor Ron Corbett had sought reelection. Vernon and Hart even use the same phrase (“can-do”) on their campaign websites to describe the spirit of Cedar Rapids. […]