Iowa officials push anti-tobacco policies, as cancer rates in the state continue to climb
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA — Tobacco use continues to take a deadly toll in Iowa, killing nearly 5,000 Iowans each year, as state officials and health advocates push new policies they say can reduce smoking and vaping and, in turn, lower cancer rates. Iowa’s Health Initiative hosted a webinar Wednesday...
Marion street closures begin Wednesday for sewer work
MARION, Iowa — Several streets in Marion are closing this week as work continues on the city’s 2026 Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project. Rathje Construction is closing 9th Street between Third and Fourth avenues, along with 10th Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues, beginning Wednesday. The closures are expected to
Iowa officials push anti-tobacco policies, as cancer rates in the state continue to climb
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA — Tobacco use continues to take a deadly toll in Iowa, killing nearly 5,000 Iowans each year, as state officials and health advocates push new policies they say can reduce smoking and vaping and, in turn, lower cancer rates. Iowa’s Health Initiative hosted a webinar Wednesday...
Iowa Company Builds New Resource for Rare Disease Research
A Tiffin, IA biotech company is building a biological resource that could help researchers better understand rare diseases and pursue future diagnostics and treatments.
The need for skilled healthcare workers has never been greater
Iowa’s need for skilled healthcare professionals is unfortunately a very obvious and concerning reality. The demand for healthcare is increasing at a never-before-seen rate in all aspects of care. Be it in the rural or metropolitan areas, aging population or advancing complexity of how care is delivered, the constant i
Five Main Street Iowa Businesses Awarded $75,000 in Expansion Grants
OSCEOLA, Iowa (October 7, 2026) — Five small businesses in Main Street Iowa districts have received a combined $75,000 in state grants through the 2026 Open 4 Business competition, supporting expansion projects and new equipment investments in downtown communities across the state. The finalists presented their growth
Tommy’s Restaurant continues Cedar Rapids growth with First Avenue opening
CEDAR RAPIDS — After years of change, a family restaurant returns to First Avenue for the first time in over 30 years. This time, with a new owner. Tommy’s Restaurant, a subtle fixture in the diner scene of Cedar Rapids for over 60 years, has kept itself going through several changes in ownership thanks to a close conn
North Liberty man sentenced in attempted murder case
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - A North Liberty man has been sentenced to five years in prison for an Iowa City shooting last August. Nathaniel Washington, 18, was originally charged with attempted murder. Court documents filed last week show he was sentenced to lesser charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Assaul
Man pleads guilty to Cedar Rapids card skimmer scheme
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - A man is pleading guilty to placing card skimmers at Family Dollar stores but he will not spend any more time behind bars. Court records filed Tuesday show Costel Balan pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree theft and was given a suspended sentence by a judge.
The Cheesecake Lady announces closure in Cedar Rapids
CEDAR RAPIDS — An icon in the Cedar Rapids dessert scene has left on a bittersweet note after feeding the city’s sweet tooth for over six years. Dawn Murray, known for the last six years as “The Cheesecake Lady,” announced her final departure in a post to a social media group for Cedar Rapids foodies and small business
