From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Iowa Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg is stepping down from his position effective immediately. Gregg has served in the role since May 2017 when Kim Reynolds was elevated from Lieutenant Governor to Governor. Minutes after his resignation went public, we learned that he will become the new president and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association. In a statement, he says “Governor Reynolds will always be one of the most important mentors in my life.” Governor Reynolds now gets to choose who will fill that role until the term expires.
A Cedar Rapids man accused of murder is getting a new trial date. Police say Jihad Gasaway’s car stalled on I-80 last year. When law enforcement officers reached the car, they discovered a body covered by clothing on the floor with gunshot wounds. The victim was identified as 26-year-old Kemp Harriel. New court documents show Gasaway will likely use an insanity plea in his defense. His trial date was originally set for next week, but will be rescheduled.
A Vinton woman is accused of backing her car into a Cedar Rapids Police vehicle, and then leading officers on a high-speed chase. Court documents say Stephanie Koob refused to get out of her car for a police officer. Officers say she then backed into a police car, before driving off and speeding through the city. During the chase, officers say she threw a baggie containing meth out of her car. Koob faces several charges.
The Iowa City City Council may lower metered parking rates. A few months ago, Iowa City raised its parking rates for the first time in 11 years. The price went from $2 an hour to $3 in Downtown Iowa City. The City might lower it to $2.25 an hour. It could also implement a new part-time parking permit for evening and weekend employees in Downtown.
Demolition is underway at the former Diamond V plant on G Avenue Northwest in Cedar Rapids. It comes two months after a Cedar Rapids firefighter fell 30 feet while responding to a fire inside the vacant building. Before that fire on July 5, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department said it had already been called to the building dozens of times this year for reports of people trespassing and burglary.
