DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) – Lawmakers at the Iowa Statehouse are considering bringing an end to Zoom meetings after an incident last week in which someone joined a meeting displaying a swastika. Lawmakers immediately ended that call, but Statehouse officials say this kind of inappropriate interruption has become all-too common during Zoom meetings. Statehouse officials said other incidents have involved users who were naked or yelling racial slurs. The Zoom meetings were meant to be a method of allowing Iowans to voice their opinions to lawmakers without forcing them to come all the way to Des Moines. A spokesperson with senate Republicans said Zoom had become a very useful tool, particularly in 2020 amid the pandemic. Lawmakers say they will first look at an option to filter disruptive users out of the meetings. However, if the interruptions continue, they could put an end to using Zoom in the future.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Iowa’s News Now) – Cedar Rapids police were called to the scene of a shooting in the 1400 block of Washington Avenue SE Monday evening. About a half a dozen police were on scene when Iowa’s News Now crews arrived at the scene, just before 9:30 p.m. Police tape could be seen surrounding a home in the area. Police confirmed shots were fired in the area, and that there were “injuries,” but said they couldn’t elaborate on the extent or number of people injured.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – People living in homes in the way of flood protection on the northwest side will need to relocate. The city of Cedar Rapids plans to acquire the remaining 24 properties this year. Right now the city is working with 15 of the 24, since this will be done in phases. The city sent letters to the impacted homeowners last summer and did appraisals of their properties. But it’s tough to put a price on home for those who love their neighborhood and its river view. The city plans to build a levee system to protect people in the event of a future flood.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Police said they arrested three teenagers allegedly involved in two related robberies that took place in Cedar Rapids on Saturday. In a news release, police said the robberies happened early in the morning at a convenience store in the 1600 block of 32nd Street Northeast, and at a grocery store in the 800 block of 6th Street Southwest. No injuries were reported in the first robbery, but one victim reportedly sustained a minor injury during the robbery at the grocery store. Police said witnesses described the suspects and the vehicle they used. That vehicle was found a short time later. Officers interviewed and subsequently arrested Chloe Parrish, 19, and Janiah Jones, 18, who face two counts of second degree robbery; and Ja’nvia Schexnayder, 17, who faces one count of second degree robbery. The investigation remains ongoing.
