Cedar Rapids Gazette: In an abrupt development with little explanation, officials with the Iowa Department of Public Health announced today that Dr. Caitlin Pedati, the state’s medical director and epidemiologist, plans to leave the agency effective late October. Pedati has served in her current dual role since June 2018. According to an IDPH news release, Pedati — who had been a regular contributor during the governor’s weekly news briefings during the height of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in Iowa — plans to pursue new career opportunities.