ThursdayJanuary 15, 2026

Annie Smith Barkalow's stories

The Siecks pose for a family photo at Crescent Cove Respite & Hospice Home for Kids in Minneapolis in 2021. (From left) Shanna, Izabella, Mason, Colton and Curtis Sieck. Ms. Sieck said it was the last photograph they took as a family before Mason died. CREDIT JOY BY JO PHOTOGRAPHY

Grinnell family works to bring pediatric palliative care and hospice center to Iowa

A Grinnell family is working to bring a pediatric palliative care and hospice facility to Iowa. When Curtis and Shanna Sieck’s 7-year-old son, Mason, was nearing the end of his battle with Gardner syndrome in 2021, options for end-of-life care…

Annie Smith Barkalow/January 13, 2026

Iowa City Highlander Hotel seeks bankruptcy protection

The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City is seeking Chapter 11 protection, according to court records…

Annie Smith Barkalow/December 19, 2025
The Highlander's outdoor courtyard and patio has life size chess boards, bags, ping pong and frisbee golf. CREDIT HIGHLANDER HOTEL

As talks continue, Iowa City Starbucks baristas hold the line

It’s been two weeks since Iowa City Starbucks baristas joined the national strike against the…

Annie Smith Barkalow/December 18, 2025
Starbucks baristas James Nordholm and Hayden Evans picket outside the Starbucks at 228 S. Clinton St. in Iowa City Dec. 17, 2025.

Hyper Energy Bar to hold soft opening for North Liberty location Dec. 19

Hyper Energy Bar is gearing up for its North Liberty debut, one year after opening…

Annie Smith Barkalow/December 17, 2025
Exterior of the Hyper Energy Bar in Iowa City's Ped Mall, 115 E. College St.

Illinois manufacturer weighs Coralville relocation with $205,000 city incentive

An Illinois manufacturing company is considering a relocation to Coralville in exchange for $205,000 in…

Annie Smith Barkalow/December 16, 2025
An Illinois manufacturing company is weighing a move to 2300 Oakdale Blvd. at the University of Iowa Research Park, located in Coralville.

UPDATE: WARN confirms 61 Integrated DNA Technologies employees laid off

Integrated DNA Technologies has laid off 61 employees at its Coralville location, according to a…

Annie Smith Barkalow/December 15, 2025
IDT synthetic biology facility

UI Health Care’s new primary care clinic ‘largest in Iowa City,’ university says

University of Iowa Health Care’s new family medicine clinic at 2751 Northgate Drive in Iowa…

Annie Smith Barkalow/December 10, 2025
Executive Officer of University of Iowa's Department of Family and Community Medicine Dr. Jeff Quinlan (center) smiles after he cuts the ribbon on the new primary care clinic at 2751 Northgate Drive in Iowa City. To his left is UI Health Care CEO Brad Haws, and Vice President for medical affairs and Dean of the Carver College of Medicine Dr. Denise Jamieson stands to his right on Dec. 9, 2025.

Integrated DNA Technologies confirms layoffs

Coralville-based Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) is conducting layoffs, company officials confirmed Tuesday. The company has…

Annie Smith Barkalow/December 10, 2025
IDT synthetic biology facility

New rowhome development eyed for Tiffin

A new rowhome development is being eyed for a five-acre lot at the corner of…

Annie Smith Barkalow/December 4, 2025
A preliminary rendering of the Grove Park development.

Event center proposed for Tiffin’s Park Place development

A proposed event center for the city of Tiffin passed its first hurdle on Tuesday,…

Annie Smith Barkalow/December 4, 2025
A rendering of the event center proposed for the city of Tiffin.

ACT campus, Iowa River Power redevelopment projects receive $2 million in state tax credits

Two major redevelopment projects in Johnson County received a combined $2 million in state tax…

Annie Smith Barkalow/November 26, 2025
The Iowa River Power building, 501 First Ave. in Coralville, pictured Oct. 30. The building was bough last month by Old Gold, LLC, a company with an Illinois address. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

Hotel Chauncey, hotelVetro, SpareMe closing

This story has been updated with a statement from GreenState Credit Union Hotel Chauncey, hotelVetro…

Annie Smith Barkalow/November 24, 2025
The Chauncey, at 404 E. College St., is Iowa City's tallest building at 15 stories. The high-rise is home to Hotel Chauncey, FilmScene, SpareMe! Bowl & Arcade, fix! Coffee and several office and residential units.

Greater Iowa City discusses data insights, strategic initiatives at 2025 annual meeting

When the Iowa City Area Development Group and the Iowa City Area Business Partnership merged…

Annie Smith Barkalow/November 24, 2025
Greater Iowa City, Inc. President and CEO Nancy Bird takes the podium at the organization's annual meeting Nov. 20 at the Hyatt Regency Coralville, highlighting Greater IC's economic development efforts over the past year.

3Ice hockey league taps Coralville’s Xtream Arena as home base for 2026 season

3Ice, a professional three-on-three ice hockey league, announced Coralville’s Xtream Arena will be home base…

Annie Smith Barkalow/November 21, 2025
Xtream Arena at the Iowa River Landing in Coralville Nov. 20, 2025. 3ice hockey

Iowa City’s Downtown SSMID passes first hurdle for renewal

The Iowa City City Council passed a first consideration at its meeting Nov. 18 for…

Annie Smith Barkalow/November 19, 2025
Pedestrians line the sidewalk on E. Iowa Avenue in Iowa City.

Downtown Iowa City high-rises return to credit union; no bids received at sheriff sale

The Chauncey, and other prominent downtown Iowa City high-rises at the center of a foreclosure…

Annie Smith Barkalow/November 19, 2025
The Chauncey, at 404 E. College St., is Iowa City's tallest building at 15 stories. The high-rise is home to Hotel Chauncey, FilmScene, SpareMe! Bowl & Arcade, fix! Coffee and several office and residential units.