Annie Smith Barkalow's stories

Students from the Tiffin school district are all grins as they don hardhats and hold shovels for the groundbreaking of the city's $10 million recreation center on Sept. 16, 2025.

GALLERY: Tiffin breaks ground on $10 million rec center

The city of Tiffin broke ground Tuesday on its $10 million recreation center at 105 S. Park Rd. The facility has been a long time coming, said Mayor Tim Kasparek. “It’s amazing to believe that with the tremendous growth we…

Johnson County cities kick off campaign for 1% local option sales tax

The cities of Coralville, North Liberty and Iowa City teamed up on Tuesday as part…

A Local Makes Sense campaign sign is displayed at Greater Iowa City's headquarters during a press conference Sept. 2. The cities of Coralville, North Liberty and Iowa City have teamed up in a campaign to convince voters to elect a 1% local option sales tax on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Affordable housing development proposed at site of former Roosevelt Elementary School in Iowa City

This story will be updated with additional information. The property housing the former Roosevelt Elementary…

Rendering of the 187-unit affordable housing complex proposed for 611 Greenwood Dr. in Iowa City, the site of the former Roosevelt Elementary School.

With tariffs, Eastern Iowa manufacturers only certain of uncertainty

As the tariff situation in the U.S. continues to fluctuate, manufacturing customers are postponing orders…

Responding to Tariffs panel, from left: Moderator Jen Neumann, CEO of de novo; Nicole Crain, president of ABI; Carl Kirpes, president of KT Pacer; Loras Schaul, owner of Douglas Machine and Engineering LLC; and Todd Shores, virtual CFO of Creative Planning. The panel took place at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center Aug 24 as part of Corridor Media’s 2025 Manufacturing Conference.

GALLERY: Dream City celebrates grand opening of renovated facility

One year ago, Dream City broke ground on an expansion and renovation project, envisioning a…

Dream City organizers celebrated the facility's renovation and expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025.

Johnson County Board of Supervisors draft new letter to Havenpark Communities, urging rent moratorium on manufactured home parks

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is petitioning a Utah company that owns and operates…

Johnson County Supervisor Board Chair Jon Green listens to Emily Meister, director of community impact and engagement with United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties at a work session Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Proposed Governor Street multifamily complex gets green light

Note: The reporter of this article has no relation to Tracy Barkalow, who is mentioned…

A map of Scarlett Point Subdivision, located between North Dodge and Governor Streets in Iowa City. The plat is the future location for Goosetown Apartments.

Business retention, expansion survey helps Greater IC foster growth for Johnson County businesses

Regional economic development groups play an important role in promoting and providing resources for the…

Aerial view of Iowa City

Mercy Iowa City seeks $55M from MercyOne, recovery of ‘fraudulent transfers’

The oversight committee managing Mercy Hospital Iowa City’s bankruptcy estate has filed an adversary proceeding…

Corridor sports complexes serve up wins on and off the court

If you were a Midwest kid playing sports in the ‘80s or ‘90s, you can…

Girl playing softball youth sports

Glide & Go Skate City to launch this winter in Iowa City

A new skating rink will make its debut at the Iowa City Marketplace this winter.…

A rendering of one of the skating rinks at Glide & Go Skate City.

City of Anamosa in final phase of downtown revitalization efforts

The city of Anamosa lies at the confluence of the Wapsipinicon River and Buffalo Creek,…

A painter on an extension ladder works on a second story building facade in downtown Anamosa on July 8, 2025.

University of Iowa Health Care to purchase Cedar Rapids medical office

The Iowa Board of Regents Wednesday approved the University of Iowa’s $4.2 million purchase of…

University of Iowa Health Care clinic at 411 10th St. SE in Cedar Rapids. CREDIT UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

2025 Entrepreneur of the Year: Brandon Pratt

Lion Development Group owner Brandon Pratt was living in Florida when the housing market crashed…

Lion Development Group owner Brandon Pratt poses in front of a wall display of the company’s core values at his headquarters in North Liberty on July 1, 2025. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

Creativity is a state of mind for this Marion gift shop

A new gift shop in Uptown Marion is selling a little bit of inspiration mixed…

State of Mind owner Carissa Starleaf in her store July 7. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

Midnight Coffee to open a fifth location in Clive

A Johnson County coffee chain is expanding its footprint with a new location planned for…

Midnight Coffee's logo is prominently displayed on a disposable coffee cup.