Annie Smith Barkalow's stories

An aerial view of 404 Second St. in Coralville, a 3.2 acre lot and the future site of a Corda Credit Union.

Corda Credit Union pursuing new location in Coralville

Corda Credit Union is pursuing plans for a new branch in Coralville. The credit union is in the process of purchasing a 3.2 acre lot at 404 Second St., which contains the former McGrath automotive dealership. This would be the…

Wilson’s Orchard & Farm thrives in Des Moines

Five months after officially opening its Des Moines location, Iowa City-based Wilson’s Orchard & Farm…

Wilson's Orchard Ciderhouse & Bar in Des Moines.

JoCo Board of Supervisors oust executive director

This story has been updated to include comments from Guillermo Morales. The Johnson County Board…

Guillermo Morales, Johnson County Board of Supervisors executive director.

Iowa City Council considers lower parking rates, new permits

The Iowa City Council is exploring proposals to reduce downtown parking meter rates and create…

The city of Iowa City is considering an ordinance that would reduce downtown parking rates and establish an evening/weekend parking permit.

Knutson Construction closing, laying off 40 workers next month

Knutson Construction Services Midwest Inc. in Iowa City is shuttering its operations and laying off…

Knutson Construction

Kirkwood’s inaugural Jones County Leadership Council focuses on student success, workforce development

With cooler weather proclaiming the advent of a new school year, Kirkwood Community College is…

Kirkwood Community College President Kristie Fisher addresses attendees Sept. 4 at the inaugural Jones County Leadership Council meeting. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

Tasha Lard empowers Black entrepreneurs through community and mentorship

Tasha Lard dipped her toes into entrepreneurship during the pandemic, a time when most businesses…

Tasha Lard stands outside the South District Market in Iowa City Aug. 21.

New report identifies crucial challenges in Iowa’s health care industry

The overall landscape of Iowa’s health care industry is looking bleak, according to recent findings…

A doctor holds a newborn baby.

North Liberty’s new Pizza Ranch combines dining, entertainment

A new restaurant in North Liberty is offering diners more than just pizza and wings…

Diners line up outside Pizza Ranch in North Liberty

Iowa City Council debates new ordinances to limit tobacco retailers

The Iowa City council continues to debate methods of discouraging tobacco and vape shops from…

Open sign

Iowa’s youth labor law leaves small businesses and teen workers in hot water

An Iowa bill meant to expand employment opportunities has backfired on the businesses it aimed…

Savannah Dixon, 17, reaches for some fried chicken with a pair of tongs. Ms. Dixon has worked at Sugapeach Chicken & Fish Fry for two years. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

Coffee Emporium sold to North Liberty couple, rebranding and expansion ahead

A popular Johnson County coffee chain has switched hands. Coffee Emporium, which has locations in…

Coffee Emporium, located at 925 E. 2nd Ave. in Coralville, has recently changed hands.

North Liberty is booming. Here’s a list of housing developments in the works

You don’t have to be an expert in real estate or economic development to see…

Recently finished townhomes line the west side of North Kansas Avenue. The homes are part of new subdivision Water Tower Place.

Durham talks triumph, challenges of downtown revitalization

Size doesn’t matter – at least to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The way…

Debi Durham, director of the IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority, speaks at the Paramount Theater Aug. 6 for the IEDA 2024 Iowa Downtown Conference.

Iowa City businesses get a boost with CoSign+ program

Iowa City has been recognized as one of the top 50 best places for families…

Signs for Scout's Honor and Camp are prominently displayed on Iowa Avenue. Both eateries were recipients of CoSign.

Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose announce historic merger

In a landmark decision, Cedar Rapids’ Mount Mercy University entered into a “strategic combination” agreement…

St. Ambrose president Amy Novak and Mount Mercy president Todd Olson sign a "strategic combination" agreement on Thursday, Aug. 1. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW