Annie Smith Barkalow's stories

LP Street Food’s holiday pop-up events are wildly popular and reservations to dine among the lights and tinsel are encouraged. “How LPSF Stole Christmas” is the 2025 theme.

Holiday pop-ups bring seasonal cheer to the Corridor

Midwesterners are well-acquainted with the seasonal gloom that settles when the last autumn leaves fall and clouds cover the sky until spring. Several Corridor restaurants are combating the winter doldrums and bringing cheer with Christmas-themed pop-ups. In the midst of…

North Liberty’s Next Stage campaign nears finish line for $3.5 million goal

The city of North Liberty is reaching the end of its year-long campaign to raise…

North Liberty Centennial rendering

Dr. Joseph Walder, founder of Integrated DNA Technologies, dies at 73

Dr. Joseph Walder, founder of Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), died on March 26 in Skokie,…

Dr. Joseph Walder, founder of Integrated DNA Technologies, died March 26.

Iowa City seeks public input on redevelopment of 21 S. Linn Street

A vacant lot at 21 S. Linn St. in Iowa City is up for redevelopment,…

21 S. Linn St. CREDIT NOAH TONG.

Johnson County Conservation Board makes progress with Two Horse Farm

Two years ago, the Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB) purchased the 83-acre Two Horse Farm…

Sign outside of Two Horse Farm, 2257 Sugar Bottom Road NE in Solon. The Johnson County Conservation Board bought the property in 2022 to join the county's park system.

Iowa Economic Development Authority gives final approval for Google, Danisco Inc. facilities

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) unanimously approved Google’s financial incentive package March 22, clearing…

Google

Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging awarded Choose Iowa Grant

Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging, a rural Johnson County agribusiness, was awarded a $19,500 Choose…

Taylor and Stephanie Getting, owners of Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging in Oxford.

The Halal Guys set sights on Coralville

The Halal Guys, a New York City-based restaurant chain that specializes in Middle Eastern casual…

The Halal Guys, a New York City-based restaurant chain, is opening a location in Coralville.

Iowa City passes first reading to rezone former Kirkwood site to industrial

Procter & Gamble (P&G), a Cincinnati-based multinational corporation that recently purchased the former Iowa City…

New Swisher Economic Alliance seeks to enhance local businesses, keep small town feel

Businesses in Swisher have banded together to form an Economic Alliance to serve as a…

A sign marking Swisher city limits on 120th Street NW greets visitors.

Iowa Farm Sanctuary donation campaign seeks to raise $50,000

Iowa Farm Sanctuary, an animal rescue and rehabilitation nonprofit in rural Johnson County, is campaigning…

Jacqueline, one of several ewes that lives at the Iowa Farm Sanctuary. The organization is attempting to raise $50,000 as part of a donation match, which will help them purchase solar panels and construct a bathroom.

Coralville eyes renovation of recreation center

The city of Coralville is eyeing a renovation for its recreation center, located at 1506…

The sign outside the Coralville Recreation Center, located at 1506 8th St.

Every Bloomin’ Thing moves to Coralville location

Iconic Iowa City floral shop, Every Bloomin’ Thing, has moved locations after over 20 years…

Owners of Every Bloomin' Thing, Kerrie and Zach Buettner. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

Incentives, interest rates top concerns for commercial real estate industry

The commercial real estate industry is facing challenges from rising interest rates, making incentives for…

Panelists at the 2024 CBJ Commercial Real Estate Symposium. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

Surgeon-turned-entrepreneur creates device to prevent surgical delays

Bariatric and general surgeon Dr. Maria Iliakova sets a silver, metal canister on the wooden…

Maria Iliakova poses with some surgical tools that were housed in a metal container. Dr. Iliakova says she has found a more efficient way to keep track of the container and its tools.

A new Raising Cane’s coming to Iowa City

Raising Cane’s, a chicken-finger fast food chain, is opening a new location in Iowa City…