Annie Smith Barkalow's stories

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.

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 in 2023 to become Greater Iowa City, Inc., the new organization’s mission was multi-pronged: elevate local businesses, invest in strategic initiatives and further economic resiliency.…

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.

IC Repair tackles sustainability, consumer empowerment

Four times a year, IC Repair volunteers gather in Iowa City to fix a wide…

IC Repair volunteer Chris Anderson sharpens a knife for an attendee April 4.

Molly’s Cupcakes closing shop in Iowa City

A downtown Iowa City cupcakery is closing its doors after 13 years in business. Molly’s…

DVIP & RVAP Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Services to build transitional housing for survivors

Domestic Violence Intervention Program & Rape Victim Advocacy Program (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis…

DVIP & RVAP logo