Annie Smith Barkalow's stories

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

Midnight Coffee to open a fifth location in Clive

A Johnson County coffee chain is expanding its footprint with a new location planned for central Iowa. Midnight Coffee will open its fifth location in Clive on Aug. 5, following the purchase of St. Kilda Café and Bakery at 12695…

Frontier Co-op celebrates social impact, global partnerships at ‘Doing Good, Works’ event

Iowa-based herb and spice company Frontier Co-op celebrated its commitment to social and environmental impact…

Frontier Co-op's CEO, Tony Bedard, addresses the audience at the Sept. 11 "Doing Good, Works" event in Cedar Rapids.

Lubben Vineyards & Wines celebrates opening of new winery

The town of Anamosa is Grant Wood country, and the rolling hills made famous by…

Dan and Judy Lubben, along with ambassadors from the Marion Chamber of Commerce, celebrate the opening of the new location of Lubben Vineyards & Wines on Sept. 12 in Anamosa.

Neighborhood Centers expands with new Iowa City locations

The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County (NCJC) is moving forward with the renovation of two…

The site of Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County's new Early Childhood Center at 1041 Arthur St. in Iowa City. Construction efforts on the building are currently underway.

Dubuque Street businesses anticipate recovery as construction ends and students return

As the South Dubuque Street reconstruction project in Iowa City nears completion, business owners along…

The section of South Dubuque Street, between Iowa Avenue and Washington Street, is open once more to foot and vehicle traffic.

Union curious: Support for unions grows, membership numbers decline

Union membership across the U.S. continues to decline, despite growing public support for unions and…

Bruegger's Bagels employees picket outside the franchise's South Riverside Drive location on June 15, 2024, in Iowa City. union

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