Annie Smith Barkalow's stories

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

IC Repair tackles sustainability, consumer empowerment

Four times a year, IC Repair volunteers gather in Iowa City to fix a wide range of household items. At the East Side Recycling Center, 2401 Scott Blvd., the repair station fills with everything from lamps and furniture to computers,…

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

Regionalism holds key to economic development, Corridor leaders say

On July 25 local business leaders gathered at the Hotel at Kirkwood for the Corridor…

Aspen and John Lohman accept a celebratory trophy at the CBJ's Future of the Corridor event, July 26, 2024. The event celebrated the CBJ's 20th anniversary and featured talks on the region's future.

Coralville council advances plan for West Village, ‘new urbanist neighborhood’

The Coralville City Council approved the first step of a proposed 28-acre mixed-use development with…

West Village will be located on 28 acres at the southwest corner of Oakdale and Jones Boulevards in Coralville.

Johnson County leaders explore possibility of battery-powered rail line

An electric rail system may be in the works for the Iowa City area, as…

Pop-Up Metro uses existing low-density freight rail lines and battery-propelled passenger cars as an economic, sustainable option for public transit.

Labor leaders decry Gov. Reynolds’ lax child labor laws

Corridor labor leaders say Governor Reynold’s recent child labor laws defy decades-old federal government regulations…

Jennifer Sherer, director of the State Worker Power Initiative with the Economic Policy Institute, addresses attendees at the July 16 roundtable. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

Future of Johnson County jail, sheriff’s office in question

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors had a lengthy work session last week regarding the…

The Johnson County sheriff's office and jail, located at 511 S. Capitol St. in Iowa City, is in dire need of an overhaul, sheriff Brad Kunkel says.

Iowa City Cancer Treatment Center closes doors

A Johnson County radiation oncology clinic has shuttered its operations after 13 years of serving…

The Iowa City Cancer Treatment Center at 3010 Northgate Dr. in Iowa City. The radiation oncology clinic opened in 2011.

Estela’s Fresh Mex: burritos, with a side of podcasts and basketball

Anyone who’s been a Hawkeye for the last eight years is no doubt familiar with…

Estela's Fresh Mex co-owners Jerry Vasquez, Tyler Tiecke and Elsa de la Paz.

The Palestra celebrates grand opening

On a muggy July 9 afternoon in North Liberty, dozens of community members gathered at…

The Palestra co-owners Dave Lane and Brandon Prat prepare to cut the ribbon at the building's entrance July 9.

UnityPoint Health, UI Health Care unveil new leadership

UnityPoint Health and University of Iowa Health Care have each announced the appointment of new…

Yellow stethoscope

Iowa City receives $3.75 million PRO Housing Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The city of Iowa City has been selected as one of 21 communities to receive…

Iowa City mayor Bruce Teague addresses a packed chamber at city hall on Thursday. The city received a $3.75 million PRO Housing grant to further its affordable housing initiatives. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW