Annie Smith Barkalow's stories

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 against MercyOne, the hospital’s former managing partner, seeking to recover “at least $55 million in damages caused to (Mercy Iowa City) by the defendants.” The…

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

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.