Your trusted source for local Iowa City, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
A University of Iowa student, Niko Calhoon, 19, faces misdemeanor charges for disorderly conduct and harassment after allegedly flipping tables at conservative events. The incidents occurred during a Turning Point USA event on Nov. 5 and a Young Americans for Freedom event on Oct. 27. Authorities arrested Calhoon following social media videos that garnered over a million views.
The Iowa Supreme Court allowed lawsuits against the City of Davenport to proceed following a 2023 building collapse that killed three. The court ruled that a state law regarding qualified immunity for government officials does not apply to these negligence claims.
A fire in an unoccupied room at Daum Residence Hall, University of Iowa, displaced about 50 students early Thursday morning. The Iowa City Fire Department quickly responded, with the building's sprinkler system mostly containing the blaze. No injuries were reported, and students were able to return to their rooms by morning, except for those directly affected by the fire.
Des Moines Public Schools' $265 million bond measure passed decisively, supported by over 91% of downtown voters. Tight races for local city councils and school boards highlighted the importance of voter turnout in an election marked by political tensions. The election results demonstrate a growing trend of support for school funding in Iowa.
Guillermo Morales, former executive director of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and defamation following his firing. The suit claims violations of state and federal laws, seeking damages for lost wages and emotional distress. Morales contends that his termination was retaliatory, linked to his political support and votes on contentious issues.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from Iowa student athletes, ruling investigators in an online gambling probe are entitled to qualified immunity despite likely violating students' rights. The judge stated that the right to protection against warrantless searches was not "clearly established" at the time of the investigation.
The northern lights will be visible across Iowa on the evening of November 6, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. While residents in the northern part of the state may have the best chance to see the aurora borealis, cloud cover could obstruct views, particularly in Des Moines. Optimal viewing conditions will occur between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Casey Cooney won an at-large seat on the Clear Creek Amana School District school board, receiving 60.4% of the vote. Incumbent Nicholas Pfeiffer retained his uncontested seat, securing 943 votes. Write-in candidates dominated District 2 and District 4 due to a lack of filed candidates.
Tim Orris won the Tiffin city election with 304 votes, securing 28.8% of the total. Incumbent Tim Kasparek will serve a second term unopposed, while Al Havens lost his seat by just 43 votes.
North Liberty Mayor Chris Hoffman secured a second term, earning 1,982 votes in the uncontested election. Incumbent councilor Brian Wayson and newcomer Tonja Fortney won council seats, with Wayson receiving 1,774 votes and Fortney 1,654. The election results reflect ongoing budgetary challenges due to changes in property tax laws in Iowa.