Your trusted source for local Iowa City, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Iowa City leaders rejected a $1 million trash compactor purchase from Caterpillar due to the company's ties to Israel. The City Council, voting 6-0, directed staff to find alternatives despite concerns over maintenance quality. Residents expressed that buying from Caterpillar would contradict the city's values.
Iowa residents can obtain library cards at any public library in the state, promoting access to diverse resources. The American Library Association's "Library Card Sign-up Month" encourages community engagement, emphasizing that libraries support resilience and connection. Sam Helmick, ALA president, highlights the importance of utilizing libraries amid ongoing challenges like book bans.
Jane Goodall, the renowned conservationist, passed away at 91, leaving a profound legacy through her research on chimpanzees. Her visits to Iowa over the decades inspired countless students and highlighted the importance of empathy and environmental stewardship. Goodall's pioneering work transformed the understanding of primate behavior and human connections.
Iowa City will acquire three-bedroom townhomes in North Liberty for approximately $927,000 to enhance its affordable housing options. The City Council approved the purchase with a 6-0 vote, and the properties will serve residents earning below 50% of the area median income.
A former paraeducator at Iowa City West High, Joel Munzila, received a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor. Arrested in June 2024, Munzila engaged in a sexual relationship with a student during school hours, and he must now adhere to a lengthy supervision period and register as a sex offender.
Iowa's state archivist began relocating artifacts from the State Historical Society in Iowa City to Des Moines on October 6, ahead of an upcoming lawsuit aimed at halting the move. The relocation follows a June announcement of plans to close the Iowa City location by 2026, prompting local residents to rally against the decision.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags to fly at half-staff on October 7 to honor U.S. Army Second Lt. Blaine Wilcox, who was killed in World War II. Wilcox's burial service with full military honors took place 81 years after his death during a bombing mission in Germany. His remains were identified in 2022 after extensive investigation by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was honored at an Iowa event following his fatal shooting on September 10. Republican speakers, including Scott Jennings and U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, emphasized the need to continue fighting for Kirk's values and reject violence. The event included tributes and discussions about the political climate in America.
A former Oskaloosa High School teacher is suing the school district and its superintendent for firing him over a social media post comparing conservative activist Charlie Kirk to a Nazi. Matthew Kargol claims the termination violated his First Amendment rights, alleging it stemmed from protected speech. The school board unanimously voted to terminate Kargol's employment following an investigation into the post.
Four Georgia men received prison sentences for a nationwide scam that defrauded victims across the U.S., particularly in Iowa. The ringleader, Russell Tafron Weatherspoon, orchestrated the scheme from prison using contraband cell phones to impersonate law enforcement and falsely claim arrest warrants. The conspiracy netted at least $58,825 through threats and fake bonds.