Your trusted source for local Iowa City, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Thousands of Iowans face significant health insurance premium increases as enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025. Without congressional action, many families may opt to go uninsured due to rising costs, with some insurers proposing rate hikes of 12.5% to over 25% for 2026.
A government shutdown threatens SNAP benefits for millions, leaving Iowans uncertain about food access. Food banks warn they cannot meet the increased demand as SNAP funds may expire on November 1. Residents like Jill Bensley face anxiety about affording meals amid the ongoing crisis.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered the National Guard to prepare for food distribution as over 260,000 residents face a lapse in SNAP benefits starting November 1. The state will match $1 million in donations to local food banks to assist those in need during the federal government shutdown. Democratic lawmakers are urging Reynolds to allocate additional state funds to cover the SNAP shortfall.
Big Grove Brewery donated $12,000 to three Midwest food banks as SNAP benefits are set to expire for many Iowans on November 1. This initiative aims to support local communities facing food insecurity amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. The brewery plans to donate an additional $12,000 to local homeless shelters later this month.
North Liberty leaders will receive their first pay increase in nearly two decades, with councilors' salaries rising from $50 per meeting to $5,000 annually and the mayor's salary increasing from $5,000 to $12,000. The raises take effect on January 1, 2026, following three votes held in accordance with Iowa law.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Hopewell Elementary in Bettendorf as the best elementary school in Iowa for 2026. The rankings evaluated approximately 30,000 schools nationwide, focusing on student proficiency in reading and math while considering socioeconomic demographics. South Hamilton Middle School in Jewell topped the list for middle schools in the state.
Hundreds of thousands of Iowans will lose food assistance benefits starting Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. More than 131,000 households will be impacted, as they will not receive new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for the first time in the program's history. Local food banks are mobilizing to provide support and resources for those in need.
Des Moines will end its long-standing tradition of Beggars' Night, allowing trick-or-treating on Halloween for the first time in 2025. Recent rainfall impacted local festivities, with Des Moines reporting 0.73 inches from October 27 to 29. The forecast predicts no rain on Halloween, with temperatures expected in the low 50s during trick-or-treating.
Matt Degner, superintendent of the Iowa City Community School District, earned recognition as one of Education Insider’s “Top 10 School District Superintendents” for 2025. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized community engagement and inclusive strategies to improve student outcomes. Degner oversees over 14,000 students in Iowa's second-largest school district.
Johnson County leaders seek a public meeting with Havenpark Communities to address management issues at four manufactured home parks. Residents have reported significant maintenance problems, including lack of running water, despite rising rent prices. The supervisors aim to foster direct communication to resolve these concerns.