Your trusted source for local Iowa City, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Voters in Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty will decide on a 1% local option sales tax in November, with half of the revenue mandated for property tax relief. The tax, which exempts essential items, aims to generate millions in additional revenue for local budgets. If approved, the taxes will take effect on July 1, 2026.
John Deere will lay off 141 employees at its Waterloo and Ankeny plants due to declining demand for agricultural equipment. This round of layoffs follows previous cuts, totaling about 2,200 jobs in Iowa since April 2024, amid a struggling farm economy.
Protesters gathered outside the Iowa Department for the Blind on September 16 to oppose changes in blindness training policies initiated by new director Stacy Cervenka. The updated handbook now makes the use of sleepshades optional rather than mandatory, prompting concerns from advocates about the impact on newly blind individuals. The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa calls for a new director and further research before implementing program changes.
Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver announced he will not seek reelection in 2026 and will step down as majority leader. Whitver, diagnosed with a brain tumor in May 2024, has served in the Senate since 2011 and led the Republican Caucus to a supermajority in 2024. His retirement opens his Senate seat for the upcoming midterm elections.
New York City police are intensifying their manhunt for the gunman responsible for the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. As investigators gather evidence and release new photos of the suspect, the incident raises serious concerns about public safety in the area.
The third day of the Winfield murder trial featured critical developments, focusing on ballistics evidence and surveillance footage pertinent to the case against Renard Winfield. The testimony and visual evidence presented are expected to significantly influence the trial's outcome, highlighting the importance of forensic analysis in criminal proceedings.
The Iowa State Fair Grandstand will host the 25th anniversary tour of the popular rock-and-roll tribute band Hairball in 2025. Fans can look forward to an exciting performance celebrating a quarter-century of the band's energetic shows. Ticket information and event details are provided for interested attendees.
UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, a graduate from Iowa's University of Iowa and high school in Jewell, was tragically killed in a shooting in New York City. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from educators and family members, who remember him as a loving and talented individual.
Hanukkah in 2024 will be celebrated starting the evening of December 4th. The article provides an overview of the holiday's history, traditions, and significance within the Jewish community, making it a valuable resource for those looking to celebrate or learn more about this important occasion.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, a military veteran, expressed reservations about supporting Pete Hegseth's nomination as U.S. Defense Secretary after a detailed conversation with him. Ernst's assessment highlights her concerns regarding Hegseth's qualifications for the role, indicating a cautious approach to the confirmation process.