Your trusted source for local Iowa City, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The City of Cedar Rapids has adjusted the public right-of-way near the ICE facility to accommodate a planned 7-foot chain link fence on private property. This decision follows a review revealing a mapping error and has sparked criticism from immigration rights group Escucha Mi Voz, which argues it enables ICE to conceal deportations.
A recent survey identified three public buildings in Iowa among the nation's ugliest, with the Pottawattamie County Courthouse ranking 24th. The Sioux City Police Department headquarters and the Long Lines Family Recreation Center followed at 39th and 74th, respectively. These buildings, though criticized for their appearance, hold historical significance in their communities.
Three generations of men embarked on a 38-hour road trip from Iowa to Yellowstone National Park, successfully navigating the journey without significant conflict. The trip highlighted family bonding, humor, and the beauty of Yellowstone's landscapes.
Iowa City High School senior Lily Rantanen received recognition as the Press-Citizen's Student of the Week for her academic excellence and leadership as executive editor of "The Little Hawk," which ranked in the top 10 nationally for its journalism. Rantanen's individual nominations include "News Story of the Year" and two "Design of the Year" recognitions. The weekly Student of the Week poll allows students from Iowa City area high schools to participate.
Numerous mayoral and city council seats are contested in Johnson County this fall, with elections scheduled for November 4, 2025. Key races include incumbents seeking reelection in University Heights, Solon, and Shueyville, while Oxford has no candidates for its vacancies. Early voting starts October 15 and ends November 3.
Eight class-action lawsuits have been filed against University of Iowa Health Care following a data breach that affected over 200,000 patients. Plaintiffs allege that sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and health records, was compromised, with some experiencing anxiety and stress due to the incident. The university took nearly two months to notify affected patients, prompting outrage among them.
Homemakers Furniture plans to open a new location in Tiffin, Iowa, creating 200 jobs in the area. The groundbreaking ceremony is set for October 15, with the store expected to feature a 200,000-square-foot showroom. This expansion marks the company's continued growth in Iowa, where it has operated for over 50 years.
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.
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's winter season officially begins on December 21, 2025, with predictions of a "bookend winter" featuring significant snowfall. AccuWeather forecasts the state will experience normal snowfall, averaging about 35 inches. The Farmers' Almanac suggests Iowa may see its first snow by mid-to-late November.