Iowa City animal shelters and groomers see increased business
Cole Krutzfield, News Reporter
July 9, 2020
Increased mitigation measures and social-distancing restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has created extra time for people to do things they may not have otherwise — in this case, adopt a pet. Chris Whitmore, animal services coordinator at the Iowa City Animal Shelter, noted an in...
Rummage in the Ramp aims to reduce landfill waste virtually
Natalie Dunlap, News Reporter
July 6, 2020
Iowa City’s Rummage in the Ramp in-person event was canceled this summer, along with most other annual traditions in the city, due to concern about community spread of the coronavirus. The city-sponsored event began in 2007 with the goal of reducing reusable items going into the landfill over ...
Iowa Freedom Riders continue push for change with Fourth of July protest
Josie Fischels, Summer Editor
July 5, 2020
A Saturday night protest led by the Iowa Freedom Riders celebrated Black art by making a stop at the official unveiling of a new mural on 202 N Linn Street, “Reciprocal of Humanity.” The mural was painted by Iowa-based artists Robert Moore and his partner, Dana Harrison. “The IFR have been asking...
Community members call for change to the namesake of Johnson County amid anti-racism movement
Mary Hartel, News Reporter
July 2, 2020
Iowa City community members are urging Johnson County residents and local leaders to reconsider the namesake of Johnson County. Currently named for former U.S. Vice President and slave owner Richard Mentor Johnson, the county was established in his name in 1837. The initiative to change the J...
Iowa City Downtown District discusses plans to support diversity and inclusion at annual State of the Downtown meeting
Lillian Poulsen, Staff Reporter
June 30, 2020
Iowa City Downtown District held the annual State of the Downtown address, where leaders discussed the successes of the previous year and what improvements they are currently making to the downtown district amid the coronavirus and Black Lives Matter protests. New staff members met with outgoi...
Local businesses rely on social media to stay connected with consumers from a distance
Molly Allen, News Reporter
June 30, 2020
As increasing numbers of COVID-19 in Johnson County have prompted some businesses to close their stores again and caused others to see a decrease in visitors, local business owners say one obstacle of many is staying connected with customers that spend most of their time at home. Rob Miller, socia...
Owners, artists discuss The Mill’s past, present, and future
Jenna Post, Arts Reporter
June 30, 2020
Another blow to Iowa City’s downtown music scene came with the announcement that The Mill’s owners, Dan Ouverson and Marty Christensen, will be stepping down after 17 years. The restaurant and music venue indefinitely closed on May 2, with no word on future plans. Until then, the restaurant offer...
Some Iowa City businesses suspend in-person service once again as COVID-19 cases spike
Katie Ann McCarver, News Editor
June 29, 2020
As the number of positive cases of the novel coronavirus in Johnson County continues to climb, Iowa City businesses that recently reopened after several months of mitigation efforts are closing their doors once again to help flatten the curve. Coronavirus cases have recently spiked in Johnson County among young people, and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds a...
La Tea brings the latest generation of Asian milk tea culture to Iowa City
Ning Guo, News Reporter
June 25, 2020
Shanshan Kong, store owner of La Tea — a new milk tea shop in Iowa City — aims to give Iowans a taste of a popular new drink trend. The milk tea store opened at 123 E. Washington St. on June 15. La Tea features a large purple lounge space and decorations from South Korea, in addition to un...
Service industry employees vulnerable as COVID-19 cases spike in Johnson County
Molly Allen, News Reporter
June 25, 2020
The amount of novel coronavirus cases in Johnson County spiked shortly after many Iowa City businesses returned to full capacity. Employees in the local service industry who are now coming into direct contact with customers say they feel vulnerable. As previously reported by The Daily Iowan, Go...
Johnson County health and business leaders urge mask wearing as coronavirus cases tick up in the county
Caleb McCullough, Summer Editor
June 25, 2020
Johnson County public-health officials, business leaders, and members of Iowa City's Project Better Together urged residents to wear masks and practice social distancing while inside businesses at a press conference Thursday. Johnson County is experiencing a spike in positive coronavirus cases a...
Iowa City Farmers Market will not reopen this season
Rylee Wilson, News Editor
June 24, 2020
The Iowa City Farmers Market will remain virtual through the rest of the 2020 season. The market was previously scheduled to reopen on July 4, however an increase in COVID-19 cases in Johnson County led the Parks and Recreation Department to cancel the market for the rest of the season. Cust...