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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The Union Bar is seen on Thursday, April 9, 2020. After 27 years of operation, the party spot, described as "the biggest in the Big 10" on its website, has closed its doors.

After 27 years, Iowa City party destination Union Bar to close its doors

Charles Peckman, Senior Reporter April 10, 2020

Since 1993, generations of students have filtered through the doors of The Union Bar in Iowa City, located at 121 E. College St. But after a 27-year run, the party spot known for its bright lights,...

UI senior builds web page mapping out Iowa City meal locations for those in need

UI senior builds web page mapping out Iowa City meal locations for those in need

Will Fineman, News Reporter April 8, 2020

University of Iowa senior Russell Martin built a website mapping out local food banks, soup kitchens, and schools serving meals throughout Iowa City to residents in need. The map also includes locations...

A Zumba class meets online during the Coronavirus Quarantine on Tuesday, April 7th, 2020. UI Recreational Services are offering daily Zumba classes via Zoom.

‘WERQ’ from home and Zumba via Zoom: UI Recreational Services transitions classes online

Marissa Smith, News Reporter April 8, 2020

Group-fitness instructors at UI Recreational Services have transitioned their workouts to an online format by hosting daily Zumba classes via Zoom. The classes help both instructors and students...

The Pedestrian Mall is seen on Saturday, April 4, 2020. Downtown was quiet during the first weekend after spring break as classes have been moved online and the bars closed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Small businesses in Iowa are asking for $148 million in state aid

Sarah Watson, Managing Editor April 8, 2020

Small businesses in the state have submitted 14,000 applications asking for $148 million in assistance from the state, Iowa Economic Authority Director Debbie Durham said Wednesday at the governor's press...

First United Methodist Church is seen on Monday, April 6. Parishioners can comment on prompts introduced during the service via Facebook Live, but the pews remain empty.

‘Faith will not be canceled’: Places of worship work to digitize practices, maintain community amid COVID-19

Mary Hartel, News Reporter April 6, 2020

Classic music and hymns greeted churchgoers signing on to the virtual Palm Sunday services at the First United Methodist Church of Iowa City. As more people logged on to the Facebook livestreamed worship,...

University of Iowa med student-run mobile clinic offers free tele-medicine amid COVID-19 pandemic

University of Iowa med student-run mobile clinic offers free tele-medicine amid COVID-19 pandemic

Will Fineman, News Reporter April 6, 2020

The University of Iowa Mobile Clinic has transitioned from its traditional, in-person medical services to telemedicine appointments amid social-distancing restrictions to prevent the spread of the...

John's Grocery manager Doug Alberhasky poses for a portrait in John's Grocery on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Various small business and local grocers have had to change policies and practices due to mandatory social distancing. "We're not getting nearly as many people coming in, but thankfully we've got a lot of email and phone orders so that good. A lot of people are calling in to order Lysol, Clorox wipes, and wine".

Iowa City grocers make changes to stay open during COVID-19 pandemic

Mary Hartel, News Reporter April 1, 2020

Local grocery stores, deemed essential services by the government, will remain open amid widespread mitigation measures in response to the novel-coronavirus outbreak. Many Iowa City businesses are adjusting...

The Coralville Community Food Pantry is seen on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. To help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, the pantry has adopted new distribution methods, including curbside pickup and limited deliveries, catering especially to the elderly and those with immunodeficiencies.

Johnson County food pantries collaborate to deliver food during COVID-19

Marissa Smith, News Reporter March 31, 2020

Local food pantries in Johnson County are teaming up to give back to the community amid the COVID-19 outbreak by providing food for those in need. The service, a partnership between CommUnity Food...

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Director Joe Bolick presents Iowa City Big Grove Director of Operations David Moore with the Certifcate of Achievement Platinum level on Friday March 13, 2020 at Big Grove Brewery.

Big Grove Brewery offers a sip of sustainability for the Iowa City community

Annie Fitzpatrick, News Reporter March 29, 2020

Big Grove Brewery received a top sustainability certification from the Iowa Waste Reduction Center as part of its Iowa Green Brewery Certification program. The brewery earned what's called a "platinum...

Jonathan Jackson poses for a portrait outside of St. Burch Tavern during a shift for Chomp on Thursday, March, 26, 2020. Jackson has delivered for Chomp for the past two years and reports seeing a spike in orders since COVID-19. Jackson has been leaving food on doorsteps, frequently wears a mask and sanitizes his hands.

Delivery drivers work on the front lines of COVID-19 pandemic

Brooklyn Draisey, Managing Editor March 29, 2020

Jonathan Jackson said there used to be lulls between lunch and dinner. Now, the only time the Chomp delivery driver stops is when he’s waiting for an order. “I have a feeling tonight’s going...

South Clinton St. is seen empty on Wednesday, March 18th, 2020. The spread of coronavirus in Johnson county has been named a public health emergency.(Tate Hildyard/The Daily Iowan.)

Iowa governor expands business closures amid increasing COVID-19 spread

Naomi Hofferber, Arts Reporter March 26, 2020

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Thursday said she would expand her order for businesses to remain closed through April 7, extending her directive to encompass more types of shops. Reynolds announced at a...

Thompson & Co Salon and Parlor is seen on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

Salon, tattoo parlor owners prepare for COVID-19 closures beyond Iowa governor’s order

Hannah Rovner, News Reporter March 25, 2020

Melissa Avenson and her stylists have spent the last couple months doing hair in temporary locations, hopping from salon to salon after flooding damaged their Highway 1 location.  As owner of Iowa...