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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

University of Iowa Student Government Senators listen to a presentation during a meeting in the IMU on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019.

Independent senator candidates highlight platforms in run for Undergraduate Student Government

Lauren White, News Reporter March 29, 2020

Four independent senatorial candidates are vying for seats in the Undergraduate Student Government election, meaning they're running without a ticket affiliation. The independent senator role is...

Johnson County Supervisors Rod Sullivan and Royceeann Porter  listen to a presentation during a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2020.

With no shelter-in-place order in Iowa, Johnson County supervisors ask nonessential businesses to scale back operations

Marissa Payne, Editor-in-Chief March 27, 2020

Johnson County Board of Supervisors Chair Rod Sullivan said Friday the supervisors are asking nonessential businesses to scale back their operations and reduce the number of employees in the workspace...

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...

Johnson County Supervisors Rod Sullivan and Royceeann Porter  listen to a presentation during a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2020.

Johnson County Board of Supervisors asks Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for a shelter-in-place order

Riley Davis, News Reporter March 26, 2020

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors approved 4-1 a decision Thursday to draft a letter to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, asking her to issue a shelter-in-place order for the state and to give Johnson...

City Council convenes virtually on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Iowa City residents could tune in on several online platforms and write in for public comment.

Local governments hold first virtual meetings, provide access for public participation

Riley Davis, News Reporter March 25, 2020

The Iowa City City Council and Johnson County Board of Supervisors are transitioning their regular meetings to a virtual format in an effort to allow for public access and participation amid the COVID-19...

Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Director Dave Wilson speaks during a press conference about COVID-19 at the Joint Emergency Communications Center in Thursday, March 12, 2020.

Iowa hasn’t issued a shelter-in-place order. What is it?

Sarah Watson, Managing Editor March 24, 2020

County and city governments are looking to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on whether to issue a shelter-in-place order as neighboring states put in place mandatory bans on nonessential travel, while some are...

The Harrison Street Parking Ramp is seen on Tuesday, October 9, 2018.

Iowa City makes downtown ramps free of charge, continues spring break bus schedule

Sarah Watson, Managing Editor March 23, 2020

The City of Iowa City will make most parking free of charge, the city announced in a release Monday.  City Administrator Geoff Fruin said during a Monday press conference they had pulled cashiers from...

Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during the Condition of the State address at the Iowa State Capitol on Jan. 14.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds temporarily relaxes regulations including halting certain evictions and suspending property tax penalties

Josie Fischels, Arts Editor March 20, 2020

Update: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued an update to her proclamation, clarifying that the governor's office has suspended all interest and penalties on property taxes. It is not suspending the actual...

Johnson County Board of Supervisors vote on the second reading of the Unified Development Ordinance at the Johnson County Treasurer office on Thursday December 12, 2019.

Johnson County Board of Supervisors approve new budget, increase in taxes

Riley Davis, News Reporter March 19, 2020

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors approved the fiscal 2020-2021 county budget, an increase to elected officials’ biweekly salaries, and the authorization of loan agreements and issue bonds of up...

Commuters load and unload buses at the Downtown interchange in Iowa City on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018.

Iowa City buses won’t charge a fare

Rachel Schilke, News Reporter March 19, 2020

Iowa City announced on Thursday that buses will suspend transit fares and will now require passengers to enter through the back doors to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. According to...

City Hall is seen on July 17, 2019. A variety of city government departments are housed within the building’s walls alongside the Iowa City City Council, which holds meetings in Emma J. Harvat Hall.

Iowa City declares civil emergency following Johnson County and state declarations

Alexandra Skores, News Editor March 18, 2020

In a release on Wednesday afternoon, Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague declared a 'civil emergency', granting the mayor additional powers to distribute resources and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. According...

Johnson County Board of Supervisors vote on the second reading of the Unified Development Ordinance at the Johnson County Treasurer office on Thursday December 12, 2019.

Johnson County, Iowa City buildings except courthouse to shutter beginning Wednesday

Sarah Watson, Managing Editor March 17, 2020

All Johnson County government buildings except the county courthouse will close until March 31 starting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to an emailed statement from the Johnson County Board of Supervisors'...