Editor’s Note: Since the writing of this article, the seriousness of the threat of COVID-19 in Iowa—and the world at large—has continued to escalate. There are now 29 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Iowa, which is likely to rise, and mass closings of businesses and public spaces have taken place. The CDC is recommending self-isolation […]
COVID-19
Posted inCommunity/News
A local DJ tests positive for COVID-19; Johnson and Linn county officials respond differently
County government buildings in Johnson County will be closed to the general public starting on Wednesday, and they will remained closed through March 31, according to a press release from the county. “We’re just changing our business model,” Dave Wilson, director of the county’s Emergency Management Agency, said at press conference on Tuesday afternoon. “Government’s […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Eight schools around Cedar Rapids will have breakfast and lunch available for students to pick up
The Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) is implementing a nutrition plan starting on Monday, March 23, Superintendent Noreen Bush said. Students will be able to pick up two free meals at eight schools around the city. Students 18 years old or younger can pick up breakfast and lunch meals from 10:30 a.m. to 1 […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa City closing City Hall, the landfill and other buildings
Iowa City is closing its City Hall to the general public starting Wednesday, City Manager Geoff Fruinn said in press release on Tuesday afternoon. The move is designed to help limit the spread of COVID-19. “The City remains focused on ensuring the continuity of critical operations: the police and fire departments, providing clean water, sewer […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Linn County announces building closures
Linn County announced on Tuesday afternoon it’s closing most of its facilities to the general public “in an effort to limit public interactions and gathering” during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a press release from the county, normal services will still be available from each department, but the public will need to contact the department […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Mission Creek Festival organizers on the cancellation — and future — of their 2020 fest
On Thursday, March 12, just three days before Little Village issue 281 was due to go to print, Iowa City’s Mission Creek Festival made the announcement that it wouldn’t be holding its much-anticipated April 1-4 fest. It was six days after the cancellation of Austin’s SXSW festival had shaken the film and music worlds, the […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Gov. Reynolds declares immediate closure of restaurants, fitness centers, theaters, casinos and more
At her late Monday afternoon press conference, Gov. Kim Reynolds was still insisting it was too soon for her to take major actions to stem the spead of COVID-19 in Iowa, despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control that public gatherings should be limited to 10 people, and states with community spread of the […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Art in the time of COVID-19: Tara McGovern
Today is St. Patrick’s Day. It’s been my favorite holiday since childhood, and a big part of that has always been the music, the love of which was passed down from my mother and grandmother right along with the family lore and recipes. That music, at least the live version of it, will be largely […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Coronavirus tests CommUnity’s crisis services in an already difficult season for nonprofits
In the 50 years since it was founded, CommUnity Crisis Services and Foodbank has never faced a challenge like the COVID-19 pandemic. But the challenges it has faced in the past, and still does on a daily basis, have helped it prepare for the major disruptions COVID-19 will likely bring. The flood of 2008 forced […]
Posted inCOVID-19, Letters, Opinion
Letter to the editor: A message from the Iowa City Downtown Arts Alliance
The impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus escalates across the nation and threatens our community. We in the arts have seen this plot countless times before on stage and on screen. We recognize the moment of crisis that demands an extra ounce of strength to overcome the odds. For the Iowa City Downtown Arts Alliance, that […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Cedar Rapids wants restaurants and bars to close for St. Patrick’s Day to limit spread of COVID-19
The City of Cedar Rapids is asking all bars and restaurants to close tomorrow for St. Patrick’s Day to prevent people from gathering in large crowds, in which the risk of spreading coronavirus is higher. Normal St. Patrick’s Day activities would cause a “public safety hazard,” city manager Jeff Pomeranz said during a press conference […]
