Gov. Kim Reynolds announced new assistance for the state’s small businesses during her Monday afternoon press conference on the state’s response to COVID-19. “All the necessary actions we’ve taken at the state level [to limit the spread of the disease] have come with consequences for Iowans, including our small businesses,” the governor said. Those actions […]
COVID-19
Posted inCommunity/News, COVID-19
Cedar Rapids Transit will suspend services starting Wednesday
City of Cedar Rapids Transit is suspending its fixed-route transit service, effective Wednesday, as an additional measure to limit the spread of COVID-19. “Suspending a service like transit is a very difficult decision for a city and for a community, but it’s one we must make in order to help prevent a possible spike in […]
Posted inCommunity/News, COVID-19
Linn County Supervisors approve paid leave for county employees due to COVID-19
The Linn County Board of Supervisors passed temporary employment policies for the county’s workers on Monday, including paid leave, as a result of COVID-19. The temporary policy also ensures “the continuity of Linn County government services.” Most county buildings have closed to the public, but people can contact Linn County departments by phone or email. […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa City Public Library is closed, but offering services and storytime online
The Iowa City Public Library will not be answering its phones as staff begin working remotely in an effort to help limit the spread of COVID-19, the library explained in a press release on Monday. People will still be able to contact the library with questions via online chat. The chat will be live 10 […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa’s prisons and jails make for ‘a perfect storm for outbreaks of COVID-19’
As Iowans — and people around the country — are grappling with changes to their daily lives, jails and prisons are facing their own challenges keeping staff and inmates safe. Practicing social distancing, staying home and avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people are recommendations Gov. Kim Reynolds has been stressing to Iowans, as the […]
Posted inLetters
Open letter to UI Dean of Students: Guarantee a passing grade to all students
By Tarweeh Osman, Iowa City Dear Dean of Students, Firstly, I would like to commend the University of Iowa and the office of the Dean of Students for the steps they have taken in ensuring our safety amidst this international crisis. I am also incredibly proud of our community for abiding by the guidelines the […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa City Transportation Department announces changes for parking ramps, bus service
Parking will be free in Iowa City’s parking ramps during the COVID-19 emergency, the Iowa City Department of Transportation announced on Monday. But that doesn’t mean the department is encouraging people to come downtown. “We strongly encourage the public to stay home and limit transit trips to those that are absolutely essential,” the department said […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Gov. Reynolds suspends foreclosures, says state is being ‘proactive’ in supplying medical needs, as UIHC asks the public for donations of protective gear
Gov. Reynolds suspended all foreclosures on residential, commercial and agricultural properties on Sunday. The suspension, which lasts through April 16, was included in a new State Public Health Emergency Declaration. The new declaration also closes businesses not covered in the emergency declarations the governor issued on March 17 and 19. “Effective at 10 p.m. today, […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
In a time when we need theater most, Mirrorbox brings actors together online
Mirrorbox Theater is known for firsts. Iowa premieres. New writing. Topics that are tough. Shows that inspire conversations into the night, well after the curtain has fallen. Friday night, March 20, was no different. Earlier in the week, I saw that Mirrorbox’s Artistic Director, Cavan Hallman, asked on social media who had worked with the […]
Posted inCommunity/News
COVID-19 now confirmed in Linn County, total number of cases in Iowa rises to 68
Linn County Public Health Director Pramod Dwivedi got directly to the point at the beginning of the department’s Saturday morning press conference. “Linn County Public Health was notified of the first laboratory-diagnosed case of COVID-19,” he said.
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa has an ‘unprecedented number’ of unemployment claims and another new case of COVID-19, but testing remains limited
“We are seeing an unprecedented number of claims,” Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend said when asked about unemployment in Iowa at Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Friday afternoon press conference on COVID-19. “It’s pretty staggering to see the number of claims that we’re receiving,” Townsend said.
Posted inCommunity/News
Coralville waives bus fares, closes city hall
Like Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Coralville is waiving bus fares for the duration of COVID-19 emergency, the city’s transit department announced on Thursday. Coralville Transit is also asking riders to change how they get on and off the buses to help with social distancing.
