Local News

About 150 people rallied at the Iowa State Capitol on Saturday to protest a bill that would stop Iowa universities and community colleges from hiring people on H-1B visas if they come from one of seven countries. HF 2513’s prohibition applies to any H-1B visa holder “who is also a citizen of a nation designated […]

The Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation received a grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa for an adjustable-height changing table for the new Busse Branch. The grant will fund a specialized changing table for a single-use restroom at the Busse Branch, which is expected to open in September 2026. The equipment has a […] The post Library Foundation receives grant for adjustable changing table at New Busse Branch appeared first on Corridor Business Journal .

The Common Sense Institute (CSI) Iowa announced Tuesday it has named Matt Everson as its new executive director. Mr. Everson brings nearly 25 years of experience in public policy, government affairs and economic advocacy at the state and federal levels to the organization. He joins CSI Iowa after serving as state director for the National […] The post Common Sense Institute Iowa names Matt Everson executive director appeared first on Corridor Business Journal .

Pancheros Mexican Grill has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with Mex Midwest, a seasoned restaurant development group, to expand its presence across the Midwest. The agreement includes plans to open three new Pancheros locations. Two new restaurants are slated to open in northern Illinois this year: the first in Princeton as early as this summer, […] The post Pancheros partners with Mex Midwest Group for Midwest expansion appeared first on Corridor Business Journal .

It’s been said that you should never meet your heroes. However, as a workaholic Asian-American trying to make her way in the comedy world from the heart of Iowa, I’ve never been one for listening to the word “should.” So, when I had an opportunity to have a conversation with comedy icon Margaret Cho, I had to go for it.

New data from the Guttmacher Institute shows the number of clinician-provided abortions dropped 22% from 2024 to 2025.

Payroll usually starts out simple. A business hires its first employee. Someone runs payroll every couple of weeks. Taxes get paid. Everyone moves on with their day. No drama. And then the business grows. Suddenly there are more employees, maybe a contractor or two, maybe someone working in another state. Pay structures change. Benefits get […] The post Opinion: Payroll is easy to ignore — until it isn’t appeared first on Corridor Business Journal .

The Caravan of Hope, a traveling, legal aid initiative, offered free, LGBTQ+-centered legal services throughout the day at Public Space One on March 23, marking the first of a week of events leading up to Iowa City’s Trans Day of Visibility on March 31. The van was parked in front of the Public Space One... The post Mobile LGBTQ+ legal services clinic brought to IC appeared first on The Daily Iowan .

Rage bait is everywhere, from in-person bantering to online comments. There is an evident lack of empathy in online rage baiting, since users feel like they are hiding behind a wall of dark humor. I have seen this trend in heated discourse personally. The best example I can recall is the response to the Epstein... The post Opinion | Rage bait is an excuse to avoid accountability appeared first on The Daily Iowan .

While calls for the Epstein files to be released spread across the internet, a different set of “files” were released and made waves on the University of Iowa campus. The so-called “Frat Files” took the media by storm when the body cam footage of a hazing situation at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity was released.... The post Opinion | ‘Frat Files’ fiasco uncovers systemic hazing issues in Greek life appeared first on The Daily Iowan .

About midway through the legislative session, Iowa lawmakers reached the second funnel deadline, requiring most bills to advance out of one chamber and be approved by a committee in the other to remain eligible for debate. The deadline further narrowed the list of proposals under consideration at the capitol. Lawmakers have continued to debate bills... The post Funnel week recap | Reynolds signs bills into law, higher education bills narrow appeared first on The Daily Iowan .

Iowa is not known for its cuisine. We have renowned sweet corn, pork fritters, and the occasional pie. As much as I love comfort food, I do crave a little something else once in a while. Luckily, Iowa City has an above-average food scene. The dinner date or getting your parents to take you somewhere... The post Reasons to get out of downtown for your next dine out appeared first on The Daily Iowan .

From podcasts to documentaries to dramatized retellings of the stories, everyone knows someone who could talk about true crime for hours. However, this isn’t something that is up and coming. Crime has been told through stories for generations. Some of the most popular retellings have been created and directed by Ryan Murphy, such as “Monster:... The post Violence in media positively and negatively affects society appeared first on The Daily Iowan .

RED OAK, Iowa — U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, announced Monday that Hands Jewelers of Johnson County is her Small Business of the Week. Sen. Ernst, who chairs the Senate Small Business Committee, plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties throughout the 119th Congress. “Hands Jewelers is a rock-solid example […] The post Ernst names Hands Jewelers small business of the week appeared first on Corridor Business Journal .

As several residents continued to voice concerns, the Linn County Board of Supervisors voted Monday morning to approve the fourth, and final, reading of a new ordinance that will govern the siting of gas-fired electrical generating stations in the county’s rural areas. The zoning ordinance adds gas-fired power plants as an allowable use in the […] The post Linn County gas-fired power plant ordinance gets final approval appeared first on Corridor Business Journal .

“No Kings” protests return on Saturday, with more than 3,000 events scheduled nationwide. Organizers say they anticipate the March 28 events to be the biggest day of protest in American history. In Iowa, the number of communities participating in No Kings has grown with every protest, from 33 last June to 40 in October 2025. […]

Deja Brew at The Pines, a new venture featuring a scratch-made bakery, coffee creations and energy drinks, will open for business Monday, March 23. The location features a drive-thru and is at The Pines Pizza and Pub, 4100 River Ridge Dr. NE. Hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Initially, only drive-thru service will […] The post Tiffin coffee shop Deja Brew opens second location at The Pines Pizza and Pub in Cedar Rapids appeared first on Corridor Business Journal .