President's Day: What's Open and What's Closed

The city of Iowa City released a schedule of what is opened and closed during the holiday.

Patch Poll: Should Expectant Mothers Be Offered the Chance to Hear the Fetal Heartbeat Before an Abortion?

A bill that passed out of the Iowa House Human Resources Subcommittee would require a doctor of a pregnant woman seeking an abortion to give her an ultrasound and also offer the option for her to view an image of the fetus and hear its heartbeat.

With Co-Op Looking, Iowa City Bike Library Moving to "Blinky Light District"

Iowa City Bike Library plans to move this summer.

Occupy Iowa City Decides not to Appeal Permit Denial

Barring any unforeseen turnaround, it looks like the permanent encampment of College Green Park by Occupy Iowa City is coming to an end. This does not mean, however, it's the last you'll hear of Occupy.

Some Business Owners Not Pleased as Gas Tax Progresses on in the Iowa Senate

Some business people who would be the most hurt by the gas tax question the idea of passing it in such a down economic year. Still, it appears the gas tax bills have bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

Iowa House Republicans Pass Commercial Property Tax Reform, Democrats Argue Cuts will Hurt Local Budgets

The property tax reform bill passed along party lines today. House Democrats caution that the bill doesn't do enough to backfill for state funding for local municipalities. The bill now goes to the Senate for more debate.

Poll: Should the City Put a Stop to Occupy Iowa City?

The Occupy Iowa City takeover of College Green Park appears to be coming to an end.

MidAmerican Energy Customers Could be Paying More Soon

Two proposals, if approved, would end MidAmerican Energy’s longtime rate freeze

Occupy Iowa City Park Permit Renewal Request Denied by city

The city of Iowa City has requested that the Occupy Iowa City group vacate College Green Park by March 1.

Moped Helmet Law Championed by West High Students Defeated in Senate

The teens were attempting to pass the law to require moped users under 18 to wear a helmet.

Omaha to Chicago (and possibly through Iowa City) Railway Route Study to Kick off this Month

The National Department of Transportation is teaming up with the Iowa Department of Transportation to Conduct a study of the viability of a passenger rail route through the state.

Gov. Branstad's Administration Appeals Same Sex Birth Certificate Ruling

The Department of Public Health filed the appeal, saying it needs more clarification on different situations when a same sex couple might appear on a birth certificate.

Tell Patch: If Iowa Kids' Tuition Goes Up, Should University Presidents Get Less Money?

Iowa House Republicans are discussing a bill that would prohibit Iowa's university presidents from getting raises or increased benefits if the schools raise tuition.

Iowa City Planning Workshop Tackles the Future

A group of Iowa City residents met at the West High School cafeteria to discuss Iowa City's future planning.

Iowa City to Hold Workshop on Future Planning Tonight

The workshop is one of two to be held as part of the city's "Good Ideas" campaign.

Debate on Education, TIF, Commercial Property Tax, and Mental Health Reform Coming up at State Level

We talked with local State Representative Mary Mascher this week to see which issues of interest to Iowa Citians will be coming up in the state legislature soon. Keep your eye out for these issues.

Gallery: President Obama Returns to the Campaign Trail in Cedar Rapids

A gallery of President Barack Obama's visit to Cedar Rapids.

Orange Day, Vigil, Panel Discussion Among Human Rights Events in Iowa City

University of Iowa's Human Rights Awareness Week continues with several events this week.

Iowa City Democrats Cheer on State of the Union Speech

About 50 people gathered at the Mill Restaurant on Burlington Street to cheer on President Barack Obama'a State of the Union speech.

LIVE BLOG Replay: Coverage of Obama's State of the Union Address

Patch has you covered as President Obama delivers the annual State of the Union address live tonight.

Iowa City Business Frets Increasingly Likely Gas Tax Hike

The statewide debate over the gas tax is about to get interesting.

Sen. Chuck Grassley's Twitter Account Hacked

The Internet she is a cruel mistress.

Johnson County Republicans Forgiving of Vote Tally Mixup

Local party members say that the party should try to do better next time, but human error is inevitable.

Iowa City Votes Yes on Red-Light Traffic Cameras

By a narrow margin, the Iowa City City Council voted to change the

Iowa City City Council to Investigate Zoning Policy to Slow Glut of High Density Apartments

A large group showed up to protest the loss of building containing the Red Avocado and Defunct Books. While the council members indicated they could do little to save these buildings, some other future changes could be coming.

Gov. Branstad Announces Proposed Budget

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad released his proposed FY2013 budget today.

Iowa City Hopes Combo of Cold and Owl Balloons Causes Crows to Head South

An abundance of crows has caused the city to seek alternative methods to deal with the problem.

POLL: Iowa City Council to Consider Red-Light Traffic Cameras. What do you think?

The first consideration of a vote that would bring more red traffic light cameras to Iowa City will take place at the council meeting on Tuesday evening. We wanted to give you a chance to weigh on in on the issue before then.

Another Possible Iowa Miscount Could Leave Santorum Smiling and Romney Frowning

One Iowa precinct says the votes were miscounted on Caucus night Tuesday. If so, it would make Rick Santorum the rightful winner of the first in the nation caucus for the GOP presidential nominee, they say.

Matt Hayek Gets the Nod for Second Iowa City Mayoral Term

Hayek was unanimously re-elected to the mayoral post by the votes of his peers. Susan Mims was elected Mayor Pro Tem unanimously as well.

Johnson County Voting Results from Caucus Night

A rundown of voting results here in Johnson County.

A Day After Murky Finish, Some Defending Iowa’s Role in the Political Process

Iowans picked polar opposite candidates, but will that hurt its standing as first-in-the-nation Caucus?

Iowa Map: Live Caucus Results by County

Here are the results of tonight's Iowa Caucus by county.

Live Coverage: Iowa Caucus Night Results

Tune in all night for live coverage of the results as they come in.

Iowa City Caucuses Get Underway

After months of campaigning, hundreds of candidate stops and way too many political commercials, the Iowa caucuses -- finally -- have begun. Check back with Patch for live results as they come in.

Iowa City Patch Will Provide Live Caucus Results as they Come In; And Here's Info on Where to Vote

The caucuses begin at 7 p.m. Join us for live results, reports from the precincts, complete analysis and full coverage of candidates reacting to the outcome.

Iowa City Proposed Budget Streamlines Transportation, Sees Taxes Raise Ever so Slightly

A short rundown on the proposed changes to the Iowa City budget that will be considered by the next council starting this month.

Soothing to Sarcastic: The Speaking Styles of GOP Contenders

This IowaWatch piece explores the speaking styles of the GOP candidates for the Republicans nomination for president.

With Spotlight on GOP, Iowa Dems Waiting to Take the Field

Democratic party leaders are staying busy building for the 2012 general election.

Romney Greeted with Enthusiasm at North Liberty Factory Appearance

Cheers and bright happy smiling faces greeted Mitt Romney on a rare campaign stop to Iowa.