Latest news with #CedarRapids
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Group protests ICE in Cedar Rapids in show of solidarity with Los Angeles demonstrations
About 30 protesters gathered outside the Cedar Rapids Federal Courthouse for an "Eyes on ICE" demonstration, in a show of solidarity for the thousands that have taken to the streets in Los Angeles in rallies against immigration enforcement. The rally in Cedar Rapids was part of several nationwide displays of solidarity scheduled on Monday, June 9. Other cities included Sacramento, Chicago, Oklahoma City and Detroit, a flyer shared on social media said. More: Iowa City explores 1% local option sales tax that could generate $10M annually. What to know: The movement comes as the showdown between protesters and police escalated over the weekend in Los Angeles, with tear gas and rubber bullets fired into crowds. The conflict between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump has also sharply escalated in recent days, with Trump mobilizing the National Guard to quell protests on June 7. Newsom said he would sue the administration over the move. The Trump administration announced on Monday evening it would send 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles to protect federal property and personnel. The 30-person group lined Eighth Avenue S.E., just outside of the Cedar Rapids Federal Courthouse, a common protest spot, home to the offices of U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst and Rep. Ashley Hinson. More: Dementia patient allegedly wandered from Coralville facility, found at Nebraska truck stop Eirenne Becker volunteers at the Catherine McAuley Center, a Cedar Rapids organization that calls itself a "place of welcome" and helps a wide range of groups in Linn County, including immigrants and refugees. "We want to make sure that Donald Trump and his administration know that ICE is not welcome," Becker said. "The immigrants and refugees in our community are very important to us and it's important that they stay safe. We're not welcoming a militarization of our community." Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01. This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Cedar Rapids ICE protest a show of solidarity with Los Angeles
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
A new country bar moves in, Fieldhouse finds a new home in downtown Iowa City shakeup
A new country bar is boot-scooting its way into downtown Iowa City, while an iconic nighttime establishment is on the move. Hazzards, an 'American Saloon' country-themed bar in downtown Cedar Rapids, is opening a second location in the Ped Mall at 118 S. Dubuque St, on Friday, Aug. 1, where Fieldhouse currently sits. Fieldhouse, while temporarily closed, is simply relocating. The 50-year-old legacy business will move to a larger space at 138 S. Clinton St., next to YoTopia and across from the Old Capitol Mall. Tracy Barkalow owns both the current and future Fieldhouse properties. Barkalow recently acquired the 118 S. Dubuque St. commercial space and purchased the 138 S. Clinton St. property a few years ago, previously home to Active Endeavors, which has been vacant since 2021. More: NutriSport & Smoothie brings wellness-focused food and smoothies to downtown Iowa City Barkalow owns the name and rights to Fieldhouse, a bar that 'holds a special place' in his heart as a lifelong Iowa City resident. He took over ownership following the death of the original owner, Mark Eggleston, in 2024. 'It's an awesome opportunity to keep something that's been going for 50 years, and all the memories, not just for myself, but all the college students, alumni, and the people that grew up in Iowa City,' Barkalow said. "I want Fieldhouse to stay open for the next generations and another 50 years." This isn't Fieldhouse's first move, according to the Daily Iowan. The bar initially opened at 111 E. College St. in the southwest end of the Ped Mall in 1975 before making the short jaunt to its current location on the east side of the Ped Mall. The new Fieldhouse will double in size and be comparable to the original location where ReUnion Brewery is located, returning to the 'original feel." The bar aims to open in tandem with the Hawkeye Football season, anticipating opening by the end of August or early September. Hazzard's owner, Brian Hughes, also owns Wrigleyville Sports Pub in Marion, and has wanted to expand to Iowa City for years. 'There's plenty of business to be had in Iowa City," Hughes said. "It's a great market." Hazzards opened in the heart of downtown Cedar Rapids in 2012 at 329 Second Ave. SE then relocated a few doors in 2018 a t402 Second Ave. SE. Hazzards' Iowa City location will open on Friday, Aug. 1. The bar will maintain its charm alongside a revamped "country vibe." The primary difference between the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids locations is size, with the Iowa City location being slightly smaller. 'Hazzards is a cross between a sports bar and a country nightclub,' Hughes said. 'We're looking to fill that niche of where you go to watch a game…we're going to have giant TVs everywhere, so I don't know of another place that has (that blend).' More: Fireworks in Iowa City? New law loosens restrictions around Fourth of July, New Year's Eve Hazzards will join other 'country-themed bars' in downtown Iowa City, including Tequila Cowgirl and Giddy Up, both of which opened in 2024. Barklow also owns the Giddy Up property. 'If I thought that anything was going to be threatening to their business (Giddy Up, Hazzards, and El Rays Live and Dive), I wouldn't allow it,' Barkalow said. '(Hughes), the owners of Giddy Up, the owners of El Rays, are exceptional operators. They are going to run good businesses that will compete with each other but also complement each other.' Barkalow says the downtown restructuring is part of Iowa City's 'supply and demand." He believes nightlife thrives while retail does not. 'The reality is that downtown Iowa City should have nightlife. It should be bars, restaurants, and entertainment for college students and the general public,' Barkalow said. 'Downtown (Iowa City) draws people in for nightlife and entertainment, and the best use (of a vacant storefront) is a restaurant or bar, not retail, unfortunately.' More: Johnson County residents unite to combat rent hikes, issues at local mobile home parks Barkalow told the Press-Citizen that he tried to fill the former Active Endeavors with a retail storefront, but 'no one wants it.' 'The customer base in downtown Iowa City is not a retail customer,' Barklow said. "It's University of Iowa students, staff, and local people that go down for a night of entertainment. Entertainment should be in the downtown (corridor).' Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_ This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Fieldhouse's move and a new country bar in Iowa City. What to know
Axios
2 days ago
- Business
- Axios
DMPS considers how much to ask for in bond
The DMPS board is considering how much money to ask from voters for an upcoming bond referendum — possibly scaling back from a $500 million request. Why it matters: The district's long-term plan to overhaul outdated schools and expand academic programs hinges on voter support for a multimillion-dollar bond, but some board members want to avoid inflicting sticker shock at the polls and leaving empty-handed. Catch up quick: DMPS is working toward its 10-year Reimagining Education plan, which would help modernize its schools, offer new Montessori programs, and add preschool programming, specialty schools and grade reconfigurations. Des Moines has 72 school buildings, many averaging 70–80 years old. State of play: The projected cost of the plan is $683 million, including renovations and inflation. Initial board discussions have called for a $500 million bond to help fund it. At that dollar amount, owners of a Des Moines home assessed at $200k would pay an additional $356 annually for 20 years, according to projections shared with the school board last week. What they're saying: Several DMPS board members expressed concern the plan could falter at the ballot box without changes. Board member Jenna Knox noted the difficulties Cedar Rapids has faced trying to get a bond referendum passed. In 2023, a $220 million request failed. This year the district is asking for $117 million. "This is a lot of money. I'm not going to just sugarcoat it," Knox said during the meeting. "We should be smart about it, versus getting absolutely nothing." Zoom in: To pass, the referendum requires 60% voter approval in the Nov. 4 election. School board chair Jackie Norris suggested DMPS officials research more on a $250-$300 million bond and how that would impact the project. Current projections show that a $300 million bond would cost an additional $213.88 annually for a home assessed at $200k.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
She Spent Years Paying Off $300,000 In Student Debt. Now That It's Gone, This Doctor Wants To Quit Her $190,000 Job
Kristina, a physician from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, called into 'The Ramsey Show' with a surprising dilemma. After spending four years paying off over $300,000 in student loans, she said she no longer wants to work full time. 'I feel crazy saying this,' she told hosts Dave Ramsey and John Delony. 'But I don't want to return to work.' Kristina, who just had her third child, explained that she's feeling burned out and wants to stay home with her kids. Her husband, who had been working part-time and caring for their other children, recently started a full-time job at a bank. He currently earns $56,000 a year, with the potential to reach $70,000 after training. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Peter Thiel turned $1,700 into $5 billion—now accredited investors are eyeing this software company with similar breakout potential. Learn how you can If she were to return to work, she would earn around $190,000 annually. Quitting would mean a massive income drop, but Kristina said that part doesn't scare her. They would be able to make it on $70,000, she said, as their only debt is a $95,000 mortgage, and they have about $230,000 saved for retirement. When asked if she was fully done with medicine, Kristina said she wasn't sure. 'It's really hard to give my all to my husband and my children when I always have that stress on me,' she said. She already reached out to a few rural hospitals about possibly working one or two days a week in the future, when the baby is older. Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . Ramsey and Delony encouraged her to take a break but urged her not to completely walk away from the profession. 'You have paid such a price of commitment and diligence to become a doctor and then to pay off the $300,000,' Ramsey said. 'To go do nothing with it for the rest of your life seems extreme.' Delony pointed out that many physicians who step away often come back to the field in some form. Ramsey agreed and gave this advice to her: 'I would quit doing what you're doing so that you can be with your kids... I wouldn't work the hours you're working. I would not stay in the $190,000 position,' he said. 'But I would try to find some greatly reduced middle ground that you can stand on because I think you'll be happier.'Kristina seemed open to that. She said maintaining her medical license wouldn't be difficult and that she'd consider light telemedicine or rural clinic work. Ramsey noted that even part-time work could still result in significant income: 'You're going to make plenty of money... the natural result of that is going to be $100,000 a year probably.' The hosts praised Kristina and her husband for their financial discipline. 'Good for you guys,' Ramsey said. 'Very well done.' Read Next: Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article She Spent Years Paying Off $300,000 In Student Debt. Now That It's Gone, This Doctor Wants To Quit Her $190,000 Job originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
10 things you need to know about Lakers' new majority owner Mark Walter
The post 10 things you need to know about Lakers' new majority owner Mark Walter appeared first on ClutchPoints. For the first time since 1979, the Buss family will no longer own the Los Angeles Lakers, with Mark Walter purchasing the team at a valuation $10 billion. Advertisement This move, understandably, took the sports world by storm, as it majorly shook up one of the most popular teams in one of the biggest cities in one of the biggest leagues in the world, with potential ramifications the likes of which won't be known for years to come. But who is Mark Walter, the first new owner of the Lakers in almost five decades? Where is he from, how did he get his money, and how does he now own multiple major franchises in Los Angeles? Needless to say, his journey to the Lakers is fascinating. © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images 1. Mark Walter isn't from LA Though he may own what feels like half of the biggest teams in Los Angeles, Mark Walter isn't actually from LA County. Advertisement Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Walter grew up in the Midwest, where his father worked at a concrete block manufacturing plant, and he grew up a Cubs fan. 2. Mark Walter went to Creighton for his undergrad Despite his Midwest roots, Walter went to college at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Walter studied accounting and ultimately earned a bachelor's degree in 1982. 3. Mark Walter has a law degree from Northwestern After completing his undergraduate studies, Walter traveled to Chicago to pursue a law degree at Northwestern University. While getting to watch his favorite baseball team on the regular, Walter also met his wife, Kimbra, in Chicago, with whom he remains married to this day. 4. Mark Watler earned his money from insurance How was Walter able to put down $10 billion to purchase the Lakers? Well, Walter earned much of his money from the insurance industry, where he has been working professionally since 2000. After founding his first major company in 1996, Liberty Hampshire Company, Walter shifted over to insurance in 2000 when he decided to found a new company with the Guggenheim family. 5. Mark Walter is a founder of Guggenheim Partners Outside of his sports portfolio, Mark Walter is best known for being the founder of Guggenheim Partners, one of the world's biggest insurance companies. Advertisement Founding the company with Peter Lawson-Johnson II, the firm has assets under management of $330 billion. With Walter as the CEO, Guggenheim has become one of the biggest companies in the world and has ventured out into sports ownership with the launch of Guggenheimer Baseball Management. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images 6. Guggenheim Management purchased the Dodgers in 2012 In 2012, the Dodgers were put up for sale after then-owner Frank McCourt was investigated by MLB, and the team filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. After failing to purchase the Astros years prior, Walter and the Guggenheim Group put together a package worth north of $2 billion to buy the team outright, purchasing the team, their affiliates, their stadium, and the land around it, but, curiously enough, not the parking lot, which LA rents for $14 million a year. 7. Mark Walter personally owns 27 percent of the Dodgers Though the Guggenheim Baseball Management group is the primary owner of the Dodgers, Walter does have a stake in the team personally at 27 percent after personally putting up $100 million to help purchase the team. 8. Magic Johnson is a minority owner of the Dodgers, too As many fans around LA know, Lakers legend Magic Johnson is also a minority owner of the Dodgers, helping the Guggenheim group with their purchase back in 2012. Though his name was in many headlines at the time regarding the purchase, Johnson remains a single-digit owner of the team. Kyle Terada-Imagn Images 9. Mark Walter already owns the Los Angeles Sparks Before he purchased the Lakers, Walter and Johnson came together to buy the Los Angeles Sparks, with the Guggenheim CEO owning a sixth of the franchise. Under Walker's leadership, the Sparks have won two conference titles and a WNBA Championship in 2016. 10. Mark Walter has been the Lakers' owner-in-waiting While the news of Walter buying the Lakers caught the sporting world by surprise, it's technically been an option for some time now, as when he purchased 20 percent of the team in 2021 from Philip Anschutz, he was given the ability to become majority owner should the opportunity arise in the future. Advertisement Were the Lakers going to be put up for sale publicly? It's hard to say, but after holding a fifth of the team for multiple seasons, Walter was able to buy the franchise outright at a valuation $10 billion. Related: Lakers rumors: Nick Wright predicts Austin Reaves' trade value after Desmond Bane deal Related: Sources: Why Lakers rivals hoped Jeanie Buss would never sell franchise
