Gazette Daily News Briefing, October 10
This is Stephen Colbert from the Gazette Digital News Desk, and I’m here with your update for Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
According to the National Weather Service, Tuesday morning will see areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, it’ll be sunny, with a high near 63. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 39
Gov. Kim Reynolds orders flags at half-staff to honor deaths in Israel
Gov. Kim Reynolds, who has worked to strengthen ties between Iowa and Israel in recent years, Monday ordered flags at half-staff in Iowa to honor lives lost in the attack on Israel by Hamas this weekend.
In a statement, Reynolds said: “Iowans mourn for the families of those killed by Hamas in Israel. Hamas’ brutality knows no bounds, with reports of Holocaust survivors, women, and children taken by Hamas militants from their homes as hostages or brutally murdered. Today and every day, Iowa stands in solidarity with Israel and their right to defend themselves.”
The conflict in Israel and Gaza unfolded after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack Saturday. Israel has responded with rocket strikes in the blockaded Gaza Strip. More than 1,300 people had been killed as of Monday, including at least nine Americans.
Mercy Hospital: Foundation support necessary to keep operating
Mercy Iowa City's philanthropic foundation has — after contentious backroom negotiations — agreed to help fund the hospital’s operations as it navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
In asking a U.S. bankruptcy judge to approve a settlement between the hospital, its foundation, and ancillary interested parties — like bondholders and an unsecured creditors committee — Mercy attorneys in court documents Monday said without foundation support, the hospital won’t be able to sustain operations.
Iowa City primary will decide November ballot Today
Voters in Iowa City Council District A vote Today in a primary that will decide which candidates’ names appear on the November ballot.
The district, which covers the southwest portion of the city, has three candidates vying to represent it on the Iowa City Council: Laura Bergus, Tim Borchardt and Pauline Taylor. Voters will be able to select one candidate. The top two vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 7 election.
Primary elections for Iowa City Council are relatively rare. According to Johnson County, the last time Iowa City had a primary for a regular city council election cycle was 2011. A primary was needed for a special election in fall 2018.
If a primary election is necessary for a district seat, only the voters who live in that district can vote in the primary. However, for the November election, all Iowa City voters – regardless of their district – can vote to decide a district winner.
Polling places in District A are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. Voters can find their polling places at gis.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/pollingplaces.
Don’t forget to register for our free 2023 Iowa Ideas conference!
Iowa Ideas is an annual virtual conference designed to gather Iowans from all perspectives to explore, discuss and offer solutions on issues impacting the state. Every attendee has the ability to customize their own schedule, with over fifty sessions across nine tracks. The free virtual conference will take place October 12-13. Register for free at IowaIdeas.com.
Have a good weekend, everyone.
