Good morning, Iowa City.

A Tuesday morning fire at a two-story home on Forest Gate Drive challenged crews as near-freezing weather and strong winds slowed actions (water used to extinguish the blaze froze on the roadway), but no injuries occurred as firefighters worked nearly five hours, and the cause remains under investigation.

Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will perform Duke Ellington compositions at Hancher Auditorium (141 Park Rd.) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan.

29.

UI's Center for Intellectual Freedom has delayed its American politics class from January and will now offer the first course in March due to faculty and scheduling challenges.

Lawmakers are pushing to make these courses a general education requirement for all students.

Financial Advisor Mark Tripplett said emergency savings should be held in liquid funds (easily accessible funds) as part of a solid financial plan to help local residents prepare for unexpected expenses.

Iowa City animal welfare officials report an increase in calls regarding pets left outside in dangerously cold weather and advise residents to contact animal control rather than approach unknown animals on private property.

Caitlin Clark, a West Des Moines native celebrated for her University of Iowa career, is joining NBC Sports as a special contributor for Basketball Night in America.

She will provide on-site commentary at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 1 + return on March 29 when Oklahoma City Thunder host the Knicks.

Chili Cook Off

4:30-6:30 p.m. — The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association — Free entry — Enjoy a spicy competition or indulge in delicious chili as local cooks showcase their skills.

Fantasy Aerobics

1:30-2:30 a.m. — Close House Dance Hall, 2nd Floor — $7 suggested donation — Enjoy lighthearted aerobic dance workouts with whimsical tunes from fantasy and anime.

Pope Cactus + Cool Shoes Improv Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Willow Creek Theatre Company — Supports local artists — Enjoy a night of improv with favorite local teams Pope Cactus and Cool Shoes.

Vino Vérité: The Dating Game

7-9:30 p.m. — FilmScene at The Chauncey — $25 public, $20 members, $12 students — Explore love in modern China with film, wine, and hors d'oeuvres alongside a filmmaker Q&A.

Trivia Night at Hamburg Inn #2

7-9 p.m. — Hamburg Inn No. 2 — Free entry — Test your knowledge with a fun trivia night hosted by Christophers Bar Exam.

UI Jazz Jam Sessions

7-10 p.m. — Sanctuary Pub — Free admission — A vibrant community jazz jam session featuring local musicians and students.

Story Jam

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Engage in music and movement activities designed to enhance early literacy skills for children and caregivers.

Trivia Night at St. Burch Tavern

7-9 p.m. — St. Burch Tavern — Free entry — Gather your trivia team for a chance to win a $50 gift card while testing your brainpower.

Ballroom and Latin Dance Social

7-10 p.m. — Old Brick — $6-$12 — Enjoy a night of Foxtrot dancing and socializing with live music for dancers of all levels.

Clue Live on Stage

2-4 p.m. — Hancher Showcase — Ticket prices range from $45 to $396 — Experience the mystery and humor of Clue as guests unravel a murder at Boddy Manor.