Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
Good morning, Iowa City.
🎓 Education
Iowa City Community School District launched the ‘School Choice?
Game On’ campaign during National School Choice Week to show public schools offer a full menu of academic, athletic — and fine arts programs that keep students’ options strong. Leaders say the campaign will help families understand new opportunities.
🏛️ Government
Two Johnson County supervisors met with Havenpark Communities representatives Tuesday afternoon in Iowa City to address water quality issues and steep rent hikes at mobile home parks.
They expressed cautious optimism and planned future meetings + infrastructure improvements to keep residents in safe, affordable homes.
Iowa DOT data from 2025 shows the blackout license plate is the most popular custom design, with over 713,000 active plates and nearly 144,000 personalized by drivers.
The plate was introduced in 2019 and can be ordered online with fees supporting the Road Use Tax Fund.
Coralville hired an Iowa City+based design firm with a $4.7 million contract to plan its new $54M rec center east of the old facility, but three council members delayed the contractor selection over cost and process concerns.
The council will choose a construction manager after design work is complete.
🎉 Iowa City Events
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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.
Bringing Nature Home: Pocket Prairie Program Forum
2 p.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Discover how to create a pocket prairie and support local pollinators and ecosystems.
🏠 Iowa City Real Estate
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💼 Iowa City Job Board
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📣 Iowa City Announcements
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