Good morning, Iowa City.

Iowa City Downtown District partners with the University of Iowa Office of Innovation to launch its monthly First Round networking series.

The event takes place on Feb. 18, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Prairie Lights Café — Dr. Bob Cargill will discuss whether archaeology can prove the Bible.

Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature hosts One Book Two Book: Student Writers and Family Fun, a free festival on Saturday, Feb.

21 at FilmScene at the Chauncey and MERGE (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) with workshops, author events and reptile sessions; student awards follow on Sunday, Feb. 22 at Macbride Hall.

Iowa City's Planning and Zoning Commission approved an urban renewal area for the former Sycamore Mall to enable public infrastructure improvements and economic incentives—city council will vote after a public hearing on Feb.

17.

During an Iowa House higher education subcommittee meeting on Feb.

9, lawmakers advanced a bill limiting DEI requirements after a UI Ph.D. candidate struck a table and was escorted out — sparking debate among members.

Gov. Reynolds has proposed a health bill that will improve SNAP benefits, ban certain dyes and additives from school meals, and raise sin taxes on smoking products—measures that expand care by letting out-of-state psychologists work and requiring doctors to take nutrition courses.

Thursday Group Class - Violin Foundation

5:30-6:15 p.m. — Preucil School of Music — Cost information not provided — Engage in foundational violin training with skilled guidance.

Candlelight: Valentine's Day Special

6-7 p.m. — Old Brick — $28.62 — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring beloved love songs performed by the Listeso String Quartet.

Valentine's Day Dinner

6-9 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Limited tickets available — Celebrate love with a gourmet 3-course meal and live music in a cozy setting.

Drawing Salon with Robert Caputo

2-3:30 p.m. — Stanley Museum of Art — Free entry — Explore and draw from the museum's collection in a community art session led by local artist Robert Caputo.

Write Now: Community Supported Writing Group

4:30-6:00 p.m. — 1019 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA — Membership from $5/month — Engage with fellow writers in a supportive environment while exploring creative prompts and sharing feedback.

World Club

4-5 p.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Explore unique world cultures through stories, games, and crafts at this engaging monthly event.

Story Jam

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a fun music and movement program designed for early literacy development.

Trivia at the Den

7-9 p.m. — St. Burch Tavern — Free entry — Test your knowledge and win a $50 St. Burch gift card at this fun trivia night.

Rachel Schumacher Band Live Performance

10 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. — Elray's Live & Dive — $5 — Experience the rising country star Rachel Schumacher and her band bringing heartfelt tunes from Music City to Iowa City.

Wildlife Bioblitz

10:00 – 11:30 AM — Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center — Free entry — Explore nature in a fun and educational scavenger hunt with community enthusiasts.