Good Day
Iowa City
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Iowa City. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Governor Kim Reynolds pushed back on a KCRG-TV9 fact check by noting her data shows that state funding for public schools is below inflation while total funding including local and federal money exceeds it — a complexity highlighted in comparisons between Fiscal Year 2017 and current figures. KCRG
- ➤ Superintendent Matt Degner admitted he transferred $10 million from an insurance account — to cover payroll expenses — while the district faces a budget shortfall and potential cuts. School board members will review reduction ideas at a work session next week as parents voice concerns about future changes. KCRG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hy-Vee dietitian Jenn Blaser advises shoppers on foods that promote lasting fullness throughout the day. Her expert tips will help guide meal choices for healthier living. We Are Iowa
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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.
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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.
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The Storyteller Mic
10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — AlleyCat — $4 White Claws — Share your song, poem, or weekend stories in a lively open mic setting.
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Tune Out Music Trivia
7-10 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of music trivia with friends and great brews.
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Classic Fringe Earrings Workshop
1-4 p.m. — Beadology Iowa — $70 total ($35 instructor fee, $35 materials fee) — Learn brick stitch techniques to create unique earrings with flowing fringe.
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West Coast Swing Foundations
6:15-9 p.m. — Public Space 1 — $10 flat fee or $5 for first-timers — Learn the basic swing dance moves and enjoy social dancing with others.
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Dreamer and the Hoping Machine Inaugural Concert
7-9 p.m. — The James Theater — $20 GA/$12 students — Experience the debut performance of the Family Folk Machine band with original songs by choir members.
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Ethan Bell Band Live Performance
10 PM – 1:30 AM — Elray's Live & Dive — $5 — Experience the dynamic Ethan Bell Band as they blend country, pop, and hip-hop in an unforgettable night of music.
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Big Book Sale
10 AM – 3 PM — Iowa City Public Library — Support the Library — Explore a diverse collection of used books and media for all ages.
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Primary Trust
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Riverside Theatre — $18 – $42 — Witness the heartwarming Pulitzer Prize-winning story of a man’s journey of self-discovery amid whimsical friendship.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Iowa City
Welcome to the Good Day Iowa City, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Iowa City, Iowa community. If you like the Good Day Iowa City, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Iowa City.
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