Good morning, Iowa City.

The U.S. Department of Labor said that Iowa’s new jobless claims for the week ending Feb.

28 dropped to 1,486 from 1,543 a week earlier. The data was released on March 5.

A Lightcast study shows that Iowa's public universities added $18 billion to the state's economy and contributed 7.7% of the total gross product in fiscal year 2023-24.

They also support over 214,000 jobs and yield more than two dollars back for every taxpayer dollar spent.

Governor Kim Reynolds ordered state flags lowered to half-staff on March 5 until the soldiers' internment to honor two Army Reserve members (Major Jeffery O'Brien and Sgt. Declan Coady) killed in action in Kuwait on March 1.

The Senate passed a bill on March 4 that lets the state officially close the Iowa City historical society research center, which closed at the end of 2025.

All items will be rehomed (none will be discarded) while House action on the measure remains uncertain.

STEAM Discovery

1-3 p.m. — Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center — Free entry — Engage in hands-on activities that ignite curiosity and interest in STEAM subjects for all ages.

Intro to Letterpress Printing Workshop

12:30-4 p.m. — Iowa City Press Co-Op — Pay-what-you-can: $25-170 — Explore the art of letterpress printing with hands-on guidance from poet and artist Mackie Garrett.

Saturdays At Your Place

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Gabe's — No cover charge — A lively night with local rock and emo punk vibes featuring Retirement Party and Kerosene Heights.

Trivia Tuesday at Joe's Place

8-9 p.m. — Joe's Place — $1 off select tallboys, $5.50 mules — Bring your friends and test your trivia knowledge in a fun weekly competition.

Story Jam

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Engage in music and movement to boost early literacy skills with your child.

Christopher’s Bar Exam

8-10 p.m. — Donnelly's Pub — Cash and prizes — Test your knowledge in a fun interactive pub quiz!

Friday Crafternoons

1-3:30 p.m. — Stanley Museum of Art — Light snacks provided — Unwind at the end of the week with low-mess crafts and community vibes.

Second Saturday All Ages Art: Gel Plate Printing

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Public Space 1 (PS1) North — Free to participate; donations welcome — Engage in creative gel plate printing workshops designed for all ages and skill levels.

Radical Relaxation Yoga

5-6 p.m. — Public Space One — $16 drop-in — Experience collective healing and radical ease in a nurturing yoga environment.

Trivia Night at Hamburg Inn #2

7-9 p.m. — Hamburg Inn No. 2 — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of trivia hosted by Christophers Bar Exam.