Good morning, Iowa City.

Food Bank of Iowa CEO Michelle Book was named the 2025 Remarkable Women honoree for her work to help Iowans facing food insecurity—she has led efforts that have brought essential food support to those in need.

Iowa farmers can now apply for aid from the USDA through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program of the American Relief Act of 2025, which set aside $21 billion for disaster help and $10 billion for crop losses; applications are available at local FSA offices and online—per-acre rates are $42.91 for corn and $29.76 for soybeans while farmers hope a new Farm Bill will bring more stability.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in possible grants for Iowa institutions are being cut by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency — DOGE — as federal spending is reduced, with Iowa HHS losing up to $407 million, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship about $11 million, and the University of Iowa $9 million used partly for a creative writing program. Iowa HHS said the rescinded, temporary Covid-era funding was set to end by June 30 and the affected groups are still planning how to adjust to these cuts.

A Dubuque employer and 31 others will lay off workers when a new state law restructures behavioral health and disability services into seven districts starting July 1—reducing funding for the East Central Region from $28 million to $3.7 million and affecting services in nine counties.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa will host Pearls and Pours next Thursday, April 10 at Curate in the East Village to support families staying near hospitals while children receive treatment.

The event will include a VIP hour (5:00-6:00pm), custom cocktail and appetizer pairings, a plated dinner, live entertainment, and a live auction with all proceeds going to RMHCCI.

Mason Siek's family faced challenges finding local hospice care for their child, which led to the creation of Mason’s Law that will allow pediatric palliative hospice centers in Iowa.

The bill passed unanimously in the House and will be considered today by the Health and Human Services Senate subcommittee — Shanna Siek has secured land in Iowa City for a proposed center called Mason’s Light House.

Ben McCollum, the Joe B.

Hall award winner for top new head coach, said Iowa basketball will build a defense-first style — he plans to model it on his success at Drake, where his team won 31 games and ranked second nationally in scoring defense. He said the new approach will mark a shift from the fast-paced, high-scoring style teams led by Fran McCaffery.

Iowa Wild will host a Star Wars-themed fundraiser this Friday to support the ALS Association of Iowa as fans cheer on their team and earn special gear—Travis Green and Josh Nuss highlighted that the event will raise funds for ALS research—helping advance efforts in the field.

Uptown Bill's Open Mic Night

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Uptown Bill's Coffee House & Neighborhood Arts Center — Free entry — Celebrate 16 years of talent with ten-minute performances open to all ages and abilities.

Friday Group Class for Strings

4:30-5:15 p.m. — Preucil School of Music — Check website for cost — A focused group class for Violin, Viola, and Cello players of various skill levels.

Enchanted Moments - A Character Photography Experience

1-2:30 p.m. — East Side Recycling Center — $40 per child, $10 per adult — Step into a magical world and capture unforgettable memories with beloved princesses, crafts, and enchanting performances.

Piano Sundays at the Old Capitol Museum

1:30-3 p.m. — Old Capitol Museum — Free entry — Experience the talents of piano students and faculty in a historic venue featuring a rebuilt Steinway grand piano.

AA: Sunlight of the Spirit Group Meeting

6-7 p.m. — Uptown Bill's Coffee House & Neighborhood Arts Center — Free entry — Connect with others in a supportive environment dedicated to recovery and growth.

Christopher’s Bar Exam Trivia Night

8-10 p.m. — Quinton's Bar & Deli — Participate with friends — Test your knowledge and compete for cash and prizes in this interactive pub quiz.

Climate Fiction Book Club: The Deluge Discussion

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Explore the imagined futures of the climate crisis through engaging discussions of contemporary fiction.

Swing Dance Lessons & Social Dance

7-9:15 p.m. — Masonic Lodge — $10 or $5 for students — Experience the joy of learning lindy hop with beginner and intermediate lessons followed by a social dance.

Friday Group Class for Strings

4:30-5:15 p.m. — Preucil School of Music — Cost varies by book level — A structured group class for violin, viola, and cello players to enhance their skills.

The Sound of Music by West High

1-10 p.m. — West High School–Arganbright Auditorium — $10 – $15 — Experience the beloved musical with talented local performers at West High School.