Good morning, Iowa City.

Zoom Room is hosting donation-based obedience classes to support local animal shelters such as AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport.

Iowa City Liberty High School senior Mason Karam was named the Press-Citizen’s Student of the Week for his strong academics, sports, and volunteer work.

A new poll will open on April 21—featuring nominees such as Isaac DeGroot and Brendan Lestina.

Marc Muklewicz, a University of Iowa student, filed a lawsuit on April 15th saying a posted Zoom video proved the school’s online security is weak and he is boycotting classes until courses are safer (he said anyone with the link can enter without logging in).

On Friday morning, Green Iowa AmeriCorps members walked along Highway 6 in Iowa City to collect trash before it reached the river.

Despite a funding cut by the Department of Government Efficiency—whose decision did not end the group’s state-backed work—the team continued to educate and engage local volunteers in environmental care.

Today, the Iowa City Council approved the 2026 budget with a 4—3 vote that kept property taxes unchanged and raised the general fund by $2.4 million as reserves cover a $2.8 million shortfall from reduced state backfill.

The budget also raises water rates by 3—about $1.12 per month—and adds a 1—gas and electric franchise fee to help fund fare-free transit.

Starting April 21, the southbound entrance at the I-80 Hickman interchange and the southbound exit at University will close for 120 days for an interstate expansion project—designed to widen freeway lanes and boost capacity.

Iowa DOT engineer Frank Leone said work began last fall in the middle of the freeway and has now moved to the outside lanes.

A court ruled in favor of GreenState Credit Union after it filed a foreclosure suit in February against developer Marc Moen and his associates for not paying about $28 million in loans.

Downtown properties such as The Chauncey and Plaza Towers will be auctioned — a sale date has not been set.

The Indiana Fever game against Brazil now starts at 3 p.m. on May 4 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena after the tipoff time was moved up by two hours, and fans are urged to avoid ticket scams on resale sites.

Drawing Salon with Robert Caputo

2-3:30 p.m. — Stanley Museum of Art — Free entry — Explore your artistic side by drawing inspired by the museum's collection under expert guidance.

Yacht Club Comedy Mic

8-11:30 p.m. — AlleyCat — Free entry — Enjoy a night filled with laughter, karaoke, and community spirit at this weekly comedy mic.

Spanish Bilingual Storytime

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful mix of stories and language at this engaging storytime.

Late Shift at The Grindhouse

10 p.m. — FilmScene at The Chauncey — Check the lineup of bizarre cinematic gems and indulge in a quirky cinematic experience featuring trailers and cult classics.

Moroccan Cooking Series at Hillel's Kitchen

10:00 – 11:30 PM — Market-Dubuque Building — Limited spots — Explore Moroccan cuisine and family history through cooking.

Book Babies Storytime

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Engage infants through singing, reading, and rhyming for early language development.

Emo Nite

9-1 a.m. — Gabe's — $21 — Celebrate all things emo with a night of music and fun at Gabes.

Spring Sensory Spectacular

1-4 p.m. — Ashton House — Snacks available — Celebrate spring with games and activities designed for youth with disabilities and their families.

JBA April Member Meeting

5-6 p.m. — Tippie College of Business — Registration Required — Engage with fellow members at the JBA's general meeting in room W364.

Illinois State Redbirds vs Iowa Hawkeyes Baseball

6:05-8:05 p.m. — Duane Banks Stadium — Ticket pricing varies — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup in Iowa City while supporting a cause of your choice.