Good morning, Iowa City.

The Iowa City Catholic Worker, a group that helps immigrants, is inspired by Pope Francis, who cared deeply for the poor and urged hands-on service.

The group will honor his legacy—continuing work on housing, food, and support for refugees and undocumented immigrants.

A group of Iowa State and Iowa U students protested the Board of Regents meeting held on April 23 at Iowa State’s Alumni Center in Ames—accusing the meeting of supporting anti-DEI policies.

They organized under the Coalition for University Equity to voice their opposition to current university practices.

The Iowa City school district board set a new $279M budget that is $40M lower than last year and a lower tax rate of $16.10 per $1,000 in home value at its April 22 meeting.

Officials said record enrollment of 14,551 students and finished projects like the Hills Elementary closure and an ended early retirement program helped free up funds—state aid is expected to rise 2% even as enrollment may drop in the coming years.

UI regents are set to vote today on two-year collective bargaining agreements for UI Health Care’s SEIU union and the graduate student union that provide a 3% increase in base pay and minimum wage boosts on July 1 and July 1, 2026—UI grad workers will receive a total 6% increase through June 2027 after union members ratified the tentative deals on April 23 in Ames.

The Cedar Rapids Xavier girls’ soccer team is off to a promising start with a win by 3 to 0 over Iowa City High and the return of seven starters and 10 letterwinners, though they fell 1 to 0 on April 10.

Coach Jacob Johnson said the team will build on its good chemistry — a plan to compete for a state title this season.

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.

Katie Dahl at The Englert Theatre

7:30-10 p.m. — The Englert Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an intimate evening with songwriter Katie Dahl as she shares her soulful music and witty storytelling.

NAMI Family Support Group

6:30-7:30 p.m. — National Alliance on Mental Illness, Johnson County — Free entry — Peer-led support for adults with loved ones facing mental health challenges.

Seussical the Musical Jr.

7 p.m. — The James Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a whimsical journey through beloved Dr. Seuss stories brought to life in musical form.

UI Day of Play

9 AM – 1 PM — Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center — Free entry — Experience adaptive recreation and inclusive activities for all ages.

41st Annual Red Shoe Run & Walk 5K

10 AM – 12 PM — Lower City Park — Fundraising event — Support a great cause while enjoying a fun run in the beautiful surroundings of Iowa City.