Good morning, Iowa City.

Iowa City invites property owners and tenants to apply for its Building Change Grant Program to upgrade commercial buildings in Downtown, Northside Marketplace, Riverfront Crossings and Towncrest Urban Renewal Area; the grant offers two tiers of matching funds—Tier 1 provides $10,000 to $50,000 for façade and accessibility updates while Tier 2 offers up to $100,000 for energy efficiency improvements, and applications are due online by 3:00 p.m. on November 17.

The Iowa City Downtown District announced four new committees and task forces and is inviting local property owners, business operators, and key stakeholders to help guide downtown planning (Policy & Advocacy, Economic Vitality, Place Management, and Organizational Infrastructure). Applications are due by October 15 (selected applicants will be notified by October 30).

On Oct.6 the state began moving collections from Iowa City's State Historical Society building to Des Moines with the help of Prison Industries laborers+ a temporary injunction hearing is set for Oct.14.

Seventeen residents and historians have filed a lawsuit to keep the donated artifacts in Iowa City.

State Auditor Rob Sand warned on Monday that Iowa is on track for a $1 billion deficit in fiscal year 2026 after revenues fell $816.6 million in fiscal year 2025 — he said state leaders’ budgeting practices have set off a fiscal time bomb that will impact Iowa families and communities.

Calyn Thompson from WHO 13 discussed the Buddy Check 13 program and stressed that early detection of breast cancer saves lives—his interview urges people to stay alert and get regular check-ups.

Refocus Film Festival

6:00 PM - 9:30 PM — FilmScene at The Chauncey — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the art of adaptation with films, performances, and engaging dialogues.

2025 Johnson County ADA and NDEAM Celebration

12:30-3:30 p.m. — Pedestrian Mall — Free entry — Celebrate the ADA's anniversary with a resource fair and career opportunities for inclusive employment.

ICPLFF Used Book Sale

10 AM – 3 PM — Iowa City Public Library — Pay what you can — Explore a treasure trove of used books at a community-friendly sale.

All Acts Open Mic Night

8 PM – Midnight — AlleyCat — Free entry — Showcase your talent at an open mic night followed by karaoke fun.

Monday Open Comedy Mic

8-11:30 p.m. — AlleyCat — Free entry — Enjoy a hilarious night of comedy followed by karaoke at this vibrant Iowa City venue.

Trivia Tuesday!

8 PM – 12 AM — AlleyCat — No cover charge — Test your knowledge and compete for prizes in a fun trivia night with friends.

Farm to School Dinner Fundraiser

6-8:30 p.m. — the Webster — $250 — Celebrate local flavors with a four-course dinner featuring ingredients sourced from nearby farms.

Jok-E-Oke Comedy Open Mic Night

8 PM - 12 AM — AlleyCat — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs with local comedians followed by karaoke.

Lyndsay Audra with Todd Partridge

7 p.m. — Sanctuary Pub — Cost information not provided — Enjoy an evening of music featuring Lyndsay Audra and Todd Partridge.

Lady Franklyn Improv Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Willow Creek Theatre Company — Ticket purchase required — Experience a night of laughter with Iowa City's premier improv team.