Good morning, Iowa City.

Red Cedar Chamber Music’s Global Consortium series will hold five performances—featuring guest composers and performers—through Oct.

19 at venues in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Center Point, and Ainsworth. The series starts on Oct. 10 with a library event and includes free shows as well as ticketed concerts in other cities.

Iowa residents can get a library card at any library statewide, letting them borrow books and use digital resources.

The open access card, supported by IMLS funding — it also allows returning items at any participating library, boosts community access.

Today, a Nebraska carbon sequestration pipeline is online and local energy groups warn that a similar project in Iowa could hurt the state’s top ethanol status—farmers fear it may worsen low corn prices and market access while regulatory disputes move toward the Supreme Court.

Local landowners remain opposed as debates over pipeline safety and routing continue.

Linn County will partner with University of Iowa to complete three water quality studies that include an aquifer vulnerability map, a contaminant plume map and a surface water sampling assessment — steps that will support the county’s water quality management plan.

Findings from these studies will guide further water-related work as the partnership runs through Sept. 30, 2026.

Voters in Iowa City, North Liberty, and Coralville will vote on a one percent local option sales tax on the November ballot; half of the funds will go to property tax relief + half for capital projects.

If passed, North Liberty will build a new fire station, Coralville will expand its recreation center, and Iowa City will use the revenue for affordable housing and public infrastructure.

The Iowa City City Council voted 6-0 to reject a $1.1 million trash compactor because its manufacturer, Caterpillar, is tied to the Israel conflict, a decision that aligns with the city’s divestment resolution.

City staff will explore alternatives, though they warned that other options may not offer the same level of maintenance.

The Iowa City Police Department showcased its first fully electric patrol vehicle on Wednesday as part of its climate action goals and cost-saving plan — the vehicle costs about $20,000 less to operate than a traditional gas cruiser and will be tested through all four seasons before further purchases are made.

The Iowa City Council approved $927,000 to buy three three-bedroom townhomes in North Liberty for affordable housing.

The housing authority will house voucher recipients in December with two units reserved for tenants earning less than 50 percent of the area median income for 40 years — ensuring long-term affordability.

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has requested an in-person public meeting with Havenpark Communities to address residents' concerns over rent increases and poor park conditions.

Representatives from Johnson County Residents United will attend and meeting details are still pending—official time and place have not been set.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an order on Oct.

8 that requires state agencies to use E-Verify and SAVE to check work and immigration status before granting licenses, ensuring that only eligible applicants receive state-issued credentials. The state will complete the setup with USCIS by the end of 2025.

After nearly a year of work, the Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic finished renovations to serve more patients and held a ribbon-cutting open house on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.—the $1.35 million update was funded by Iowa City and Johnson County as wait times reached up to three months.

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.

All Acts Open Mic Night

8 PM - 12 AM — AlleyCat — Free entry — Showcase your talent with an open mic followed by karaoke fun.