Good morning, Iowa City.

Hot Dog is a sweet 10-month-old with short, wobbly legs and a loving nature available for adoption at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and he is a great match for an active family with kids.

The ARL is also hosting Santa N Paws at the Iowa Live Studio on Nov. 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.—a chance for families to take holiday photos with their pets.

Today, Iowa City launches a food drive to support CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank amid the ongoing government shutdown and SNAP benefits uncertainty.

Multiple drop-off sites include City Hall, an animal care center, the library, and more, and donation events are scheduled at local grocery stores on November 14 at 1:00—4:00 p.m. and at parks from November 17—19 in the evening.

Johnson County agencies are offering free meals and food pantry support as SNAP benefits are paused for November amid the government shutdown.

Local groups, including Coralville Community Food Pantry (serving Coralville, Iowa City and North Liberty), Hy-Vee and community fridges have set specific hours to help residents facing food insecurity.

Dance Marathon’s D2DM will start Monday at 9 p.m. at the Iowa Memorial Union and last 24 hours as students work to raise money for children in need—this event is the largest fundraiser before the February marathon.

The funds will support hospital care and meals for families.

Iowa DOT announced the 'Alive at 25' online course—designed for teen drivers with suspended licenses after a second violation—that offers a choice between completing a four-hour interactive program or accepting a 30-day suspension.

The course requires active participation to help teens correct bad driving habits.

Johnson County Social Services Department is calling for volunteers to join its VITA program that will provide free tax help to low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency.

Volunteers will serve as greeters or tax preparers in three- to four-hour shifts on days, evenings, and Saturdays from late January to mid-April+ training will begin in December.

Harper Atkinson, a 10-year-old from Wapello who has suffered over 35 fractures and 11 surgeries from a rare metabolic bone disease, served as Kid Captain for the Iowa Hawkeyes against the Oregon Ducks at Kinnick Stadium on August 9—she loves kittens, school, horseback riding, piano, and singing.

In Johnson County, Toby Franks broke the spotted bass record with a 2.32-pound, 16-inch catch from the Iowa River — beating the 2.06-pound, 15-inch record from 2021 — and the fish was released after being weighed.

The Iowa DNR said these nonnative fish now appear in local waters due to past stocking efforts.

Coffee + Connections

8:00 – 9:30 AM — Dodge Street Coffeehouse — Free coffee — Connect with local entrepreneurs over coffee and exchange ideas.

Restaging Trisha Brown & Merce Cunningham with Robert Rauschenberg

6-8 p.m. — Hancher Auditorium — Free entry — Engage in a conversation on the creative process and legacy of iconic collaborations in dance and art.

Aren't We Amphibians Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Gabe's — Average ticket price $56 — Experience a live performance from Aren't We Amphibians in Iowa City.

Poetry Exchange Workshop

4:30-6 p.m. — 1019 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA — Free entry — Engage in a supportive environment with fellow poets sharing and critiquing original work.

Intro to Letterpress Printing Workshop

12:30-4 p.m. — Iowa City Press Co-Op — Pay-what-you-can: $25-170 — Discover the art of letterpress printing with hands-on instruction and personalized projects.

Espressivo Rehearsals

4:30-5:30 p.m. — Preucil School of Music — Free entry — Engage in focused music rehearsals fostering community talent and collaboration.

May + The Ladies with Basal Jones, Bre Senior, and Birdlabs

1-4 a.m. — Public Space One — $10 at the door — Enjoy a night of local music highlighting Bre Senior and Birdlabs supporting May + The Ladies.

The Wood Brothers Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — The Englert Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the joyful and eclectic sounds of The Wood Brothers as they share insights from their new album Puff of Smoke.

Thursday Group Class - Violin Foundation

5:30-6:15 p.m. — Preucil School of Music — Contact for pricing — A structured group class focusing on the foundations of violin playing.

Floodwater Comedy Festival

5:00 PM – 11:59 PM — Willow Creek Theatre Company — $15 – $80 — Enjoy a weekend of laughter with 55 comedians and 11 shows featuring standup and improv.