Good morning, Iowa City.

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Corridor is expanding its child nutrition program by joining the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program to give free, nutritious meals to children in FIP or SNAP households and in Head Start.

The program, active for 12 years (serving sites like Busse Unit and Faith Academy), continues to support kids in Iowa City.

A Johnson County judge dismissed charges against Joseph Antonio Gaya for allegedly interfering with police during a hazing investigation at the UI fraternity house on November 15, 2024 — his defense said his actions did not meet the legal definition of interference.

Iowa City’s free 3-day Jazz Festival—part of Summer of the Arts—will take place from July 3rd to 5th downtown, featuring two stages of music.

Award-winning quintet ARTEMIS will headline on July 4 at 8 p.m. on the Strauss Community Main Stage.

Grammy Award-winning artist Molly Tuttle will perform at The Englert Theatre in Iowa City on Sunday, Nov 16 at 7:30 p.m.—she will offer a mix of new songs from her album So Long Little Miss Sunshine and bluegrass favorites with Joshua Ray Walker and Cecilia Castleman while tickets range from $20 to $40.

The Iowa Board of Regents discussed plans for the University of Iowa’s new Center for Intellectual Freedom while voicing concerns about bylaws that would prioritize tenured in-state professors for its executive committee.

The center will offer two spring courses and hold its first public council meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, November 18—an event that comes before an inaugural celebration on December 5.

The Board of Regents flagged support on Wednesday for an easement that lets University Heights build a 36-acre trail system on UI land near the Finkbine commuter lot, with the full board set to consider approval today.

University Heights will cover all design and construction costs and launch fundraising and grant applications as the project develops — paving the way for both paved and unpaved trails through mature woods.

The Gazette released its 2025-26 girls’ basketball preseason rankings with top teams listed for each class, including Johnston in Class 5A, Dallas Center-Grimes in Class 4A, and Maquoketa in Class 3A.

Iowa City teams placed in Class 5A with Iowa City Liberty in 4th, Iowa City West in 6th, and Iowa City High in 10th—giving local fans an early look at the competitive season.

After an 18-16 loss to Oregon on Saturday, Iowa’s football team is regrouping before their upcoming West Coast trip to face USC.

Coach Ferentz said the team will work on improvements and use the loss as a chance to learn and grow for the rest of the season.

Cooper Koch is the only returning scholarship player on the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team and stayed with the program after redshirting last season due to health issues and a coaching change.

He started the first two wins, averaging eight points per game, and will face Xavier Friday at 7 p.m.—coach Ben McCollum said the move fits his game plan.

Lisa Bluder will serve as the BTN color commentator on today's game when Drake visits Carver-Hawkeye Arena (tipoff at 7:30 p.m.).

Bluder, a former head coach at Iowa and Drake (Jan Jensen said she shows strong integrity), will work with play-by-play announcer Mike Hall as Iowa begins its in-state series.

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.

Raised Triangle Earrings Workshop

10 AM – 4 PM — Beadology Iowa — $72 — Learn to create beautiful geometric earrings using peyote stitch and herringbone techniques.

All Acts Open Mic Night

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

Trivia Night at Hamburg Inn #2

7-9 p.m. — Hamburg Inn No. 2 — Free — Test your knowledge with trivia hosted by Christophers Bar Exam while enjoying food and drinks.

Trivia Night

7-9 p.m. — Vue Rooftop — Free entry — Engage in a fun trivia night covering pop culture and more while enjoying great company and music.

First Round Happy Hour

5-6:30 p.m. — Iowa City Downtown District — First beverage complimentary — Iowa City’s monthly gathering for locals to socialize and stay updated on community arts, business, and culture.

IC Bird Club Meeting

6:45-8:30 p.m. — Iowa City Environmental Education Center — Free entry — Discover the wonders of birdwatching with a special presentation on the Great Crested Flycatcher.

The Art Of Saying No by Michael Stenerson

4-6 p.m. — Arts Iowa City — Free admission — Explore a collection of vibrant artworks focused on the abstraction of letterforms by artist Michael Stenerson.

Junk Journaling Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Arts Iowa City — $20 — Explore the creative art of junk journaling where sustainability meets artistic expression.

Nolte Academy’s Into The Woods Jr.

2-4:30 p.m. — The James Theater — $15 – $20 — Delight in a magical musical journey through classic fables with Nolte Academy's talented youth cast.