Good morning, Iowa City.

The Press-Citizen shared its top 10 stories of 2025 (covering topics from UI pay to truck stop tours) and noted local challenges like a new parking ramp plan, mobile home park issues and foreclosed downtown buildings.

Iowa City's Highlander Hotel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Dec.

16 to reorganize while staying under the same ownership as it addresses several million dollars in unpaid loans in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District.

Iowa Lottery players claimed 37,996 prizes in Monday's Powerball drawing, including a ticket that came one number away from a $50,000 win, and the $1.7 billion jackpot will be drawn today (tickets are available until 8:59 p.m. CT).

Country band Linc & the Drifters will preview new songs at Wildwood Saloon on Saturday, Dec.

27 at 7 p.m. They will include holiday covers before recording their first professionally produced album in West Liberty from January 5 to 9.

The Press-Citizen highlights photographer Julia Hansen's top images from 2025—showcasing local sports, festivals, and community events across the area.

Her curated collection spans key moments from school events to cultural gatherings that defined the year.

University of Iowa professor Jason Radley explained that while stress helps with survival, chronic stress can harm the brain and body.

He urged residents to use active coping methods (planning ahead and breaking tasks into smaller steps) to manage holiday pressures.

A new 183-unit affordable housing complex is planned on the west side at 204 W.

Benton Street and will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom units that are income-restricted. Construction will begin in 2026 for an expected 2028 opening — the project benefits from federal tax credits and state bonds.

Gary Smiley Bloore, a beloved Iowa sports fan — champion of girls' and women's athletics at state tournaments and Carver Hawkeye Arena, died on Dec.

22 after battling dementia. He left lasting memories across the sports community.

Five former Hawkeye alums will head to the 2026 Pro Bowl in San Francisco, with Cooper DeJean and Jack Campbell making their debuts and Tristan Wirfs, George Kittle, and Tyler Linderbaum returning to the Games.

Trivia at the Den

7-9 p.m. — St. Burch Tavern — Free entry — Test your trivia skills for a chance to win a $50 gift card while enjoying a fun night out with friends.

DEAD OR AMAZING: An Interactive Video Installation

5-7 p.m. — 538 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA — Free entry — Experience an immersive video installation that transforms audience movements into a unique visual and sonic landscape.

Poetry Exchange Workshop

10:30 a.m. — Porch Light Literary Arts Centre — Poem submission required — Engage in a low-pressure workshop and connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts.

The Storyteller Mic

10 p.m. — AlleyCat — $4 White Claws — Share your song, poem, or weekend stories with friends at this lively open mic night.

Monday Open Comedy Mic

8-11:30 p.m. — AlleyCat — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedy performances followed by karaoke fun.

Minecraft Crafts

1-2:30 p.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Create fun Minecraft-themed crafts like mosaics and origami for elementary-aged kids.

Bingo Night at Hamburg Inn #2

7-9 p.m. — Hamburg Inn No. 2 — Free entry — Enjoy a fun evening playing Bingo with friends in a cozy setting.

PS1 Northside Open Hours

12-3 p.m. — Public Space One (PS1) North — Free entry — Explore a gallery, zine library, and micro-retail space showcasing local art.

Radical Relaxation Yoga

6-7 p.m. — Public Space One — $16 drop-in or 8-class pass for $100 — Experience community-driven relaxation and rejuvenation through yoga with certified instructors.

DEAD OR AMAZING: Interactive Video Installation

5-7 p.m. — 538 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA — Free entry — Experience a unique interactive video installation that reacts to your movement and sound, creating a personalized visual and sonic environment.