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It’s Friday, Iowa City! Let’s finish this week strong.
In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Bob Dylan’s Rough and Rowdy Ways, Brazilian Carnival, and algae-powered wastewater cleanup + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Iowa City protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.
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📰 In the news
Bioproducts from captured nutrients: Slater’s Gross-Wen Technologies secured a $1 million Iowa Economic Development Authority loan to scale its algae-powered wastewater cleanup, hire staff, and grow markets, building on successful projects in Iowa City — read the full story.
Sustainable yard waste solutions: Iowa law bans yard waste in household trash and Iowa City prohibits open burning, with composting options like $3.50 monthly curbside carts and a $5 minimum drop-off at the landfill — see approved disposal options.
Back your block’s ideas: Iowa City is accepting PIN grant applications to support neighborhood projects that build connections and local pride, offering up to $3,000 per recognized association, with grant announcements planned for June — see how and when to apply.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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💎 Local business spotlight
Handmade finds, zero fuss: At Iowa Artisans Gallery, handcrafted-in-America pieces feel contemporary, playful, and one-of-a-kind. They refresh a corner, elevate a shelf, or solve the tricky-gift dilemma without feeling phoned in. Expect surprising materials and smart design, curated with an eye for everyday delight.
Backyard upgrade, sorted: Your deck wants a refresh before patio weather. Vaughn Carpentry builds clean, durable setups with Trex, TimberTech, Azek, or classic wood, and handles the details without fuss. Open up your grilling zone while the pros manage joists, railings, and the finish that makes it last.
Fresh-shucked fix: Whether you’re team briny East Coast or melon-y West, St. Burch Tavern keeps Iowa City feeling coastal with an icy raw bar, seafood towers, salmon chowder, and fish & chips. Split a tower with friends, or go all in on lobster mac for a little Midwest escape.
These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
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🫶 We got your back
Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →
Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →
Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →
Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎗 CVHS Benefit @ Kendra Scott (Coralville) | Friday (3/13) at 10:00 AM – Whether your jewelry box needs a refresh or you just came for Betty’s star power, shop Kendra Scott to send 20% back to CVHS animals when you mention CVHS at checkout. Swing by in person to meet the crew, or shop online with code GIVEBACK-LHDYQ.
🏀 Spring Games – State Basketball @ University Of Iowa Field House | Saturday (3/14) at 8:30 AM – Hit the road and back our two hometown teams at State. Pack your loud voice, your lucky hoodie, and the patience of someone who knows bleachers were never engineered for comfort. Real hoops, real pride, and enough high fives to count as cardio.
🛍 Sip n Shop @ The Green House – Iowa City | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Afternoon at PrismsScape with Greenhouse means one thing, a little woo with your brew. Grab 40% off high-vibrational stones, get Tarot or Oracle with Kelley Rosenboom, then sip a Greenhouse specialty drink that donates to the local food pantry. Shop, socialize, feel virtuous.
🍷 Wilson’s Supper Club @ Wilson’s Ciderhouse & Venue | Saturday (3/14) at 5:30 PM – Remember when dinner came with rolls, a salad, and Wilson’s apple pie? Wilson’s Ciderhouse is doing a proper Supper Club with prime rib and Yorkshire pudding, shrimp scampi, or a real cauliflower steak, all chef-curated, seasonal, and cozy. Reserve a seat, bring your appetite.
💘 Head Over Heels @ E.C. Mabie Theatre | Saturday (3/14) at 8:00 PM – Think Shakespeare crash-landing at an ’80s Go-Go’s concert? UI Theatre Arts unleashes Head Over Heels, an Elizabethan-meets-new-wave romp with a royal prophecy, big laughs, and bigger hooks. Adult tickets are $20, seniors $15, students a steal, and the vibe is gloriously brash.
✏ Drawing Salon @ Stanley Museum of Art | Sunday (3/15) at 2:00 PM – Monthly at the Stanley Museum of Art, the Drawing Salon turns gallery-gazing into sketch time, doodling encouraged. Iowa City artist Robert Caputo leads, with stools and loaner supplies, pencils and paper only. Free, welcoming to all levels, reservations required. Finally, homework you might actually enjoy.
🧘 Sound Meditation @ Heartland Yoga | Sunday (3/15) at 4:00 PM – If your brain’s been running like a browser with 47 tabs, Tina McCoy’s sound meditation is the reset button. Settle into a restorative space as chimes, bells, and singing bowls do the heavy lifting, and you just breathe. $35, worth every exhale.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Iowa City report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 46°F – Low: 30°F – Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind 15 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Later: A slight chance of snow after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. North wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 47°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 24%
A slight chance of snow before 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Rain likely after 7pm. Cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
This house is wild
This 1900 Goosetown charmer in Iowa City packs 4 beds and 3.5 baths into timeless craftsmanship and smart updates. Original woodwork steals the show, matched by an incredible wraparound porch plus a screened porch for breezy afternoons. A 2006 addition delivers a primary suite with walk-in closet and an expanded kitchen, blending comfort with history.
Take a peek inside →
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