Office of Equity and Human Rights to co-sponsor "BYOBook" event at ICPL on Feb. 21

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 - 10:15am
Contact: 
Stefanie Bowers
Equity and Human Rights

The Office of Equity and Human Rights is co-sponsoring the February meeting of the Iowa City Public Library's "BYOBook" meeting. The novel "Black Bottom Saints" by Alice Randall will be discussed.

Described as "An enthralling literary tour-de-force that pays tribute to Detroit's legendary neighborhood, a mecca for jazz, sports, and politics, Black Bottom Saints is a powerful blend of fact and imagination reminiscent of E.L. Doctorow's classic novel Ragtime and Marlon James' Man Booker Award-winning masterpiece, A Brief History of Seven Killings" and Kirkus reviews says that it's an...

A Johnson County SEATS bus.

New Johnson County SEATS on-demand service available for individuals experiencing transportation barriers

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 - 9:30am
Transit

Johnson County SEATS same-day on-demand service for Johnson County residents is now available.

This service offers same-day rides to Johnson County residents who do not have access to alternative forms of transportation. The expansion is a result of Johnson County’s investment of funds received from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Individuals are able to schedule ride service from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Riders must get a one-time referral through a local human services agency or Johnson County’s Mobility Coordinator...

The east entrance of the Iowa City Public Library. Photo by Randy Stern. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

City facilities and community resources available during cold temperatures

Tuesday, January 31, 2023 - 2:30pm
Contact: 
Lee Hermiston

With bitterly cold and potentially dangerous temperatures impacting Iowa City this week, community members are encouraged to take advantage of City facilities to stay warm.

Public Library

The Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., is available for people to stay warm while starting a new book or browsing a variety of materials for check out. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Senior Center

The Senior Center will be open to...

Test your Black History Month knowledge and win a book

Tuesday, January 31, 2023 - 10:00am
Equity and Human Rights

In recognition of Black History Month, the Office of Equity and Human Rights is encouraging community members to test their knowledge with a Black History Month quiz.

The first 25 participants to earn a perfect score will receive a copy of one of the following books:

"High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America" by Jessica B. Harris "How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America" by Clint Smith "Black Bottom Saints" By Alice Randall

How to participate

The quiz can be found...

A police badge

Ishmael Carter convicted of arson and attempted murder after June 2021 event

Monday, January 30, 2023 - 11:00am
Contact: 
Lee Hermiston

After three days of testimony, Ishmael Carter, 34, was convicted of one count of arson in the first degree, five counts of attempted murder, and up to 25 years in prison on each count, after an event that took place in June 2021.

On June 13, 2021, Carter went to the residence of a former intimate partner. After the partner refused to answer the door, Carter poured lighter fluid under the door of the residence and then ignited the lighter fluid, which caused a fire that trapped five people in the residence. All five individuals were able to exit the residence without physical injury...

City of Iowa City logo

Black History Month 2023

Monday, January 30, 2023 - 8:00am

The City will be hosting and co-hosting numerous events throughout February 2023 to commemorate Black History Month.

Events will include presentations, book club discussions, and more. All commemorations are designed to celebrate the impact Black Americans have had on our country and educate participants on the barriers Black Americans have faced and still face today.

Below are City Black History Month events.

Teen Create-It: Black History Month

5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 1, and Feb. 15, 2023, at the Library

The Library will host two Black...

Video Update: Winter Night Lights, Freeze Fest, and Farmers Market Vendors

Monday, January 30, 2023 - 7:30am
Contact: 
Jack Brooks
Communications

Iowa City Update is a weekly video featuring City of Iowa City projects, programs, and events. Topics this week include Winter Night Lights in Downtown Iowa City, an event that celebrates winter activities, and how to apply to be a vendor at the Iowa City Farmers Market. Select the image below to watch Iowa City Update .

Iowa City Update: Winter Night Lights Winter Night Lights

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City of Iowa City issues statement following video release of the brutal murder of Tyre Nichols

Friday, January 27, 2023 - 7:00pm
Contact: 
Lee Hermiston
Communications

In a joint statement provided by Mayor Bruce Teague and Police Chief Dustin Liston, the City offers a response to the brutal death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols following the release of the Memphis Police Department’s deadly arrest video.

“As Mayor of Iowa City, I am reaching out to the Iowa City community to offer my support following the release of a horrific video issued by law enforcement earlier today, to acknowledge the despair and anger that the Black community is feeling, to denounce the acts of violence taken against Tyre Nichols, and to look for ways to process this...

Animal Services investigating dog bite

Friday, January 27, 2023 - 8:45am
Contact: 
Lee Hermiston

On Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, Iowa City Animal Services received notification of a community member who was bitten by a dog. According to the information provided, the bite occurred around midnight the morning of Jan. 25 in the area of the 600 Block of South Dodge Street outside of a residence. The victim was attempting to break up a fight between their dog who was on a leash and a brindle pit bull-type dog. The loose dog was with his owner but unleashed. The owner was observed as a slender male. Another man was at the scene inside the residence.

Iowa City Animal Services is seeking...

Human Rights Commission elects new Chair and Vice Chair

Thursday, January 26, 2023 - 12:00pm
Contact: 
Stefanie Bowers

At its Jan. 24, 2023, meeting, the Iowa City Human Rights Commission elected Roger Lusala as Chair and Sylvia Jons as Vice Chair. Lusala has served on the commission since 2021 and Jons since 2022.

Lusala has volunteered as a soccer coach with the Iowa City Kickers Soccer Club for more than 20 years. Lusala is a member of the Iowa City Noon Rotary, City High Booster Club, the Iowa Association of Community Providers, and the Johnson County Community Providers Group. He currently serves as the President/CEO of Mayor's Youth Empowerment Program (MYEP), a non-profit organization...

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