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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

A Gingerbread Caramel Latte sits on the counter of Java House in Iowa City on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Coffeeshops across Iowa City have been offering holiday drinks for the winter season.

Four festive local beverages to get you in the holiday spirit

Hannah Childers, Arts Reporter December 10, 2024

With the holidays and finals approaching, here are four festive and caffeinated drinks, as well as some additional recommendations from baristas, to keep you energized this winter season. Java House:...

Photo contributed by Ben Aldrich's.

Q&A | English ambassador Ben Ahlrichs’ journey through the natural world of poetry

Haya Hussain, Arts Reporter December 10, 2024

The English department’s student ambassador Ben Ahlrichs is an English and creative writing major on the publishing track. He shared formative experiences with his writing, ranging from leading writing...

Clara Viner, owner of Hot House Yoga, demonstrates a pose at the North Liberty, Iowa location on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Hot House Yoga has three locations, including in Iowa City and Coralville.

Iowa City promotes self-care as finals week approaches

Flynn Milligan and Charlie Christensen December 10, 2024

Self-care is an important part of day-to-day life. From being a student to being a part of the working world or otherwise, we need to look out for ourselves. Iowa City offers plenty of options to treat...

Photo contributed by Eli Campbell

Review | Eli Campbell captures reality with ‘Myocardium: Graphite’

Laurel Preston, Arts Reporter December 9, 2024

With a sudden jolt, the lights in The Artifactory’s basement swiftly died and a thumping began. Myocardium is another word for the heart muscle, and “Myocardium: Graphite” is the title of playwright...

Allison Meyer acts while the cast creates sound effects onstage during a performance of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radioplay at Riverside Theatre in Iowa City on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. The show will run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 15.

Review | Riverside Theater puts its spin on a holiday classic

Emma Isenhart and Kayla Person December 8, 2024

I shuffled in with the crowd, eager to find my seat. Everyone chattered quietly as we waited for the production to start. The stage was set with a piano, a few microphones, and a large table with miscellaneous...

The Porch Light Literary Arts Centre is seen in Iowa City on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2025. The house offers free public readings, community salons, writer support groups, classes, critique groups and one-on-one writing services.

Q&A | Porch Light director Jennifer Colville expanding arts community

Isabelle Lubguban, Arts Reporter December 4, 2024

Jennifer Colville is a community arts organizer and writer. She is the director of the Porch Light Literary Arts Centre, which provides a space for artists and writers to harness their crafts and find...

Review | ‘The Piano Lesson’ deftly adapts Pulitzer Prize-winning play

Review | ‘The Piano Lesson’ deftly adapts Pulitzer Prize-winning play

Isabelle Lubguban, Arts Reporter December 3, 2024

Family heirlooms give way to dark secrets in Netflix’s new release, “The Piano Lesson.”  The film was originally released during the 51st Telluride Film Festival on August 31 before coming...

Mar 10, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande present the award for best original score during the 96th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

Review | “Wicked” stuns with emotional storytelling

Riley Dunn, Digital Editor December 3, 2024

From the spectacular vocals of Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda to the spellbinding visuals that make up The Land of Oz, “Wicked” awed me from the very beginning.  Directed...

When is it appropriate to listen to Christmas music?

When is it appropriate to listen to Christmas music?

Flynn Milligan, Arts Reporter December 3, 2024

The last three months of the year are, for most, the busiest of the year. Between Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, the mood can be both stressful and joyful.  One of the biggest debates...

Shawn Mendes performs at Moody Amphitheater during South by Southwest on Saturday, March 19, 2022.

Review | Shawn Mendes is making a return to music with his fifth studio album ‘Shawn’

Kayla Person, Arts Reporter December 3, 2024

“This album is about letting go of, and remembering who I am,” Shawn Mendes wrote in an Instagram post shared on Nov. 15. “It’s been my own personal medicine. I hope you love it.”  A...

Attendees dance to a jazz band during the Roaring ‘20s Gala benefit for the Friends of the Animal Center Foundation in Iowa City on Nov. 16. Bread Garden Events hosted the meal and charity auction to help shelter dogs and cats in Johnson County.

Friends of the Animal Center glitters at 25th-anniversary gala

Emma Isenhart, Arts Reporter December 3, 2024

Walking into the ballroom felt like being transported back in time. Sequins, feathers, and pearls covered the tables with candles supplying the lighting. Guests adorned themselves with spats, glitter,...

Drag queen Beep Beep does their makeup before hosting and performing at Basix in Cedar Rapids on Nov. 30. Beep Beep talked about their experience joining the drag community, expressing that most queens join during Pride or Halloween. Beep Beep said they joined during Pride and enjoyed performing the most at Studio 13 in Iowa City.

Drag kings and queens of Iowa City foster community to create a welcoming environment for any performer

Isabella Nekvinda, Arts Reporter December 3, 2024

Every Saturday night, Studio 13 is transformed into a competitive stage to determine Iowa City’s favorite drag queen and king. The bar hosts many events centered around drag, with their Star Search...