Good morning, Iowa City.

The City Park Pool demolition began (May 8) in Iowa City.

The new pool is expected to open (2026 season).

Kraft will bring its Mac Truck outside the University of Iowa library on May 14 from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. to give free cups of the famous blue box Mac and Cheese while a five-cent deal runs through May 16 via GoPuff.

NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids will expand with a $5.5 million project that adds shopkeeper space, an indoor performance stage & a community grocery store called The Market Basket operated by Iowa City-based Field to Family to offer fresh local products.

Construction will begin with a groundbreaking in September that will take eight months, and the store is expected to open next summer.

The Press-Citizen shared favorite photos from April that show sports events, music shows, school plays and community rallies in Iowa City—capturing moments from a busy month.

The photo set gives a clear look at local events—telling a simple story of April in our town.

Iowa City High senior Abhay Anil prevailed as the Press-Citizen’s Student of the Week after garnering 45% of the vote—he is a standout varsity tennis player who also volunteers daily with students with special needs.

The contest closed on May 8 and will reopen on May 12.

The Iowa Senate advanced House File 856 on Friday to ban DEI offices in state agencies but did not vote on a separate eminent domain measure after supporters protested—now the amended bill goes back to the House for another vote.

The Iowa Supreme Court overruled a district decision allowing non-English voting materials after LULAC sued Secretary of State Paul Pate, saying the group did not prove direct legal harm.

Pate said Iowa will keep following federal rules to offer translated voting documents in areas meeting required thresholds—ensuring the state meets national guidelines.

Sunday Open Mic Comedy Night

9:00-10:30 p.m. — AlleyCat — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of comedy followed by all night karaoke fun.

AA: Sunlight of the Spirit Group

6-7 p.m. — Uptown Bill's Coffee House & Neighborhood Arts Center — Free entry — Gather for a supportive discussion focused on promotion of recovery and community spirit.

A Roll of the Dice: Symbolism in the Sackner Archive

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. — University of Iowa Libraries Main Library Gallery — Free admission — Explore the profound influence of Mallarmé's revolutionary poem on art and design.

Prairie Preview 40! Featuring Robin Wall Kimmerer

4:30-7:30 p.m. — The Englert Theatre — Free entry — Celebrate 40 years of environmental stewardship with interactive booths and a keynote by acclaimed author Robin Wall Kimmerer.

A Roll of the Dice: Symbolism in the Sackner Archive

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. — University of Iowa Libraries Main Library Gallery — Free admission — Explore the revolutionary influence of Stéphane Mallarmé's poem on graphic design and visual poetry.

Friday Night Concert Series

6:30-9 p.m. — 210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA — Free entry — Celebrate the start of summer with local musicians at this vibrant concert series.

Sensory Sensitive Inflatable Afternoon

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Iowa City Scanlon Gym — Cost not specified — Enjoy unstructured play time with inflatables designed for sensory sensitive friends and families.

May's Featured Artist: Laurel Kubby

7 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Beadology Iowa — Free entry — Explore the intricate 3-dimensional geometric seed bead work of artist Laurel Kubby throughout May.

A Roll of the Dice: Symbolism in the Sackner Archive

9 a.m.-6 p.m. — University of Iowa Libraries Main Library Gallery — Free entry — Explore the influential legacy of Stéphane Mallarmé’s revolutionary poetic work in a unique exhibition.

Iowa City Crusade Amazing Race & Tour

11 a.m. — Java House Coffee Roasters - Downtown — One ticket per person — Embark on a creative scavenger hunt exploring local gems and tackling fun challenges.