Good morning, Iowa City.

Lawmakers worked late into the night to wrap up the 2025 Iowa Legislative Session even though they have not been paid for nearly two weeks because the state budget has not been passed — the Senate approved a bill that lets private school students join public school extracurriculars if they meet rules that start on Aug. 1. A second bill to lower the unemployment tax rate to 5.4% passed both chambers and Gov. Kim Reynolds is expected to sign it.

Sioux Rapids Representative Megan Jones said that the DCI tested geofencing at the Capitol without warning anyone during budget talks, linking the move to a sports betting investigation that charged over 30 university athletes and staff.

She said she will ask questions in the legislature to end such tests — ensuring people do not feel spied on in a building that is sacred.

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.

Story Jam

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — A lively music and movement program promoting early literacy for children and caregivers.

Eat for the Arts at Short's Burgers Eastside

11 AM – 8 PM — Short's Burgers Eastside — 15% of sales go to support local arts — Enjoy tasty burgers while contributing to community programs.

Gatos En Ronda

6-8 p.m. — Iowa City Bike Library — Free entry — Enjoy a no-drop community ride featuring trails, secret passages, and ice cream stops.

Art Social at Public Space One

11 AM – 1 PM — PS1 Close House — Free entry — Engage in a creative atmosphere with art supplies and fellow creators.

Laurel Kubby's Featured Art Exhibition

7 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Beadology Iowa — Free entry — Explore 3-dimensional geometric seed bead works and intricate beading techniques from a renowned artist.