Good morning, Iowa City.

Cajun Fest returns this month—promising a lively celebration similar to Mardi Gras for local residents.

The festival offers a unique Midwest twist on traditional Cajun festivities.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law on Friday that expands cancer coverage for first responders by adding all known cancer types to Iowa’s presumptive disability law — a measure that comes after years of effort by the group and honors those who lost their battles with cancer.

The new law now provides wider protection for families and workers, and it marks an important step in supporting first responders — a win for the community.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law on Friday, June 6 that allows Iowa to spend over $56 million in opioid settlement funds, with $29 million allocated to treatment, recovery housing, and jail-based services and $27 million designated for behavioral health programming in fiscal year 2025. Lawmakers broke a stalemate after years of debate, and the bill also sets new rules for dividing future settlement funds between Iowa HHS and the Attorney General’s Office—aimed at fighting the opioid crisis.

Street crews will conduct routine maintenance on College, Summit, and Washington Streets from June 9 to June 12, and vehicles left after 7:30 a.m. will be towed—residents must move their vehicles every 48 hours as required by City Code.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed 24 bills into law Friday that include a Medicaid work requirement for about 171,000 enrollees on Iowa’s Health and Wellness Plan and a mandate for schools to show fetal development videos to students in grades 5-12.

The Medicaid law requires able-bodied adults aged 19-64 to work 80 hours each month or enroll in a job skills program to keep their coverage.

IA Region AutoX 2025 #4

7:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Iowa City Municipal Airport — $35 for members, $50 for non-members — Experience thrilling autocross racing with tech inspections and driver meetings.

Alyssa Jakowchuk: June's Featured Artist

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Beadology Iowa — Free entry — Explore vibrant art from Alyssa Jakowchuk, a lifelong crafter passionate about color and creativity.

Creating Watercolors with Plant Pigments Workshop

6-8 p.m. — IC Press Co-op — Pay-what-you-can: $40-$160 — Learn to create watercolors from plant pigments and leaves with a focus on natural dyeing techniques.

Discovering the Rock Cycle

10-11 a.m. — Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center — Event pricing not specified — Engage young minds in the wonders of geology through the exploration of the rock cycle.

Christopher's Bar Exam Quiz Night

8-10 p.m. — Donnelly's Pub — Cash prizes available — Engage in an exciting interactive pub quiz filled with fun challenges and team competitions.

Friday Night Concert Series

6:30-9 p.m. — 210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA — Free entry — Experience the vibrant local music scene at the kickoff of summer festivities.

Iowa City Farmers Market

7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Iowa City Farmers Market — Free — Explore a vibrant open-air market featuring fresh, locally produced goods and a diverse community atmosphere.

Games in the Grove

1-3 p.m. — Plum Grove Historical Site — Free event — Experience historic games like stilts and hoop & stick in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Monday Open Comedy Mic

8-11:30 p.m. — AlleyCat — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter with open mic comedy followed by karaoke fun.

Trivia Tuesday

8 PM - 12 AM — AlleyCat — Prize info available — Test your knowledge in teams of up to 6 for great prizes at Trivia Tuesday.