Good morning, Iowa City.

Nearly 100 residents rallied outside the Cedar Rapids ICE office on July 9 to demand the return of 20-year-old Pascual Pedro (a West Liberty construction worker and former high school soccer star) who was deported during the July Fourth weekend; his family and community are calling for due process as he remains in Guatemala.

An Iowa City man on trial for the April 25 assault on the UI campus gave conflicting accounts of the incident—initially saying he saw another man attack the victim before later claiming he was high and stole her $25,000 diamond earrings, while court evidence and witness testimony have linked him directly to the attack.

New numbers from the Iowa DNR show that the 2024 pheasant harvest was the second highest in nearly two decades with hunters bagging over 460,000 roosters and roughly 77,400 hunters participating—last year’s season reached 590,000 roosters and was affected by spring flooding in northwestern Iowa. Officials will conduct a pheasant survey from August 1—15 while the state marks 100 years of pheasant hunting.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Tuesday that a three-year, $1.94 million project to reduce nitrate pollution in the Beaver Creek watershed has begun, affecting four counties and involving both state and local partners — the project started July 1 and will run until June 30 — while outreach to private landowners is underway.

Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty plan to put a 1% local-option sales tax on the November ballot to fund property tax relief and community projects.

North Liberty estimates the tax could generate between $1.7 million and $3.9 million each year—details vary by city.

Access centers like GuideLink in Iowa City voiced concerns during a Johnson County Supervisors meeting — warning that provider instability, possible Medicaid cuts, and short-term funding gaps may risk mental health and substance use services after the new statewide behavioral health system launched at the beginning of the month. UnityPoint Health said it will work with Iowa Health and Human Services to keep crisis walk-ins available 24 hours a day — with temporary support needed to fill funding gaps.

Friday Night Concert Series

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Pedestrian Mall — Free entry — Experience the sounds of Iowa's own folk and Americana bands Flash in a Pan and Awful Purdies.

Iowa City Farmers Market

7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Chauncey Swan Ramp — Various payment options available — Explore fresh, locally produced products in an open-air market setting.

Dragonfly Pendant Workshop

12-4 p.m. — The House of Dotł'izhi — Cost details not specified — Create your own stunning dragonfly pendant in this hands-on jewelry workshop.

Chinese Bilingual Storytime

10:30 – 11:00 AM — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful bilingual storytime featuring songs, rhymes, and crafts in Chinese and English.

Fellini's Satyricon Screening

7 p.m. — FilmScene at The Chauncey — $Varied — Experience a surreal journey through ancient Rome in Fellini's stunning film masterpiece.

Music on the Move: Saul Lubaroff & Andy Parrott

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Willow Creek Park — Free entry — Enjoy uplifting music as local artists bring joy to the community amidst nature.

Postmodern Jukebox Live

7:30-9 p.m. — The Englert Theatre — Tickets available — Experience classic genres reimagined in a lively music show with a talented cast.

Lizzie No Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Englert Theatre — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying intimate performance by acclaimed folk rock artist Lizzie No.

DIY Woven Coasters Workshop

10:00 – 11:30 AM — Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center — Check website for pricing — Craft your own unique woven coasters in this hands-on arts and crafts session.

All Acts Open Mic Night

8 PM - 12 AM — AlleyCat — Free entry — A welcoming space for performers of all kinds to shine and enjoy karaoke afterwards.