Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Monarch Research is offering one free native tree per child or grandchild to Linn County families.

Applicants must pick up a registration form at Hy-Vee locations or at the Indian Creek Nature Center by Friday, July 24, and trees will be available in October on a first-come-first-served basis.

Eastern Iowa’s Street Bites food truck held its grand opening yesterday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 4425 Center Point Rd NE in Cedar Rapids (it served made-to-order comfort food and will cater events in Waterloo and Dubuque).

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry has named four semifinalists for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest from Earlham, Peosta, Pella, and Knoxville.

Voting is open until May 15 and the winner will be revealed during ABI’s annual Taking Care of Business Conference from June 2-4 in Coralville and Iowa City.

Iowa farmers used dry weather last week to boost soybean and corn planting.

A USDA report shows soybean planting reached 27% (9% behind last year) and corn climbed to 42% (5% below last year) as of Tuesday, May 5.

Cedar Rapids Community School District hired David Nicholson as its new chief financial officer on Tuesday; he will start October 1 to succeed retiring CFO Karla Hogan and bring his four-year experience at the district+ prior role in Council Bluffs to strengthen school budget management.

Monarch Research is giving a free native tree per child or grandchild to help restore the tree canopy lost after the derecho.

Families must provide proof of a child and Linn County address, and applications close July 24 while tree pickup is in October at select Hy-Vee and drug locations.

Iowa State Trooper Paul Gardner warned young drivers that the coming 105-day period—between Memorial Day and Labor Day—will likely see extra teen-involved crashes, so local teens should drive with caution.

A Cedar Rapids dad introduced his daughter to go-cart racing this weekend at Hawkeye Downs when she raced in the new Juice Box class for kids six and under, continuing a cherished family tradition that spans generations.

He said the low-cost event makes it easy for new racers to join the sport.

Dungeons & Dragons Adult Club

5-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in an adventurous Dungeons & Dragons campaign tailored for adults.

Dungeons and Dragons Gathering

6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Dive into epic adventures with fellow tabletop RPG enthusiasts.

Pied Piper Concert for Young Children

9:15-9:45 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Delight in a lively brass instrument concert tailored for young children.

Mother's Day Buffet at 350 First

10 AM – 2 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — $45 per person — Celebrate mom with a delightful brunch buffet featuring chef-inspired dishes and treats.

Senior Create Hour: Painting for Fun

1-3 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free — Relax and explore painting in a friendly environment designed for older adults.

Youth Advisory Board Meeting

5-6 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Collaborate on ideas and influence future library programs.

Purrfect Pages Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Turn old books into something purr-fectly adorable!

Hiawatha Comic Book Club

7-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Bring your favorite reads and connect with fellow comic enthusiasts.

Dungeons and Dragons for Teens and Tweens

6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Dive into the world of Dungeons and Dragons with adventures tailored for teens and tweens in a supportive environment.

Cedar Rapids Pokémon TCG & Collectibles Show

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — Entry fee varies — Explore a vibrant market for Pokémon cards, TCG collectibles, and more.