Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

More than 1,600 volunteers gathered in Cedar Rapids Thursday for the annual Day of Caring organized by United Way of East Central Iowa to help local nonprofits with painting, maintenance and gardening — groups like Matthew 25 and Foundation 2 Crisis Services supported low-income families and prepared facilities for Mental Health Awareness.

Kids in Cedar Rapids can get one free breakfast and one free lunch each day during the summer through College Community Schools’ Summer Food Service Program.

The meals are served on a first-come, first-served basis from June 9 to August 22 at several sites — some locations are closed on July 4 and on certain August dates.

Caitlin Clark’s foundation and Hy-Vee donated $300,802 to 18 Feeding America partner food banks on May 6—an effort that supported local families across Iowa and the Midwest.

The foundation and Hy-Vee also will launch a Hy-Vee cereal—sales of which will benefit the foundation.

Two people were injured and taken to the hospital after an industrial incident occurred at ADM on the 1300 block of Waconia Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids on May 8 — officials have not shared what caused the incident or the victims' conditions.

Downtown Cedar Rapids and the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance launched Race for Space, a contest that will give a winning business six months of free rent along with expert support and local mentor connections.

Applications close June 30 at 4 p.m., and finalists will be told by July 11 before live pitches occur on August 13 (this contest has two phases) and multi-level marketing firms are not eligible (rules apply).

The Hoover Presidential Foundation is hosting a free event on May 14th at MERGE in Iowa City—historian Sarah Fling will share untold stories about White House staff, including details on an Iowa-born president, and a reception with appetizers starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by a presentation and Q&A until 7 p.m.

A recent Iowa study showed that the renewable fuels industry’s economic impact fell by $800 million in 2024 compared to 2023, and industry leaders urged carbon capture to open ultra‐low carbon ethanol markets — a move meant to counter low corn demand and falling prices.

The report noted that biofuels made up 2% of Iowa’s GDP and that job numbers dropped from 52,000 to 34,000, prompting calls for measures like year‐round E15 to boost domestic demand — steps aimed at keeping the sector competitive.

Governor Reynolds secured federal approval for Iowa’s Healthy Kids Iowa pilot, a program that will provide each child $40 of healthy food through local partners from June to August.

HACAP staff are preparing in their warehouse—focusing on supplying nutritious, kid-friendly options for children ages 4 to 18—with more details on food distribution to be announced soon.

People leaving Linn County Jail can now choose to get mental health help at the Mental Health Access Center + speak with a counselor from Foundation 2 Crisis Services to check for suicide risk and plan for safety.

The new outreach program aims to connect released individuals quickly to care so they avoid unnecessary hospital trips.

Breakthrough T1D Walk

8 AM – 12 PM — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Registration fee required — Walk, enjoy family activities, and support the T1D community.

U.S. Open Local Qualifying Tournament

All day — Cedar Rapids Country Club — Registration required — Participate in the local qualifying round for the prestigious U.S. Open golf tournament.

1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids: Iowa Running Co.

9-10 a.m. — Geonetric — Free entry — Engage with local entrepreneurs and hear the inspiring journey of Iowa Running Co. in promoting an active community.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

6-9 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids — $61.95 + taxes & fees — Experience North America's largest interactive murder mystery dinner show while enjoying a fantastic meal.

The Rapids

7-8 p.m. — Mirrorbox Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a hilarious improvised soap opera comedy full of quirky characters and unexpected drama.

Friday Night Music – Airwaves

6-9 p.m. — Cedar Ridge Distillery — Free entry — Rock out with Eastern Iowa's premier classic rock cover band, Airwaves, playing hits from the 70s to the 90s.

Virtual Tour of Thomas Grove Assisted Living

9 AM - 7 PM — Thomas Grove Assisted Living and Memory Care — Free entry — Explore the best in senior living with quality meals, exceptional care, and friendly staff.

Lake County Captains vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels

6:35-10:35 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Stadium — Prices vary — Enjoy a night of Minor League Baseball action featuring local teams.

Lake County Captains vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels

12:05 – 1:35 PM — Veterans Memorial Stadium — Resale prices available — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup featuring the Captains and the Kernels.

Wild Kratts Live

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Kratt Brothers as they bring their animated antics to life on stage.