Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department held a remembrance at Sunner Memorial Park on Wednesday to honor two firefighters who died during a 1976 river rescue training accident (Robert Simon and Melvin Goebel) as department leaders offered remarks and a bell-ringing tribute.

Memorial Day weekend in Eastern Iowa will offer veteran tributes with volunteer opportunities for flag placement at Cedar Memorial in Cedar Rapids on Saturday at 8 a.m. (with flag removal on Tuesday at 8 a.m.) and the area will also host ceremonies with patriotic music, rifle volleys and community speakers.

Cedar Rapids starts its outdoor aquatics season tomorrow when Noelridge Aquatic Center and city splash pads open on Memorial Day weekend.

Lap and open swim hours are offered during the holiday, and all outdoor pools officially open on June 6.

A house fire late Wednesday night forced a family from their home on the 1200 block of Wright Brothers Boulevard SW; firefighters doused flames in the garage and attic (no one was hurt) as investigators work to determine the cause.

Burgers may cost more at Memorial Day cookouts as ground beef hit a record $6.90 per pound in April, caused by drought, fuel, and fertilizer costs.

Iowa Farmers Union’s Matt Russell (a cattle farmer) said fewer cattle and market control by processors could keep prices high.

The Iowa DNR said black bear sightings have risen as young males disperse from Wisconsin and Minnesota—raising the chances of seeing these animals in natural areas like Yellow River State Forest.

Residents are advised to secure garbage to help keep bears at bay.

The EPA is investing $46,116,000 to replace lead pipes in Iowa, aiming to boost safe drinking water.

Communities will use the funds to find and plan removal projects (from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund) to protect families from lead exposure.

Iowa child care advocates met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to support the proposed Child Care Modernization Act aimed at easing rising costs and care shortages; Save the Children Action Network’s Paige Chickering and worker Cathy Meyer stressed that funding could help rural and urban providers and families.

Former UNI athlete Kurt Warner (NFL star) was named among eight inductees into the Northern Iowa athletics hall on Thursday.

The quarterback, celebrated for his Super Bowl win with the Rams, earned recognition for his college achievements.

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.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Writing Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Explore the infinite possibilities of storytelling in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres.

Story Time at Stillwater Coffee

9:30-10:00 a.m. — Stillwater Coffee — Free event — Enjoy a cozy story time with engaging books, lively songs, and joyful movement activities for little ones and their grown-ups.

American Mahjong Open Play

2-4 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in friendly games of American mahjong with fellow enthusiasts.

Throttle & Throwbacks

7-10 p.m. — Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center — $0 – $15 — Experience the excitement of local NASCAR racing with fan-favorite classes and live action.

Midwest Shredfest Drift Event

8 a.m. — Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center — Fees vary — Experience the thrill of drifting with beginner-friendly support and on-site food options.

Computer Skills Training

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free entry — Boost your digital skills with hands-on exercises and personalized guidance in this interactive workshop.

Blue Blocks Workshop

10-11:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage your creativity with blocks in this community-focused event for children.

Little River Band Concert

7-11 p.m. — McGrath Amphitheatre — Ticket prices range from $59 to $600 — Experience the legendary sounds of Little River Band live in Cedar Rapids.

Zach Johnson Foundation Classic

9:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Elmcrest Country Club — Registration fees apply — This premier golf tournament supports the Zach Johnson Foundation’s Kids on Course program, benefiting local students.