Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Eastern Iowa swimming pools and splash pads are starting their summer season from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day — Cedar Rapids’ Noelridge Aquatic Center opens May 24 to 26 while Marion, Iowa City and North Liberty have staggered dates and programs.

Local volunteers gathered on Saturday morning at Cedar Memorial Cemetery at 8 a.m. to place nearly 8,000 American flags on veterans' graves ahead of Memorial Day—organizers said the tribute honored those who served.

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department hosted its 25th Memorial 5K Run/Walk on May 24 at Prairie Hill Elementary to honor fallen and ill Iowa firefighters—this annual event featured a 5K run/walk, wheelchair race, Firefighter 5K Challenge and kids’ fun run to raise funds for support.

The race began in 2001 after the loss of Chief Kevin Sterenchuk and was later expanded to also honor firefighter Joe Brackel.

Blue Bunny Ice Cream, based in Le Mars, announced a voluntary recall of nearly 18,000 ice cream and frozen yogurt containers sold in Iowa & Illinois after some batches may contain plastic, and customers should check lot numbers to avoid eating recalled products.

Two Eastern Iowa high school students—one from Cedar Rapids and one from Iowa City—will travel to Kenya this summer for an eight‐week internship to study food insecurity and related challenges.

Divya Ramadugu will research how transport issues cost farmers half their yields while Siena Brown will explore the effects of climate change on local agriculture.

Driving barefoot is legal in Iowa but is deemed unsafe by experts—Super Lawyers note that bare feet can slip off pedals, reducing control and increasing risk.

Local authorities advise wearing shoes for better pedal grip and overall safety.

On Friday, Planned Parenthood announced that more than half of its Iowa facilities—including those in Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, Urbandale, and Ames—closed preemptively because a federal bill provision will bar Medicaid funds; two facilities in Iowa City and Des Moines will remain open as the organization braces for future financial challenges. The cuts come as the president’s bill, known as One Big, Beautiful Bill, advances through the House.

A Fareway Cooking segment shows simple ways to stay hydrated this summer by adding fresh herbs – like mint or basil – and citrus slices to water while offering recipes for herbal iced teas and water-rich snacks such as cucumbers and melons.

It also advises watching for signs of dehydration like headaches and keeping a reusable water bottle nearby.

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.

Spokes Of Hope Bike Ride

11 AM – 3 PM — Sag Wagon — Registration fee applies — Celebrate resilience and support loved ones in the inaugural community bike ride.

TINA - The Tina Turner Musical

2-4:30 p.m. — Hancher Auditorium — $45 – $115 — Experience the electrifying journey of Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, through her iconic hits.

Computer Skills Training Workshop

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free — Enhance your computer skills and earn a NorthStar Computer Literacy Certificate.

Relay For Life Walkathon

Celebrate cancer survivors and fight back against cancer with us! From 9 am - noon at Prairie High School track & field, enjoy free breakfast, family activities, and a welcoming space to remember those we have lost to cancer.

Rock the Block: Alicia Monee

6-8 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Free entry — Enjoy live music from local and national bands during this summer concert series.

Car Show with a Cause 2025

10 AM - 2 PM — Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center — Free entry — Celebrate car culture with food, games, and stunning vehicles while supporting a great cause.

Amadeus by Peter Shaffer

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Theatre Cedar Rapids — Ticket discounts available — Experience the rivalry between Salieri and Mozart in this acclaimed drama filled with music and obsession.