Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Today, Memorial Day, families honor veterans at Oak Hill Cemetery, where graves date back to the War of 1812 and include dedicated GAR and Legion sections.

Cemetery historian Jane Thoresen said the site remains a lasting place for community remembrance.

Today marks 18 years since Iowa’s last EF-5 tornado struck Parkersburg, where it killed 9 and injured 75 in Black Hawk and Butler counties (with winds reaching 205 mph).

Five-year-old Madi Seivert from Granger celebrated being cancer-free after finishing 806 days of treatments at Blank Children’s Hospital on May 24 (she received a revolutionary immunotherapy drug).

Diagnosed with leukemia at age three, she will start kindergarten this fall.

Kurt Buck underwent open heart surgery after a routine check-up revealed an aneurysm, and weeks later his father Allen Buck had surgery to treat four blocked areas — both procedures were performed by Cedar Rapids surgeon Dr. Garry Weidie despite their active lifestyles.

Governor Kim Reynolds signed the Patients First Act that will allow doctors to order cancer screenings without prior insurance approval for about 25% of Iowans starting July 1 — the law applies only to those with fully insured individual or small-group plans, self-insured public employees, and the state plan amid high cancer rates.

LifeServe Blood Center is calling for blood donations this Memorial Day weekend as supplies drop to less than a two to three day level amid fewer high school drives.

The center offers T-shirts, gift cards + four-day Hinterland passes to encourage donations and warns shortages could affect emergency care.

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.

Just Jules Sip & Paint Night

6-8 p.m. — Just Jules Pub & Restaurant — $35 for a 16x20 canvas — Unleash your creativity while enjoying food and drinks in a lively atmosphere.

Josh Turner Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre, Cedar Rapids, IA — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy timeless country hits by Josh Turner in a memorable live performance.