Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

A new national study ranks eight Iowa cities among the safest midsize cities, with Ames at 4th and Dubuque, West Des Moines, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids also recognized.

The study used factors like violent crime, traffic fatalities and disaster risks to gauge everyday safety.

Café Déjà Vu, owned by former Croissant Du Jour operators, opened May 14 at Town and Country Shopping Center on 3655A 1st Ave SE.

The French bakery serves croissants, quiche and other favorites and may see delays as it adjusts (operating Tuesday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

A rare blue moon will light up eastern Iowa this weekend, with peak illumination at 3:45 a.m. on Sunday and the best view just after 8:40 p.m. Saturday + local conditions expected to be clear.

A year ago, Iowa DNR biologists documented two federally endangered pallid sturgeon in a stretch of the Des Moines River — a reminder of the fish’s role in keeping water quality strong and of the strict catch-and-release rules in effect for anglers.

U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson held a rally in Cedar Rapids Wednesday evening as part of her Fighting for Iowa Tour where local officials spoke with supporters; the GOP primary is set for June 2.

Former Congressman Dave Loebsack — who served Iowa's Second District until 2021 — joined U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls for a campaign event in Mount Vernon on Wednesday evening.

The tour continues as Election Day on June 2 nears.

University of Iowa students may face a new graduation requirement of six Center for Intellectual Freedom credits that may add $2,400 in tuition, while Iowa State & UNI students must take six credits in American History and Government; Gov. Reynolds must decide on the budget bill by next week.

The Big Ten Conference announced fall start times and TV details for four Iowa Hawkeyes home games including the season opener (Sept.

5, 3:15 p.m. on BTN) and the Cy-Hawk game (Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m. on NBC). The schedule includes additional contests in October and November.

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.

Cedar Rapids Cars & Coffee

8-10 a.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Enjoy complimentary coffee while checking out classic and special interest vehicles.

Bigger Bang Bubbles

1:30 – 2:15 PM — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Experience a high-energy bubble performance featuring fire, fog, and smoke bubbles along with fascinating science demonstrations.