Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Iowa's Seamless Summer Option program is providing free meals to children and teens at schools, parks, and community centers as summer break has begun.

The state also reintroduced the SUN Bucks program, offering eligible families up to $120 per child for healthy food purchases (with restrictions to ensure nutritious choices).

Two Iowa cities earned spots on WalletHub's list of best cities for families using 45 metrics such as health, safety, childcare, and affordability.

Cedar Rapids ranked #34 + Des Moines was #78 out of 182 cities, with both scoring well in affordability but lower in education and childcare.

RS Hanline and Co. is a top supply chain provider in fresh produce and logistics — its Cedar Rapids facility repacks, cold stores, and distributes goods to clients across 35 states while it prepares to mark 40 years of operation and 10 years of produce shipments.

Cedar Rapids police are investigating possible financial misappropriations at Empowering Excellence charter school for at-risk students and have placed executive director Sarah Swayze on paid leave + more details have not been provided.

Coe College has received FAA approval for an accelerated pilot certification pathway that lets graduates of its flight operations concentration earn a Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot certificate with just 1,000 flight hours and start airline careers at 21 — training takes place at its Aeronautical Field Station at Eastern Iowa Airport.

A draft air quality permit application for the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center, off Linn Benton Road & Highway 30, was submitted on May 13 and is now under a 180-day review; federal and state air quality standards will govern the project.

Traffic in southwest Cedar Rapids is affected as officials close the westbound lane on Wilson Avenue SW for sewer repairs for about three days; drivers are advised to use a detour from the I-380 exit ramp onto Wilson Avenue/L Street SW.

Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control is seeking meat-based baby food donations for sick pets — including chicken, turkey, or beef options — as the animals recover; donors may drop off items at the shelter or ship them directly.

The American Red Cross is urging local donors to give blood as a drop in appointments has cut supplies by thousands when summer trauma needs will rise.

Incentives include a beach towel for donations through May 31 and a $15 e-gift card & prize drawing from June 1 to 28.

Local employers are invited to a free roundtable on employee wellness (focusing on family work-life balance and skin cancer prevention) scheduled for June 23, 9-10:30 a.m. at Linn County Public Health in Cedar Rapids; the event also offers a free Worksite Wellness Assessment to help businesses refine policies.

On May 28, Iowans celebrated International Burger Day by sharing a Facebook gallery of favorite Eastern Iowa burger joints including Dixie's Biergarten (state champion) and local spots such as Salsa Guy Cafe in Cedar Rapids, showcasing tasty picks from across the region.

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.

Recruitment Reimagined Workshop

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Greater Cedar Rapids Community — Check for entry fee — Explore innovative volunteer recruitment strategies over lunch.