Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Low-income families in Eastern Iowa now have more access to fresh produce as the Double Up Food Bucks program expands to 13 new locations, including Cultivate Hope Corner Store in Cedar Rapids, spurred by a $1 million appropriation signed by Governor Kim Reynolds.

Mercy Medical Center and Central Furniture Rescue are donating household items from the old Hallmar facility to help local families after the hospital relocated in 2023; crews began clearing the facility Thursday morning (furniture fits small apartments).

Thousands of runners will take part in the Cedar Rapids Marathon on June 7 as local NewBo City Market vendors offer discounts this marathon weekend and Wild Lotus Apothecary held its grand opening on Thursday.

The event is expected to boost small local businesses.

Dick's House of Sport is now open in the former Sears at Lindale Mall, replacing the older 1st Ave location.

The nearly 100,000 sqft store features a batting cage, rock climbing wall + golf simulators and will host a grand opening celebration next Friday with doorbuster deals and appearances by former Iowa Hawkeye stars.

The state has approved new education legislation that will update social studies tests, health lessons, and financial literacy for all schools starting in the 2027-28 school year.

The plan requires testing for 8th and 11th graders + aims to improve guidance counseling ratios.

Coe College received Federal Aviation Administration approval for its aviation program to offer a restricted pilot certificate requiring 1,000 flight hours+ significantly less than the standard 1,500.

The update comes amid a pilot shortage and gives Cedar Rapids students a faster pathway to starting their aviation careers.

Congress is considering a farm bill revision that includes the Save Our Bacon Act to block state animal welfare rules and affect Iowa pork producers.

The proposal may unsettle local farm investments — raising concerns about changing animal space standards.

Dr. Chad Becker, a former central Iowa physician now practicing in California, is seeking judicial review of a 90-day license suspension from the Iowa Board of Medicine that could impact his career, with a hearing planned for today.

The Double Up Food Bucks program is expanding to a Hy-Vee in Marion and the Cultivate Hope Corner Store in Cedar Rapids, offering SNAP participants up to $15 per day for eligible fresh produce.

The move follows a $1 million appropriation signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

A Cedar Rapids family must leave its home on Prairie Drive Northeast because the property was rented without proper permits (city records show repeated violations).

City Building Services said the building is unsafe until proper inspections are completed.

Fans can now register for tickets to watch the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville on Aug.

13 — a minor league game between the Iowa Cubs and St. Paul Saints is set for Aug. 11, with lottery winners announced in mid-June.

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.

Amber Hansen: Songs For My Students

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful mix of folk, pop, and country songs designed for kids that will have everyone singing along.

Cork N Canvas Painting Class

6-8 p.m. — Mercury Diner & Drinks — $35 per person — Unleash your creativity while sipping drinks and painting a beautiful masterpiece.

USA vs Turkey - World Cup Viewing Party

9-11 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Watch the USA Men's Soccer team take on Turkey while enjoying a cold one in a lively atmosphere.