Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

A nonprofit is building an AI Micro Park at 605 15th St SE in the Wellington Heights neighborhood to offer free access to a two-level AI Creator Lab, outdoor AI kiosks, and an IoT community garden.

The park will open in August—bringing new learning and creative opportunities to local residents—while the Big Bang Foundation raises funds for construction and upkeep.

A man was taken to UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s Hospital for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out in a manufactured home on the 100-block of Ann Street SW on Thursday morning, with firefighters quickly controlling the blaze while investigators said improperly discarded smoking materials caused the fire and a dog escaped safely.

Don Hummer Trucking in Cedar Rapids earned national awards from PepsiCo, HNI Corporation and Pella Corporation for timely deliveries, reliability and problem-solving.

The family-run company has been in freight transportation for over 70 years—its founders' sons continue to lead the business while it was recently certified as an Elite Fleet Carrier.

A year after four victims died on East Otter Road, police report suspect Luke Truesdell pleaded not guilty while his defense argued his on-scene statement should be excluded due to not being read his Miranda Rights — a ruling is pending on suppressing evidence set for October 10 and his trial remains scheduled for November 4.

Believe in CR Schools — a volunteer committee — will launch its campaign Saturday at the Cedar Rapids Farmers Market, collecting petition signatures to support the CRCSD bond plan on the November ballot.

Cedar Rapids has expanded its Customer Self-Service Portal—now residents can apply for, track, and pay for a wider range of permits and licenses online.

The city continues its effort to improve digital services by updating Building Services and the City Clerk’s Office to complete 24-hour access and streamlined processing.

Mercy Cedar Rapids invites cancer survivors and those facing a new diagnosis to a special event at the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center – visitors can meet with doctors and survivors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and several hundred people are expected to attend.

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.

Story Time in the Park

9-11 a.m. — Noelridge Park — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of storytelling and fun activities for all ages.

Play Fore Parks Golf Tournament

9 AM – 2 PM — Ellis Golf Course — $100 individual / $400 for foursome — Enjoy a round of golf while supporting Cedar Rapids’ innovative parks.

Big Rove Ride

8 AM – 4 PM — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $100 — Experience a fun-filled bicycle event from the creators of BACOON RIDE & PIGTAILS.

Mikayla Oz Magic Show

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free entry — Experience a delightful magic show that's interactive and filled with family-friendly comedy.

Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival

All day — Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors — Low or no-cost events — Celebrate 42 years of community joy and unity in Iowa's biggest festival.

Real Estate Today Show Breakfast

8:30-10 a.m. — Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite — $25 for no-show — Discuss broker pain points with guest speaker Barry Frink for valuable insights.