Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control has reached capacity for dogs and officials urge residents to adopt, foster, or volunteer to help relieve shelter crowding — the facility at 7241 Washington View Parkway SW remains open during regular hours.

The Iowa DNR has launched the State Parks Passport program that lets visitors earn points for check-ins until Oct.

31 for rewards like camping discounts and park swag, encouraging families to explore local treasures.

Tommy's Restaurant will soon add a second Cedar Rapids location at 3939 First Ave. SE — the former Outback Steakhouse — and it is expected to open in August or September.

Tomaso’s Pizza in Marion relocated to 2590 6th Ave and held its grand opening on Thursday, June 11 with a giveaway that offered free pizza for a year, drawing local fans to the new space.

St. Ludmila Catholic Parish hosts its annual Kolach Festival featuring Czech pastries + live music and family-friendly activities from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon at its community center on 21st Ave. SW.

Kirkwood Community College is offering a Mechatronics apprenticeship program that blends classroom learning & work experience for non-traditional students.

The program, in partnership with ALPLA, lets participants earn an Associate of Applied Science degree while gaining career skills on the job.

On Thursday, Coe College announced that it will offer three new concentrations—healthcare administration, nutrition, and supply chain management—this fall to meet local workforce needs.

The courses will mix in-person and online instruction under the business administration and kinesiology majors.

Cedar Rapids Community School District announced that Nicole Brown will serve as Chief of Learning + Stephanie Van Hemert is set to lead Area 1 Chief of Schools, Special Services, and Early Learning pending Board approval; both will start on July 1.

Linn County Board Chair Kirsten Running-Marquardt voiced concerns at a county address about the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center, a 720-megawatt natural gas power plant west of Cedar Rapids that would produce over 100 tons of pollutants a year.

She urged developers to consider local air quality and community impacts.

Linn County begins a groundwater monitoring program that sets 16 shallow wells near the Cedar and Wapsipinicon rivers to track water levels, and Cedar Rapids moves ahead with an ASR project to store treated water 1,500 feet underground—both projects will guide long-term water planning.

The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services warns local homeowners to beware of scams and dishonest contractors after severe storms earlier this week, advising them to document damage, verify contractor credentials, and contact insurance companies immediately.

Residents can also report suspicious activity (hotlines available) to local agencies.

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.

Putts & Pastries Event

9-11 a.m. — Mini Pines - Mini Golf — Free entry — Enjoy coffee and pastries while hitting holes at this fun mini golf outing.

2026 Cedar Rapids Women's Amateur Golf Tournament

Tournament running on July 10-11 — Twin Pines Golf Course — $60 entry fee — Compete in a stroke play format at this friendly local gathering.

Disney's Finding Nemo: Outdoor Musical Experience

6:30-7:45 p.m. — Brucemore — Family-friendly event — Enjoy a heartwarming musical adaptation of Disney's Finding Nemo under the stars.