Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

On Thursday evening, firefighters responded to a blaze at a Cedar Rapids home on the 1200 block of Center Street NE and put out the basement fire in 15 minutes— the home had heat, smoke, and water damage and its only resident was displaced while investigators look into the cause.

Starting July 18, Collins Aerospace will lay off 102 workers in Cedar Rapids and 29 in Decorah as noted on Iowa’s WARN website — a spokesperson said the firm is realigning resources by reducing a small number of positions.

Nearly 100 business owners gathered Friday at Olympic South Side Theater and Big Grove Brewery in Cedar Rapids for EntreFEST — Iowa's conference for businesses.

Five startups competed to win a total of $15,000 in cash prizes, with Cedar Rapids' Black Earth Gardens taking the $7,500 top prize.

On Wednesday evening, Cedar Rapids police chased a 19-year-old motorcyclist from Marion after DOT cameras and an Iowa State Patrol airplane tracked him doing stunts at 177 mph on Highway 100.

He was arrested and booked on charges including felony eluding — other traffic violations are pending.

A Cedar Rapids man, 31-year-old David Abrams Jr., was arrested after a high-speed chase on Highway 30 late Thursday night that reached over 100 mph.

Officers used a tire deflation device—stopping his vehicle near Dean Road SW—and later found a gun in his car, and he now faces multiple charges.

Local historians and city leaders announced that a stone from the old Sinclair meatpacking plant will be included in the display at the new Alliant Energy LightLine pedestrian bridge to honor Cedar Rapids history.

The stone marked 1929 was found behind Parlor City Pub after years of moving from its original site and will be installed when bridge construction is complete.

The African American Museum of Iowa is hosting its annual Juneteenth Festival today at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids from 11 to 5 p.m.—offering live music, food and merchandise vendors, a talent show, lawn games, and a homemade sweet potato pie contest.

The museum will screen a documentary called Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom next Thursday on June 19th.

Iowa native Hailey Whitters made Rolling Stone's Best Songs of 2025 list when her song 'High on the Hog' ranked number four after its early release from her album Corn Queen on June 6.

She will tour to promote the album this summer with an Iowa show on September 20 at Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines — a unique chance for local fans to see her live — as part of her Corn Queen Tour.

On June 13th, 2008, Cedar Rapids experienced a historic flood when the Cedar River crested at 31.12 feet — 11 feet above previous levels, causing widespread damage to local businesses.

Seventeen years later, city leaders have completed about 35% of a flood control plan that will finish by 2035 to protect the community from future disasters.

On Friday, Cedar Rapids firefighters trained in HAZMAT procedures at the city water treatment facility to practice responding to a large-scale chemical release.

The drill helped both firefighters and plant managers improve emergency plans (by updating on-site maps and reference documents) for future incidents.

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.

Breakthrough Basketball Essential Skills Camp

Over 3 days — Elevate Sports — $97 for observing coaches — Improve basketball skills through high-intensity drills and character building.

2025 USA Wrestling Kids Nationals

9 AM – 12 PM — Alliant Energy Power House — Cost Info Not Provided — Compete in exciting wrestling events at this national tournament for kids.

Freedom Festival Car Show

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Downtown District — Free entry — Explore unique cars and motorcycles while enjoying the festive July 4th atmosphere.