Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Parking has shifted for downtown guests as a new 500-space ramp opened yesterday next to Pickle Palace and Big Grove Brewery.

The facility offers QR code payment options for short or all-day stays to ease access for dining, events, and pickleball.

Rhapsody Spirits & Provisions is set to open later this month in the former Chrome Horse — adding a new dining venue with a laid back vibe to downtown.

The restaurant will host live music events on its covered patio and offer fun eats with an eclectic twist.

A report from the Common Sense Institute shows Midwest inflation has reached 5.0%, the highest since early 2023, leaving Iowans paying about $1,500 more a month and $56,000 extra since Jan.

2020. Data detail higher costs in energy & transportation, and prices may drop later if global supplies normalize.

A new inflation study finds Iowa households now spend $1,508 more per month than they did in 2020, which is over $56,000 extra in five years.

The report (showing a 30.6% rise in consumer prices) cites higher housing, transportation and food costs and warns that prices may not ease soon.

Gas prices in Iowa dropped 11.1 cents per gallon Monday to an average of $3.70, with the lowest station at $3.27 and the highest at $4.99.

Prices are 63.5 cents lower than a month ago and follow a national trend as rates fall below $4.

Former mayor Kay Halloran died Sunday at HallMar Village in Marion at 89, according to her family.

A celebration of life is planned for later this fall.

The city of Cedar Rapids will close the westbound lane of the bridge on 29th Street Drive SE/30th Street Drive SE starting Tuesday for concrete repairs; crews will work between Needles Road and Third Avenue (a detour will be set up via East Post Road SE).

Residents packed a Linn County Planning and Zoning meeting Monday to oppose the proposed Morgan Valley Gas Power plant and future data centers, citing concerns about water use and air quality.

City and county officials have paused related planning steps and will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, June 24 to discuss the issues further.

The American Red Cross Chapter of Eastern Iowa partners with the African American Museum of Iowa to honor sickle cell warriors with a blood drive Friday, Jun.

19 at Celebration Hall (55 Twelfth Avenue Southeast) in Cedar Rapids; donors will help patients needing frequent transfusions receive lifesaving blood.

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.

Decoupage Painting Night at Just Jules

6-8 p.m. — Just Jules Pub & Restaurant — $20 for one tray, $35 for two trays — Enjoy a creative evening of painting with all supplies included and food/drink available.

Disney's Finding Nemo Musical

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Brucemore — Family-friendly event — Dive into an ocean adventure with Marlin and Nemo in this delightful musical.