Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

K.C. Cakes & Cajun is moving to the former Runt’s Munchies at 118 2nd St SE in downtown Cedar Rapids — the local bakery and eatery will reopen soon, with details to follow.

Public universities got preliminary approval from the Board of Regents Monday to launch an accelerated Bachelor of Applied Professional Studies with 90 — 95 credits so students can finish degrees faster, with each school tailoring the program to local workforce needs starting in 2027.

Kids First Law Center is receiving nearly $500,000 to help prevent violence in local schools by expanding its Safer Schools Program in Cedar Rapids, Prep and Prairie districts.

The grant supports partnerships with local nonprofits + law enforcement to serve 300 middle school youth and build tools for future safety.

Iowa State Extension experts shared crop recovery guidelines for local farmers to check wind-damaged corn and flooded soybeans after recent severe storms.

They advise checking for leaning, snapped, or submerged plants — key signs to decide if replanting or field repairs are needed.

Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education will consider a $20K early retirement incentive today for administrators aged 55 or older meeting service requirements, with the program limited to five participants to ease staffing transitions amid organizational changes.

Five Iowa National Guard soldiers from Detachment 6, 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment will soon return from a Middle East deployment and conclude their mission; Adjutant General Stephen Osborn praised their professionalism, though details about a formal welcoming ceremony remain pending.

The final five Iowa Army National Guard soldiers have returned home from the Middle East after supporting Operation Spartan Shield.

A formal recognition ceremony is planned — details will be announced later.

Father and son Allen and Kurt Buck, who work at Push Pedal Pull Fitness, faced open-heart surgeries weeks apart; Kurt recovered from his November surgery and Allen is set for another procedure today.

They urge residents to listen to their bodies when health changes occur.

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.

Elvis in Person

7-8:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets required — Experience a world-class tribute to Elvis Presley featuring Matt Stone and his all-star band.