Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The American Discovery Trail 250 Relay will stop in Cedar Rapids this fall with welcome events at Cedar Lake and Greene Square on Oct.

3 and a sendoff at Mount Trashmore on Oct. 4. The coast-to-coast relay is free and open to riders, walkers, runners, & rollers.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded tax credits to Pries Enterprises and AU Solutions — which will invest $34.5M in Independence to add 43 jobs at $24.93 per hour and build a Newton facility to create 22 jobs near $30 per hour, generating over $51M in capital.

A survey released June 19 shows that Iowa’s Rural Mainstreet Index increased by eight points from May, its highest in three years, with nearly 58% of rural bank CEOs reporting stable or modest growth in small businesses, improved hiring, and a nearly 5% rise in agricultural exports—although equipment sales remain weak.

University of Iowa researchers found that wildfire smoke has reversed years of ozone progress, increasing premature deaths and lowering air quality in the Midwest.

The study used satellite data & machine learning from 2003 to 2024, and experts say improved wildfire management could help reduce dangerous smog.

Local officials activated a temporary traffic signal — placed at Edgewood Road and 64th Avenue SW — near Cedar Rapids data centers on Friday to boost driver safety, and agencies will monitor its impact on easing congestion.

Iowa lawmakers have submitted a letter celebrating the state’s history and contributions to agriculture, technology and civil rights for inclusion in a congressional time capsule.

The capsule will be sealed on July 4 at the Capitol Visitor Center and remain unopened for 250 years (until 2276).

Cedar Rapids Canine Officer Riggs is set to receive a bullet and stab protective vest donated by a nonprofit (Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.).

His vest, honoring K9 Hobbs from Des Moines, is expected to arrive in 10 weeks.

On Friday, the African American Museum of Iowa partnered with the American Red Cross to host a Juneteenth blood drive at the museum that raised awareness about the need for diverse donations to help sickle cell patients (Black donors are three times more likely to be the best match), officials said.

The Iowa DNR says swimming is not recommended at several eastern Iowa beaches (Backbone Beach, Lake Darling Beach, Pleasant Creek Beach) due to high E. coli levels and harmful algal toxins; visitors are urged to check weekly reports before entering the water.

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.

World Cup 2026 Final Watch Party

2-5 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Reservations recommended — Catch the excitement of the World Cup final on the giant screen while enjoying your favorite brews.