Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Fire Captain Matt Kunkle, who died in August 2024, is honored at the upcoming Freedom Festival for saving lives, property, and animals during local emergencies such as the 2008 floods and the derecho.

His calm leadership on chaotic calls left a lasting impact on his fellow firefighters and community — a legacy cherished by his daughter Britney and Cedar Rapids Fire Department.

More than 370 volunteers are gathering from today to Friday for the 10th Annual Transform Week to complete 37 home repair projects such as exterior painting, roofing, and landscaping in the Taylor and Time Check neighborhoods.

Matthew 25 organizes the effort with volunteer work, sponsorships, and grants to provide free repairs for low-income homeowners—helping improve local homes.

A boat overturned on the Iowa River near Cheslea on Sunday afternoon, prompting Tama County sheriff’s office, local fire teams and ambulance services to rescue two boaters with minor injuries at about 1:29 p.m.—bystanders also jumped into the river to help.

A Cedar Rapids man, 34-year-old Harry Nelson, was arrested Saturday night near Council Street NE and Golfview Drive NE after refusing to exit his car during a traffic stop & was charged with Interference with Official Acts before the road reopened.

Eastern Iowa private schools are raising tuition to help boost teacher salaries and cover rising costs while relying on Education Savings Accounts to support families—even though many may still pay thousands out of pocket.

Xavier Catholic, Trinity Lutheran and other schools are using the funds to retain staff, upgrade facilities and manage growing enrollment.

J’nae Peterman has outlined a new plan with five pillars to help end homelessness in Cedar Rapids and Linn County after a year of work.

The plan will begin at the start of the fiscal year if it is approved (pending board decision) and uses community data to improve service delivery.

A Cedar Rapids group kicked off its first ever 5SeasonsFit week on Sunday at Greene Square Park to help residents focus on mental and physical health — visitors learned about physical activities, received massages, and sampled healthy drinks.

The week long event will include a mental health panel, a pickleball tournament and will finish with a golf outing.

The CDC data shows that over 23% of Iowa adults binge drank in 2022—placing the state among the highest in the nation.

Dr. Andrea Weber explained that Iowa’s cultural drink habits may help explain the high numbers, noting that binge drinking is different from alcohol use disorder.

At Prospect Meadows’ Perfect Game Tournament in Marion, the Game Day Angels are facing high heat as players use lighter uniforms, towels, and extra hydration to avoid heat stroke.

Owen Best, who once suffered heat stroke, leads efforts so that parents can cheer on their children while staying cool with canopies.

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.

Caster Volor Concert

6-10 p.m. — Kingston Yard — Free entry — Rock out with a Minneapolis-based band covering the biggest hits of the hard rock and heavy metal eras.

Blues Traveler Concert

6-8 p.m. — McGrath Amphitheatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic sounds of Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms at this lively summer concert.

Italian Cocktails & Light Bites Culinary Class

6-7:30 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Ticketed event — Learn to craft classic Italian cocktails and enjoy delicious bruschetta in a fun culinary class.

Friday Night Music – Airwaves

6-9 p.m. — Cedar Ridge Distillery — Free entry — Enjoy classic rock hits performed by Eastern Iowa’s Premiere Cover Band, Airwaves.

Summer Sound Meditation

3-4 p.m. — Breathing Room Yoga — Ticket required — Experience a soothing sound meditation session with Black Dog Sound Healing Arts.