Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

AmeriCorps members Hannah DeVore and Melody Urich from Linn County EMA and Public Health are promoting the Disaster PrepWise program to help older residents plan for emergencies (the program was developed at the University of Iowa College of Public Health).

Iowa-native chef Thyron Matthews earned Best Overall Pitmaster and Best New Dish at a London competition with his dish 'The Taste of Iowa' featuring pork loin, pork belly and Momma Pal’s Country Cream Corn sponsored by the National Pork Board.

He became the first to win both honors in one year.

Eastern Iowa Arts Academy is focusing on hands-on creative work as AI tools become more common.

Academy leaders say art must come from personal experience + genuine effort to keep its human touch.

The Cedar Rapids Public Library will host a free presentation titled ‘Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel’ featuring actor Tom Milligan as the famed artist on Saturday, June 27 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library (450 Fifth Ave. SE).

The City of Cedar Rapids announced this year's Weekend Rehearsal concert series at Greene Square.

The free Thursday concerts in July run from 5 to 8 p.m.—each event features a musical act benefitting a local nonprofit and access to food vendors downtown.

Tuesday, during a local energy symposium in Cedar Rapids, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly discussed restarting the Duane Arnold Energy Center to meet growing power demand and create thousands of jobs—projected to boost reliability and affordability.

The planned restart follows the facility’s shutdown in 2020 after storm damage.

A survey found about a third of Iowa’s major landfills may reach capacity within 30 years, with Linn County’s facility expected to fill by 2038 due to extra waste from past floods + hail events, prompting local officials to boost efforts in recycling and waste diversion to keep costs down.

In Iowa, when someone dies, debts are paid from the estate so that family members are not usually liable unless they are joint account holders — heirs wishing to keep mortgage-bearing property must continue payments.

Experts recommend organizing finances now to protect your legacy.

Cedar Rapids has worked on quiet zones at downtown crossings—upgrades near 1st Avenue aim to reduce train horn noise that still disturbs hotel guests at the nearby DoubleTree by Hilton.

Additional improvements are planned through 2030.

FEMA has offered Cedar Rapids $1.4M to add a backup generator at the Third Avenue Southeast pump station downtown — a key step for improving flood defenses.

The city must submit its application by July 22.

A federal judge blocked Iowa’s SNAP rule that limited sugary drinks and candy after it took effect on January 1 — the ruling was brought by the National Center for Law and Economic Justice.

The decision may help local families who rely on the program.

Animal Rescue League of Iowa advises pet owners to update ID tags, set up a quiet indoor safe zone, and consider calming products for pets this Fourth of July as fireworks may stress animals — the organization also offers low-cost microchips and recommends checking with a veterinarian if needed.

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.

Computer Skills Training Workshop

2:30 – 4:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free — Enhance your digital literacy and gain essential computer skills with personalized guidance in an interactive setting.

Cypress Hill Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — McGrath Amphitheatre — Ticket prices starting at $82 — Experience the iconic sounds of Cypress Hill live in Cedar Rapids.