Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids Police Department handed out free ice cream on Wednesday to help residents beat extreme heat.

Officer Shawn Burke said the treat came from donations (with cold water also offered) and brightened faces at Lovely Lane Summer Camp.

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival—hosted by the Metro Economic Alliance—is set for Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at the McGrath Amphitheatre downtown, featuring live entertainment, food vendors and fireworks to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Foundation 2 Crisis Services renamed its youth peer support group to Fostering Futures FORWARD and will meet on the second and fourth Thursday each month at 6:30 p.m. at 305 Second Ave. SE, offering a supportive space for young people aged 11 to 23 with foster care experience.

Today, as temperatures rise dangerously, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa urges residents to set out bowls of water for outdoor animals.

The group recommends placing the bowls near bushes, decks, or sheds and refreshing them regularly.

A recent analysis shows Iowa lost 17% of USDA staff between January 2025 and January 2026 — with nearly 19% of NRCS and 8% of FSA workers gone, leaving county offices understaffed and farmers struggling to access crop insurance and loan support.

Youth and Shelter Services launched an opioid addiction prevention campaign — Before It Becomes More — that expands evidence-based education and gives families tools to prevent substance misuse.

The campaign will include community partnerships, digital outreach and local events over the coming months.

CDC data shows an early spike in West Nile virus nationally with 48 cases reported by June compared to the typical 10.

No Iowa cases have been reported, and health experts urge Cedar Rapids residents to use EPA-approved insect repellent and cover up from dusk to dawn.

Holiday weekend beachgoers are advised by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to check water quality conditions before swimming at some Eastern Iowa beaches due to elevated levels of E. coli and blue-green algae toxins.

Updated ratings are posted every Friday during the summer season.

Team USA fans gathered at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City on Wednesday night to cheer the team after its first group win in nearly a century; the win sets up a Round of 16 match against Belgium.

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.