Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Chase Colton (21) was injured in a crash last month while en route to a concert in Chicago and suffered a shattered pelvis; his coworkers at ARC Electric organized a parade outside his home on Wednesday to lift his spirits as he faces a recovery period of six months to a year.

Twenty five years ago, shortly after 9/11, 6,000 locals gathered at Sec Taylor Stadium to form a massive human American flag with red, white and blue shirts, led in part by Mayor Preston Daniels.

The event also helped raise funds for the American Red Cross.

Construction on major developments in downtown and NewBo is drawing temporary workers and out-of-town employees to local businesses — boosting foot traffic at restaurants and entertainment venues.

Local economic leaders say the extra spending is expected to create a lively community atmosphere.

An American Farm Bureau survey shows a 10-person summer BBQ in Cedar Rapids now costs $73.82—about $3 more than last summer because aluminum, beef, and strawberry prices have increased.

Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation mailed its 500,000th Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library book to local children since 2018.

Families can learn details at the End of Summer Party and Back to School Social on Aug. 8 at Greene Square and the Downtown Library (450 Fifth Ave. SE).

Drivers in Cedar Rapids will face lane closures on Blairs Ferry Road NE starting Monday, July 6 for utility work between Mildred Lane and Crane Lane, lasting two days, while a separate sidewalk project limits eastbound travel from the Interstate 380 north ramp to Center Point Road through July 24.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture ordered Iowa Health and Human Services to revert to federal SNAP rules, allowing food items eligible before Jan.

1 to be purchased again. Local stores must update their systems immediately after a federal judge struck down the recent restrictions.

Iowa DNR is launching Operation Dry Water tomorrow and it will run through Sunday — checking waterways for impaired boating.

The department urges boaters to wear life jackets and avoid distractions amid crowded holiday traffic.

One year after One Big Beautiful Bill became law, Iowa Medicaid recipients worry about new work rules and service cuts set to start in 2027.

A Cedar Rapids resident (Michele Steepleton) and local advocates said reduced federal funding may hurt access to care.

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.