Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

BarTini's, the martini bar that opened on February 1, is expanding with a new location in Marion.

The new spot will be at 796 11th Street in the former Bistro 3 Nineteen and Crab Attack building — owner Darin Beck said he aims to open in September and is already hiring staff.

At the Linn County Courthouse in Cedar Rapids, closing arguments on Friday wrapped up the murder trial of Karina Cooper, 48 from Traer, who is accused of fatally shooting her husband in their Traer home on June 18—prosecutors alleged she planned the killing with Huston Danker while Cooper defended her actions by blaming him.

Cedar Rapids artist Bill Stamats presents his 16-piece collection 'Back Roads and Blue Skies / Paintings and Assemblages' at Abbe Creek Gallery in Mount Vernon, on display from July 2 until August 23.

He will give an artist talk on July 19 at 11:30 a.m.—his vivid works highlighting barn scenes and rural heritage mark his final farewell as he prepares to move to Washington this month.

Bull sharks, known for their ability to live in both salt and fresh water, have been found traveling far up the Mississippi River with one specimen confirmed near Alton and sightings reported near Davenport—experts say these rare appearances show the species can travel hundreds of miles inland in search of food or a safe breeding ground.

On July 11th, Senator Joni Ernst proposed the restoring America’s Flood Plains Act in the Ag Committee to address flooding by letting farm and land owners work with the USDA—at no additional cost—to remove levees and replant native species; the bill co-sponsored by Senator Michael Bennet is designed to reduce flood risk and improve water quality for local communities.

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is asking its members, stakeholders, and partners to take a short survey by July 31 to help shape its 2026 public policy priorities.

The update details state plans to drop unemployment insurance taxes by 40 to 60 percent for Iowa employers and federal measures such as an expanded QBI deduction + enhanced 529 eligibility that could affect local businesses.

At the beginning of July, Iowa’s new hands—free law took effect as drivers must use only voice—activated features while tickets will begin on January 1.

A TV9 rewind recalled that Iowa’s 1986 seat—belt law nearly cut traffic deaths in half by 1990, and recent data shows distracted driving crashes have risen 43% over the last decade.

State regulators in Cedar Rapids say they are not investigating Compassion North America despite allegations it falsified records, billed for services not provided and used an unlicensed nurse — records show the agency was active before its licensing in September and had provided care since June 2022. The agency’s director, M’balu Madlene Kebbie, now faces disciplinary hearings over care documentation amid claims she failed to properly review staff records.

Summer Sound Meditation

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

The Shark Is Broken

Jul 17- Aug 3, 7:30 PM — Mirrorbox Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the behind-the-scenes drama of the iconic film Jaws with this engaging production.

Jazz in July with Confluence

7-9 p.m. — Amana Performing Arts Center — Free will donation — Experience engaging melodic jazz from talented local musicians for one night only.

Street Food Festival

12-6 p.m. — Ellis Park — 10% of sales to homeless shelters — Enjoy a day of local food trucks, music, and family fun.

Culinary Class: Spaghetti alla Chitarra

10:00-11:30 a.m. — NewBo City Market — Ticket purchase required — Learn to make handmade spaghetti using a traditional chitarra tool with a guided expert.

Absolute Science: Laser Show

3:30–4:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free entry — Explore chemical reactions and witness exciting experiments including a soda explosion and high-powered laser demonstrations.

Breakthrough Basketball Camp: Ball Handling & Scoring Skills

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Elevate Sports — Variable pricing — Enhance your basketball skills with expert coaching in a fun, high-energy environment.

Women in Leadership with Jane Galarce

8:00-9:30 a.m. — Mount Mercy University Graduate Center — Free entry — Engage with insights from Jane Galarce, Chief of Staff at RSM US LLP, in a morning of networking and discussion.

Elf Night / Christmas in July with the Cedar Rapids Kernels

6:35-9 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Stadium — $12 – $20 — Celebrate Christmas in July with special jerseys and 2-for-1 drinks at the ballpark.

Culinary Class: Wine and French Cheese Tasting

6-7 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Ticketed event — Taste four families of French cheeses paired with delightful local wines and learn about pairing art and history.