Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

A crash happened Tuesday evening on Highway 13 and Mount Vernon Road in rural Cedar Rapids when a Ford Edge failed to yield and hit a GMC Terrain, blocking the road and causing minor injuries to the GMC driver who was taken to a local hospital (deputies reported the call came in at 5:23 p.m.) (the Ford driver was not hurt and received a citation).

The Cedar Rapids Community School District is receiving a $900,000 state grant to quickly train staff and create a new coaching position in over 30 schools to support student mental health.

The funding will also provide extra materials for teachers + help them address student challenges like anger and anxiety.

Cedar Rapids will receive $25 million from the Department of Transportation to boost flood resilience and improve I-380 infrastructure.

The funds will pay for a 0.3-mile levee, converting F Avenue Northwest to two-way traffic, and building a floodwall, railroad flood gate, pedestrian bridge, and stormwater conveyance system—federal support from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act backed by Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley.

RAGBRAI 2025 riders will travel 72.1 miles from Forest City to Iowa Falls on July 23 with a gravel option and stops in Latimer, Ventura, Meservey, Alexander, and Coulter.

Iowa Falls will host an 8 to 11 p.m. concert called Boogie Wonderland and will mark its fifth time as an overnight stop.

On Sunday, July 20, RAGBRAI 2025 will begin with a 72.9-mile ride from Orange City to Milford (riders will pass Hartley, Granville, Primghar, and May City and enjoy a Schmidt Brothers concert in Milford from 9 to 11 p.m.).

The ride will include a Tire Dip and Mile of Silence to honor those lost, with Milford serving as an overnight host for the first time.

RAGBRAI 2025 riders will take part on Tuesday, July 22 as they ride from Estherville to Forest City for 73.9 miles with a 4.5-mile gravel option and a chance to extend the route to 100 miles via the Karras Century Loop — they will pass through Bancroft, Armstrong, Swea City, Titonka, Woden and Crystal Lake and attend a Decades concert in Forest City from 8-10 p.m.

The Sizzlin’ Bees won the Granny Basketball National Championship in Fort Worth, Texas by defeating the Harpers Ferry Fireflies 41—35 in a tournament held from July 11—13—with proceeds donated to nonprofits aiding flood victims south of the area.

The team—formed from the Cedar Rapids Sizzlers and Ankeny Honey Bees—earned its sixth national title and will compete next year at the Prairie Trails Sports Complex in Ankeny on July 17—19, 2026.

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.

Fort Wayne Tincaps at Cedar Rapids Kernels

1-2:35 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Stadium — $12 – $20 — Enjoy a fun family day with free hot dogs and popcorn for kids and a special celebration of Hispanic heritage.

Tom Pease: Children's Musician

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free entry — Experience an engaging performance with music and participation to delight audiences of all ages.