Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

On July 15th, Buff City Soap closed its Cedar Rapids store at 2300 Edgewood Road SW so that customers can shop at its still-open location at 1005 Blairs Ferry Rd NE—this store opened on September 30th and served as the area's first Buff City Soap outlet.

PepsiCo and Cargill announced plans to work with Practical Farmers of Iowa to bring regenerative farming practices to 240,000 acres of Iowa cropland by 2030.

The project will use methods such as cover crops — reduced tillage and lower nitrogen use — to improve soil health and boost supply chain resilience.

A Cedar Rapids man, who attempted to hold a pregnant woman at his Marion used appliance business last year while armed, was convicted Tuesday in federal court for illegally possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number + he faces up to 20 years in prison and three years of supervised release pending sentencing by Judge C.J. Williams.

Next Page Books in Cedar Rapids is quoted on page 206 of Stephen King's latest novel Never Flinch — a mention where a character gets a car and driver from the store.

Owner Bart Carithers said on Facebook that the feature honors the shop after earlier national recognition.

The city of Cedar Rapids secured $25M in federal funds to boost flood control on its northwest side.

The money will build a new levee, reconstruct F Avenue, and add a flood wall near the new Cedar Crossing Casino development — a key part of the city’s broader flood control effort.

Linn County Public Health has issued guidelines to help Cedar Rapids businesses protect against a measles surge—advising employers to check immunity, encourage vaccinations, and follow quarantine orders when employees are exposed.

The announcement warns that one infected worker can put 90% of non-immune staff at risk.

The Sizzlin’ Bees of Iowa clinched a 41-35 win over the Harpers Ferry Fireflies at the National Granny Basketball Tournament held from July 11th to 13th in Fort Worth—this victory marks their sixth national title and comes from a partnership between the Cedar Rapids Sizzlers and Ankeny Honey Bees. The tournament attracted 29 teams from six states and featured 352 players with proceeds aiding local nonprofits and flood victims.

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.

Julie's Jamboree 2025

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Morgan Creek Park — $40 single ticket, $120 for four-pack — Enjoy a family-friendly evening with yard games, inflatables, food, and a fun run supporting children in need.