Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Federal charges were filed against Mario Nikprelaj from Nebraska after he caused an emergency landing at Eastern Iowa Airport last Thursday by fighting with flight attendants and trying to open the emergency exit door—he also faces Linn County charges.

Cedar Rapids Police traded handcuffs and tasers for spurs and lassos to guide two horses off a roadway on Sunday—moving them safely into a grassy area as they shared photos of the effort.

Jaylon William Throgmartin, age 22, a Cedar Rapids man, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison on Monday for distributing thousands of fentanyl pills including selling a pill to someone who overdosed and exchanging a firearm for drugs — he will also serve four years of supervised release.

Former Cedar Rapids schools superintendent Lew Finch, who helped pass the last bond referendum for the district, died on July 16 at age 87.

He led the schools from 1994 to 2004 and was a strong advocate for public education—spending time lobbying for funding and testifying before Congress.

Believe in CR Schools said it has raised $304,781.37 today to fund a campaign for the school district bond referendum this November.

The group noted it collected more than 4,000 signatures + received key endorsements that show strong community support.

Eastern Iowa Airport launched the Aviation Workforce Development Campus in two hangars—partnering with Coe College and Kirkwood Community College—to train aspiring pilots and mechanics and help ease a critical aviation job shortage.

The campus aims to fill a projected pilot gap of 17,000 and meet a growing need for aircraft and avionics technicians.

People in Linn County have been offered free MMR vaccines since a measles case was confirmed in eastern Iowa last week.

The Mobile Health Clinic started at Big Grove Brewery — it will also visit Greene Square Meals on Wednesday from 2:30 to 4 p.m., Ladd Library on August 4 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., and Glenbrook with Feed Iowa First on August 21 from 3:00 to 4 p.m.

The Iowa grannies in the Sizzlin' Bees won the national Granny Basketball Championship in Fort Worth after beating the Harpers Ferry Fireflies 41-35.

The team, with players from Cedar Rapids and Ankeny, donated proceeds to Texas flood victims + next year's championship will be held in Ankeny on July 17th-19th.

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.

Cedar Rapids Men's City Amateur Championship

54-hole stroke play event — Aug 1-3 — Ellis Golf Course — Registration fee required — Compete in this prestigious amateur golf tournament alongside senior championship play.

Bluesmore Festival 2025

4-10 p.m. — Brucemore — Enjoy a delightful evening of family fun and live music presented by the Linn County Blues Society.

B-29 Superfortress Ride Experience

9 AM — Cedar Rapids Municipal Airport — Ticketed event — Experience a ride on the iconic B-29 Superfortress, the world's most famous flying bomber, in a variety of unique seats.

Rock 101 Camp

9 AM – 3 PM — School of Rock — $479 — A nurturing camp for beginners aged 7-12 to explore instruments and perform in a concert.