Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 25th of July.
Good morning, Cedar Rapids.
🏘️ Community
Dream Team riders built lasting friendships while completing hundreds of miles during RAGBRAI across Iowa, facing steep hills and long days.
The team uniquely camped at the Field of Dreams before finishing their ride toward Dubuque.
💼 Business
In Marcus, Country Pines Tree Farm is preparing thousands of trees for the holiday season amid 90-degree heat and drought as farmers Justin and Tanya Pritts trim and water about 700 trees to ensure a smooth Thanksgiving opening — a process that takes years from seedling to saleable tree.
Developers and Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell will reveal a new grand opening date and entertainment lineup for Cedar Crossing Casino at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 30 at NewBo City Market — an update to the $275 million project under construction.
🌲 Environment
NASA funds a project by the University of Iowa with local water facilities to develop an AI tool that forecasts nitrate levels using satellite images + water data.
The team will test the model for two years to help plants choose optimal sources in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Des Moines.
The Iowa DNR is asking volunteers to join the Bumble Bee Atlas to track native bumble bees by doing 45-minute surveys in natural areas statewide.
The program began after concerns over the endangered rusty patched bee and will repeat surveys next year (helping scientists gauge bee population changes).
🏛️ Government
Iowa’s Annual Sales Tax Holiday will take place Aug.
7-8 statewide, exempting clothing and shoes (under $100) from 6% state and 1% local sales taxes, giving Cedar Rapids shoppers a brief chance to save at many stores.
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig is urging the Senate to move forward with a bill today that would allow E15 to be sold all year by overturning EPA rules.
The House passed its version earlier, but the Senate is still reviewing the measure as refiners discuss exemptions.
🏥 Health
On July 23, the Iowa Environmental Council hosted sessions in West Des Moines and Adel where 50 participants said cancer rates are a crisis.
Meetings will follow in Boone on July 28, Davenport on July 30, Montezuma on Aug. 3 and Cedar Rapids on Aug. 24 to discuss environmental risks.
🎉 Cedar Rapids Events
Submit an event →
Explore ChatGPT & Other Conversational AI
12:30–1:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free entry — Dive into the fascinating world of conversational AI with insights and practical examples.
Tyrus - Stand-Up Comedy Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Building — Tickets from $27 — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Tyrus in Cedar Rapids.
🏠 Cedar Rapids Real Estate
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