Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

On Thursday, July 30 at 4 p.m., Cedar Crossing officials will unveil the new entertainment lineup for the 1,500-seat Event Center at NewBo City Market and The Pork Tornadoes will perform a free special set.

Cedar Rapids will host the 11th annual Market After Dark on Saturday, Aug.

29, from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. 100 vendors will offer food, drinks, shows, and games with cashless beer tents until 10:30 p.m., and vendors are set up between 2nd and 5th Streets + 2nd and 4th Avenues.

UI energy expert Tyler Priest warns that gas and diesel prices will remain high through December due to ongoing global market tensions, and he cautions that a new windfall profits tax on oil companies may slow domestic production.

Gas prices dropped 3.2 cents per gallon over the last week in Iowa, with averages now at $3.77 per gallon from a GasBuddy survey of (2,036) stations.

Prices remain 28.6 cents above last month's level and 83.2 cents above last year's.

University of Northern Iowa has partnered with the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation to expand metal casting education with plans for 12 bootcamps and 10 outreach events for students and adult learners + it will also offer credit and non-credit courses in collaboration with local high schools and community colleges.

Iowa advocates lobbied in Washington to support the NEST Act, a bill that will use $5 million to provide newborn supply kits and postpartum resources to families in rural areas.

Iowa Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks co-sponsored the bipartisan proposal to help new mothers access essential care.

Iowa Health and Human Services reported 184 Cyclospora cases today, triple last year, and advises residents to wash produce and hands.

Officials caution those with severe stomach pain and diarrhea to seek care as treatment options are available and investigations continue into a national outbreak.

Due to a critical blood shortage, elective surgeries may be delayed as the American Red Cross declares its blood supply at crisis level.

Donors can earn incentives like a Fandango movie ticket or Amazon gift card when giving a pint, and blood drives are scheduled in various Iowa locations.

Horseshoe & Hide, a new upscale saloon with excellent food and a whiskey bar featuring signature cocktails, opens today at 4 p.m. in the historic Sykora Bakery building at 73 16th Ave SW in Czech Village, inviting customers to sample its sneak peek menu.

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.