Good Day
Cedar Rapids
Wednesday, July 30th, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Cedar Rapids.
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 30th of July.
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new report from Savings.com said Iowa families plan to spend a record $628 per child on back-to-school needs such as clothing, supplies and tech, with high schoolers costing about $800. Most parents are cutting costs or taking extra jobs and 84% plan to shop during the tax-free weekend from August 1 to 2 + 71% expect to spend more than last year. CBS 2 Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A new writing tool called Clifter was developed by Doctor Shawn Datchuk— a University of Iowa professor— to boost handwriting speed and accuracy and improve reading and writing skills in local classrooms. The free tool supports students who struggle with handwriting as part of Iowa’s core curriculum. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ On July 14, the Cedar Rapids Community School District board voted 4 to 3 to decline pay raises for school leaders after board member Jennifer Borcherding raised concerns that executive staff raises were much higher than the teachers' 3% increase. Board President Cindy Garlock said the decision—intended to uphold process integrity—will be revisited later. CBS 2 Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A powerful line of storms swept through Iowa Monday night and Tuesday morning and left over 27,000 customers without power statewide, including more than 3,000 in eastern Cedar Rapids—utility crews from Alliant Energy, Linn County Rural Electric Cooperative, and MidAmerican Energy are working to restore service. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Robbins Lake in Cedar Rapids reopened on July 29 as water levels dropped, and Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation said the lake was safe for public use—officials confirmed the change after monitoring. CBS 2 Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids are concerned that Alliant Energy’s proposed gas-fired power plant, with turbines that may reach 250 feet, will risk flight operations due to potential turbulence and poor visibility—Airport director Marty Lenss said turbine plumes could make landings difficult and officials are set to meet with Alliant to discuss other sites. Radio Iowa
- ➤ PEN America filed a brief Monday with the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to keep an injunction that blocks Iowa’s Senate File 496 banning books deemed not age appropriate from schools serving kindergarten through 12th grade—an effort supported by publishers, educators, and authors who say the law overreaches. KCRG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR This compact, easy-to-use rangefinder is packed with features like slope adjustment, flag-lock with vibration feedback, and a USB-C rechargeable battery. Lightweight and accurate, it’s a great choice for casual or beginner golfers looking for reliable performance. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Cedar Rapids.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Puzzle Exchange at the Library
9-10 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Swap gently used puzzles for something new in a community-focused exchange.
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Atkins Watermelon Days 5k Walk/Run 2025
12:30-2:30 p.m. — Atkins City Park Pavilion — Registration details available — Participate in a community-focused 5k race while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Watermelon Days.
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K9Splash! Dog Swimming Event
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Bever Park Pool — $15 per dog — Enjoy a splash-filled day of fun for your furry friends at Cedar Rapids' dog-friendly pool event.
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Jazz Under The Stars
6-9 p.m. — Noelridge Park — Free entry — Celebrate KCCK’s 50th anniversary with live jazz from local talent under the stars.
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Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers' Market
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Cedar Rapids Downtown District — Free entry — Explore an award-winning market with entertainment, food, and 200 vendors.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Cedar Rapids.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Cedar Rapids
Welcome to the Good Day Cedar Rapids, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Cedar Rapids, Iowa community. If you like the Good Day Cedar Rapids, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Cedar Rapids.
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