Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids Animal Care is working to clear its shelters this month under the national (Clear the Shelters) campaign to help find permanent homes for pets.

The shelter invites locals to adopt pets, donate funds or supplies, or volunteer (applications must be completed fully online or in person during business hours).

Central Furniture Rescue will host its second annual fundraising event, Furnishing the Future, on September 4 at Big Grove Brewery to help individuals and families transition from homelessness; tickets cost $30, which includes two drinks and appetizers, and limited sponsorships remain available.

A Cedar Rapids woman, Shantae Martinez-Vargas, was charged with First Degree Theft and Eluding after police said she fled in a stolen truck at speeds over 100 mph on July 31 — she also faces burglary charges for breaking into a garage on July 9.

Charmisha Pirtle was sentenced to 20 years in prison for pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and willful injury in the death of Anthony Fitts—she must serve a two-year mandatory minimum before becoming eligible for parole in Cedar Rapids' only 2024 homicide case.

State Climatologist Justin Glisan said July became the second wettest month on record after Iowa received over nine inches of rainfall, fueled by moisture from the Gulf + Pacific monsoonal air.

The early dry months allowed the soil and streams to absorb much of the heavy rain, preventing a flood like 1993.

The Iowa DNR project that began in 1989 to restore peregrine falcons gained momentum after two viable eggs were found in July on the old U.S. Bank building — once nearly wiped out by DDT in the 1950s, the birds are now regularly seen flying and perching downtown.

Air quality in eastern Iowa was unhealthy starting Thursday morning due to Canadian wildfire smoke, and an Air Quality Alert remains in effect until midnight Saturday.

Health officials advise residents to keep windows closed and limit outdoor activity (especially for those with respiratory concerns).

J Avenue NE under I-380 in Cedar Rapids will close for a month starting Monday for utility work on the McLoud Run Middle Reach flood control project — trail users will be directed to the north side of the road during the work.

Iowa PBS said it will face an 18% budget cut that will force staff and program reductions after Congress cut funding for public media—its leaders have 60 days to plan as the CPB begins shutting down operations by October 1.

This move marks the largest one-time drop of public money in its 55-year history.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Qi Gong at the Park

10-10:45 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Breathe deeply, move gently, and connect with nature through the practice of Qi Gong.

The Crafty Bunch

6-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Bring your craft project and connect with fellow craft enthusiasts in a fun social setting.

8th Annual REALTOR® Olympics

10:30 a.m. — Sag Wagon — Registration required — Participate in a fun-filled day of games including bags and volleyball for REALTORS® and affiliates.