Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Ingredion held a ceremony Wednesday in Cedar Rapids to celebrate a planned $50 million upgrade that will add a new 9000 square foot facility to boost production of industrial starches from Iowa corn for Amazon packaging.

City, state and company leaders said the project will increase output by about 50 percent and create four jobs, with expansion expected to be complete by the end of 2026 — reinforcing local investments in sustainable manufacturing.

Nechus — a new restaurant in NewBo City Market — opened on June 27 and serves South American fusion dishes like salchipapas and arepas crafted by local restaurateurs Vanessa Valles, Bianca Valles, and Juan Madrid, who come from Colombia and Ecuador.

They plan to grow the menu to bring more South American flavors to Cedar Rapids.

A data tool from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shows that the 2020 derecho killed or damaged 2.67 million forest trees and 4.4 million urban trees, with Cedar Rapids losing about 670,000 trees that dropped its canopy from 24% to 8%.

Local and state programs are now using grants and city funds to replant trees—though full recovery remains a long process.

The Linn County Board of Supervisors approved an $850,000 settlement to end a wrongful death lawsuit after 31-year-old Malorie Hults died at the Correctional Center in March 2022—her family filed the suit in 2024 arguing that substance abuse complications led to her death.

A Boston-qualifying marathon will come to Cedar Rapids next year as part of the Cedar Rapids Marathon Weekend on June 7—bringing half-marathon, marathon team relay, 10K, 5K and a free children’s run to the city.

Endurance Sports Marketing Corporation will produce the event that will run through downtown, trails, riverfront and nearby neighborhoods.

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.

Jazz Under The Stars

6:30-9 p.m. — Noelridge Park — Bring your own picnic or enjoy food from vendors while listening to local jazz artists celebrate KCCK’s 50th anniversary.

Rock the Block: Fresh Fighters

6-8 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Free entry — Experience an evening of live music with local and national bands at this vibrant summer concert series.