Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids continues to build new homes with federal funds to replace those lost in the 2020 derecho.

Builders face high costs for materials and labor—limiting the full upgrade of wind protection features in future projects.

Saint Jude Catholic Church hosted its 50th annual Sweet Corn Festival today in Cedar Rapids & the event featured carnival games, rides and plenty of sweet corn while raising funds for the church and charity despite morning thunderstorms.

Five years after the August 10 derecho left Cedar Rapids without power, cell service, or heat, local leaders like Raymond Siddell and Willie Ray Fairley organized donation and food drives to help neighbors recover—demonstrating that community members still step up when disaster strikes.

On Sunday afternoon, first responders went to Lake MacBride State Park near the Coralville Lake boat ramp after a single-vehicle accident where four people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries — the Iowa DNR and Iowa State Patrol are investigating the incident.

Researchers say the powerful derecho that struck Cedar Rapids in 2020 with 140 mph winds caused severe damage and remains rare and hard to predict, though a warming climate may lead to more frequent storms.

Local meteorologists are working to extend warning times from six to 18 hours to 24 hours + improved forecasts could help better detect these events.

The USDA will invest $152 million in 20 Iowa communities for hospital, water and energy projects — with a $37 million loan for a Guthrie County hospital, a $2.5 million grant for a Bondurant water tower, and wastewater upgrades in Eldora and Moulton — and more funding announcements will come soon. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins made the announcement at the state fair, showing plans for further improvements in rural areas.

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.

Monday Morning Story Time

10-10:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful morning of storytelling for kids and caregivers.

Beloit Sky Carp vs Cedar Rapids Kernels

1-4 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an afternoon of minor league baseball action in Cedar Rapids.

Manufacturing Conference

8 AM – 4 PM — The Hotel at Kirkwood Center — Tickets available until Aug 21 — Engage with industry leaders on challenges and opportunities facing local manufacturers.