Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Yesterday, officials and community leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony in Czech Village for a new Roundhouse as part of the LightLine Loop project—this $13.8 million development, funded partly by a $3 million grant and local dollars, will provide a modern event space that honors the area’s heritage and is set to open in summer.

Cedar Rapids Firefighters rescued four people using a ladder from upper-level balconies during a three-story building fire on the 200 block of 15th Street SE Tuesday morning and fully extinguished the blaze by 6:45 a.m., with no injuries reported and residents displaced due to the placarded building.

Early Tuesday, Cedar Rapids firefighters rescued four people from upper balconies in a three-story apartment on the 200 block of 15th Street SE—crews quickly put out the blaze in 20 minutes with no injuries reported while the building remains unsafe and under investigation.

A Cedar Rapids man—36-year-old Toman Grupee—was arrested after driving a rental pontoon on Lake Macbride while drunk, crashing into the shoreline and refusing a breathalyzer test amid witness concerns.

Cedar Rapids high schools saw near-50 percent fewer students charged with crimes—district administrator Janessa Carr said the program by the city, schools, and local nonprofit Foundation 2 also led to a 65 percent drop in charges against black students and a 35 percent rise in diversions that offer community service instead of formal charges.

Attorney General Brenna Bird warned Iowa parents and schools today that deepfake technology poses severe risks for bullying and harassment as students head back to school—non-consensual use is illegal and may lead to criminal penalties.

State Representative Lindsay James announced her campaign for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District Tuesday—she said her run will focus on fixing a broken system that favors billionaires and leaves too many Iowans behind.

James, who has served in the Iowa House since 2019, is also a Presbyterian chaplain and a mother of two.

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.

Beloit Sky Carp vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels

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

Storytellers of Cedar Rapids

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Groundswell Cafe — $7.00 – $50.00 — Kicking off the 2nd Season with an exciting lineup of new storytellers.

Epic Dungeons & Dragons Adventure

5-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in an exciting campaign for adults every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.

Monday Morning Story Time

10-10:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free admission — Fun for kids and caregivers to enjoy stories together.

The Crafty Bunch

6-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Bring your current craft project for a fun, social crafting night with fellow enthusiasts.