Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Two new restaurants will open in the old Chrome Horse building at 1201 Third Street SE in Cedar Rapids—Oddmama's Vintage Cafe will serve breakfast and lunch later this fall while Rhapsody will offer full-service dining with live music in Spring; the space has been empty since the restaurant closed in 2024 after 21 years of service.

Andrew Shaw, a Cedar Rapids man, was convicted of second-degree murder for his role in the fatal stabbing of Chris Bagley in 2018 – he now faces up to 50 years in prison and must serve 35 years before parole eligibility while his sentencing date will be set later.

Cedar Rapids police charged two suspects in a Saturday shooting near an alley between Washington Ave. SE and Park Ave. SE—after witnesses saw masked men and a chase ensued, 17-year-old Larell Marvel Rushing threw a stolen .40 handgun near Oak Hill Cemetery and was arrested while 18-year-old Kristophe Rushing is charged with eluding officers.

A list of many events will take place in Eastern Iowa this September, with festivals, fairs and concerts planned in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Linn County areas.

Ticketed and free activities will offer family fun and local community engagement ahead of the busy month.

Cedar Rapids Prep, a new charter school, opened its doors on Monday in a building that was once the Transamerica site at Edgewood Road and 42nd Street NE—hosting 18 teachers and 260 students on its first day.

A teacher noted that students brought positive energy and excitement for the school year.

Today, Cedar Rapids plans to use settlement funds—about $5.9 million from a class action suit—to study the design of an aquifer storage and recovery well that would hold treated drinking water during peak demand.

City staff will spend about one year on the design with construction estimated to take another year before final plans come to City Council for review.

Cedar Rapids City Council member Tyler Olson announced Monday (the first day filings opened for local city and school elections) that he is running for reelection.

Olson, first elected in 2017 and head of the Flood Control System Committee, said he seeks strong leadership to maintain economic growth and enhance flood control.

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.

Iowa City Area Real Estate Investor Meetup

6:30-8:30 p.m. — 2343 Grande Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA — Free entry — Explore a historic renovation project with pizza and insights from experienced investors.

Back to School Drive

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free — Support local kids by donating school supplies and clothing for the upcoming school year.

Greeting Card Making Class

2-4 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Ticket required — Learn basic card-making techniques and create three unique greeting cards.

The MOJO: Soul Sacrifice

7-8:30 p.m. — Opus Concert Cafe — Tickets starting at $52 — Experience an unforgettable tribute performance to Santana by Soul Sacrifice.