Good morning, Waterloo.

The Challengers 4-H Club planted a garden at North Iowa Events Center using a $300 award from kidsgardening.org and RSM US.

Waterloo Fire Rescue is hosting an open house Thursday—families can see medical demonstrations, enjoy free food and drinks, and have activities for their children.

Waterloo police identified 35 year old Michael James Alexander Jr. as the homicide victim after he was hit by gunfire Monday morning near West 4th and Denver Streets, and he was found unresponsive in a driveway before being pronounced dead at a hospital — police ask anyone with information to call the Waterloo Police Detective Division at 3192914340 extension 3 or Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers at 855300TIPS —.

Waterloo Police confirmed that Michael Alexander Junior, 35, died in a shooting on Monday at about 10:45 a.m. in the 1300 block of West 4th Street after being found unresponsive in a driveway—officials ask anyone with information to call Detective Division or Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers.

The Cedar Valley Civil War Roundtable meets today at 7 p.m. at (3117 Greenhill Circle) in Cedar Falls to discuss the July 1864 Battle of Cool Spring when Confederate Gen. Jubal Early retreated to Virginia after threatening Washington, D.C.

History professor Jonathan A. Noyalas from Shenandoah University leads the discussion.

East High marks its 150th birthday today with a celebration that honors its long history—its first classes began in the 1874-75 school year.

Governor Reynolds submitted a waiver request asking the USDA to ban SNAP users from buying candy, soft drinks, seeds and other items that have a state sales tax so that benefits support healthy choices—officials will study SNAP users' health outcomes before, during and after the trial while critics warn the plan could stigmatize low-income families. This move follows a similar approval in Nebraska and aims to refocus the program on its intended purpose.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed 25 bills into law Monday — the bills include measures that stop local bans on fireworks on July 3rd, 4th and December 31st, boost school funding by raising per-student aid by 2%, and protect First Amendment rights with faster relief for SLAPP lawsuits.

She has until June 14 to sign more pending measures.

Jack Christ completed his hat trick in overtime and gave the Muskegon Lumberjacks a 4-3 win in game five, clinching the Clark Cup championship on Tuesday night—ending the Waterloo Black Hawks’ deepest playoff run since 2014.

Coffee and Conversation

2-4 p.m. — Fat Cup Coffee — No entry fee — Enjoy a warm beverage while engaging in delightful conversations with the community.

Damon Mitchell Live

9 PM – 1 AM — Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo — Tickets available — Experience the cosmic cowboy and hippie psychedelia vibes of Nashville's Damon Mitchell.

4th Street Cruise – Cruisin’ Free 43

12-4 p.m. — Main Street Waterloo — Free entry — Experience classic cars and live music while cruising through downtown Waterloo.

BOGO Large Pizzas

All Day — Denalis On The River — Buy one get one 50% off — Enjoy delicious pizzas at a fantastic discount.

Cedar Falls Varsity Softball vs. Waterloo West

5:30-7:15 p.m. — Waterloo West High School — Admission not specified — Enjoy an exciting non-conference softball matchup between the local teams of Cedar Falls and Waterloo West.

Teen Writer's Workshop

4-5 p.m. — Waterloo Public Library — Registration required — Explore your creativity with writing prompts and share your stories in a supportive environment.

APHS Varsity Baseball Game at Denver High School

5-6:45 p.m. — Denver High School — Free entry — Watch the Denver varsity baseball team face off against Aplington-Parkersburg in a thrilling conference matchup.

10 Watt Robot Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Octopus — $10 — Enjoy an indie rock night featuring the local band 10 Watt Robot.

I Am More Purpose Workshop

10 AM – 12 PM — Waterloo Public Library — Free entry — Empowering workshop to rise above struggles and unlock inner potential.

Cota Studio Yoga on the Plaza

10:30 a.m. — River Place Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy a refreshing outdoor yoga session every Sunday with Cota Studio.