Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The Freedom Festival’s Military Tribute Banner Program will return in 2026 with 51 banners in downtown Cedar Rapids to honor military and veterans.

For $250, families and organizations can purchase a banner (with photo, service details, and QR code) that will be displayed from Memorial Day weekend until December.

The Cedar Rapids Community School District will hold a special work session on Monday, Jan.

5 to tackle an $11 million budget shortfall caused by lower enrollment and rising costs. The board plans $4.2 million in initial cuts, with further steps and a family survey open (until Jan. 7).

Cedar Rapids school board will meet at the Educational Leadership and Support Center on Monday, Jan.

5 to work on a savings plan addressing a $10–12 million deficit (declining enrollment and rising costs) for the 2026-2027 school year. Families can share feedback via a district survey open until Jan. 7.

The Cedar Rapids Community School Board will review proposals to close a $10–12 million budget gap, including a $4.2 million initial cut, during a Monday work session at the Educational Leadership and Support Center.

Families can give feedback via a survey open through Jan. 7 as further talks are planned.

James Bruton is pushing for dark sky ordinances to lower energy costs, protect wildlife, and boost astrotourism in rural Iowa.

His proposal calls for using outdoor lighting wisely and will seek local conservation partners as the initiative gets underway.

Linn County Board of Supervisors approved a $250,000 a year renewal to maintain keycard door locks and security cameras at the Mental Health Access Center in Cedar Rapids.

The center said the measures kept staff and patients safe around the clock.

A new state law requires school districts to have bus drivers complete an approved course (driver training or entry-level instruction) before or within six months of starting and again every 24 months, effective Jan.

1. Cedar Rapids residents can expect local districts to align hiring practices with the new requirement.

Local hospitals welcomed the first babies of 2026 on Jan.

1; Saint Luke’s in Cedar Rapids introduced Baby Graceph at 7:58 a.m., Allen Hospital in Waterloo welcomed Giovanni James at 4:30 a.m., and MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center celebrated Baby Bennett at 12:37 a.m.

Iowa health officials said that 33 percent of flu tests were positive during the week of Dec.

21 — 27 and that flu illness increased emergency room visits statewide, according to the Health Department data.

A survey shows that 70% of Iowa smokers want to quit and 50% plan to try this year, according to Jackie Cale of the American Cancer Society.

Lawmakers will soon consider a tax hike that adds $1.50 per pack & directs extra funds to tobacco cessation programs.

Exemplar Care is expanding its low-cost membership model across Iowa after ACA tax credits expired Dec.

31; the program costs $89 per month and covers in-person visits, virtual care, labs, X-rays and generic medications at locations including Cedar Rapids.

After winning the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, FL, the Hawkeyes recorded 4,161 offensive yards that triggered a $12,483 donation (at $3 per yard) from the Carson King Foundation to the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital.

Chris Thile Concert

7:30-10 p.m. — The Englert Theatre — $30 – $68 — Experience the genre-defying musical genius of Grammy Award-winner Chris Thile in an evening of captivating performances.

Waterloo Black Hawks vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

7:05-9:05 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Check the FloHockey broadcast for all the action as the Black Hawks take on the RoughRiders in a thrilling hockey matchup.

Spanish Conversation Practice Meetup

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Vineria Wine Shop — $3 off wine and pizza — Enhance your Spanish skills and connect with fellow language enthusiasts over happy hour specials.

BIRDCHILD Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Ideal Theater & Bar — Tickets available — Experience Birdchild's lush, joyous journey through all your favorite hits.

Men's Caregiver Coffee

10 - 11:30 a.m. — The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia — Free — A supportive group for male caregivers to share stories and network.

Moonlight Owl Walk

5-6:30 p.m. — Buffalo Creek Park — $5 per adult, $2 per child — Explore the moonlit path in search of chatty owls while learning about their adaptations.

Fireside Circle: The Spirits of Winter

6-8 p.m. — Illuminations — $30 registration — Explore the prominent spirits of winter through Scandinavian, Germanic, and Celtic mythology.

Community Writers Circle

1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — A supportive environment for adults to hone their writing skills.

Tim's Comedy Show

1:30 p.m. — The Olympic South Side Theater — Tickets available — Experience high-energy comedy from a seasoned performer with a unique perspective on life.