Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Local DJ Eric Hanson has been stranded in Puerto Rico since Saturday due to flight cancellations amid the Venezuela conflict, and he continues to work remotely from San Juan while planning to fly back to Iowa today.

Iowa’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in November as a growing workforce and steady labor participation drove job growth.

The labor force increased by 27,500 while employment reached 1.683 million, even though the number of unemployed rose by 5,100.

Iowa’s unemployment fell to 3.5% in November as 4,600 jobs were added + labor force participation stayed at 67.5%.

The total number of unemployed Iowans increased by 5,100 compared to last November.

The Cedar Rapids School District is considering closing up to seven schools as part of a budget plan to save over $10 million (closings could save $6 million) while shifting to an intermediate model for 5th and 6th graders.

The board will review the list of potential closures next week.

State Sen. Molly Donahue (a special education teacher at Kennedy) said Monday the district is moving too fast on its $10 million budget cuts and urged focusing on administrative expenses rather than reducing student services in Cedar Rapids.

The U.S. Department of Education approved Iowa’s Returning Education to the States Waiver on January 7, giving education leaders flexibility to use nearly $8 million in federal funds for classroom improvements and teacher training.

Gov. Kim Reynolds (the state leader) said the move reduces red tape and puts students first.

The IRS projects most Iowans will get bigger refunds this season due to increased standard deductions under the Big Beautiful Bill — refunds may average $1,000 to $2,000 as employer withholdings have not yet changed.

Small businesses and farmers will see a higher mileage rate starting in 2026.

UnityPoint Health reported a record number of flu-like emergency room visits on Monday after the CDC marked Iowa's flu level as high; the hospital urged people with mild symptoms to visit their doctor or an urgent clinic (not the ER) so that critical cases get treated quickly.

Federal officials changed childhood vaccine guidelines recently, leaving local pediatricians anxious about mixed messages for families.

Des Moines pediatrician Dr. Nathan Boonstra said the adjustment could lead to increased vaccine hesitancy and potential outbreaks.

Despite air in the low 60s today, Iowa DNR warns paddlers that water temperatures in many lakes, rivers, and streams remain in the 30s and may trigger cold water shock and hypothermia.

Experts advise wearing a life jacket, letting someone know your route & not paddling alone.

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.

4-Day PMP Exam Preparation Course

9 AM – 5 PM — Iowa Eye Center — Course Fee Applicable — Enhance your project management skills with a comprehensive PMP certification training.