Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The nonprofit Cultivate Hope Corner Store at 604 Ellis Blvd NW is working to become self-sustaining after a surge in customers last fall following a popular Facebook post and the new parking lot.

It now plans to offer holiday packages and launch an online curbside pickup system within six months.

Matthew Rooda, a University of Iowa dropout, founded Cedar Rapids-based SwineTech in 2015 to prevent piglet crush deaths using software that helps farm operations, and the service is used in the U.S., Canada and Australia (with plans to expand to Mexico and Spain).

Central Iowa Water Works has restarted its nitrate removal facility, a rare winter move due to warm weather that stops deep freezing + three vessels are now operating.

Tests show that while nitrate levels in the Raccoon River are above the safe drinking limit, treated water stays safe.

On the University of Iowa’s Oakdale campus (Coralville) a rare 125-year-old American chestnut tree attracts visitors and researchers; arborist Andy Dahl leads tours that explain its history and has sent cuttings to research groups to help revive the species.

Iowa GOP lawmakers will focus on public university curricula in the 2026 General Assembly session starting today in Des Moines.

Rep. Taylor Collins plans to introduce more than a dozen study bills to shift courses toward high-demand careers such as nursing & teaching.

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.