Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Former MLB pitcher Cal Eldred and his son CJ will launch the Eldred Baseball & Performance training center at 705 Tower Terrace Road in Hiawatha by mid-January; the center’s first clinic is set for Jan.

26.

Ellis House will open in the former Mirror Box Theatre space off Ellis Boulevard NW to offer a creative hub for local artists, filmmakers, and musicians in Cedar Rapids.

The renovated space will open this spring and serve coffee along with content creation.

Construction on Cedar Crossing Casino is underway with a planned opening on New Year's Eve 2026 and a $275 million investment boosting the west side.

Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell said local business, including CR Midnight Smoker BBQ, shows community support for the project.

The Cedar Rapids School Board passed a resolution urging lawmakers to boost state funding for public schools by five percent to help offset (over $10 million) lost from falling enrollment and rising costs.

The board warned that without extra support, schools could face closures and consolidations.

The Cedar Rapids School Board paused plans to close seven schools after a busy Monday meeting that brought strong community feedback.

The board will review input tomorrow (with leadership discussion) before finalizing any changes to keep the 2026-2027 school year stable.

City officials in southeast Cedar Rapids said more than two dozen addresses must boil water until at least Thursday due to a ruptured water main that may have introduced bacteria into the supply—water samples will be retested Thursday and the order may be extended based on the results.

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.