Good Day
Cedar Rapids
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A local radio host is set to visit 11 new restaurants this year—requesting Cedar Valley residents to share their favorite spots from Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and nearby towns. The effort connects dining exploration with reconnecting with friends while celebrating local flavors. KDAT
- ➤ Robert De Corah is turning the former MirrorBox Theatre at 1200 Ellis Blvd NW into Ellis House—a multi-use gathering space where neighbors will enjoy coffee, live music, and events as construction progresses. KDAT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bandana’s BBQ closed its Cedar Rapids location at 3707 First Ave. SE on Jan. 12 — the restaurant had operated since 2017 as the chain’s only Iowa site. The Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ GROW at Kazimour Farm & Orchard is working with Metro High School’s STEAM Academy students to build a four-tier hydroponic system for year-round, soil-free plant growing. The project, funded by a donation from the RRAF Organization, will train students and connect them with local buyers. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Governor Reynolds defended her education policies during her Condition of State address, as Cedar Rapids school board members petitioned to keep the ESA income cap and phase out the voucher program amid a student drop that lost $4.3 million in state funding and contributed to an $11 million budget deficit. KCRG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Cedar Rapids Community School District will extend timelines for cost-cutting measures—potentially affecting school closures—after a lengthy board meeting on Monday, Jan. 13 to allow for better planning amid a significant budget challenge, with board leaders emphasizing that no final decisions have been made. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ County officials approved two proposals for NextEra’s Duane Arnold Energy Center on Tuesday that require the firm to cover emergency preparedness costs, develop an emergency response plan, and create a Road Use Agreement (RUA) with Palo before a potential restart in early 2029 pending state and federal approval. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Cedar Rapids police are promoting the state I-Pledge program to help retail workers check IDs and cut underage vaping as new vape shops open. They run annual compliance checks at 128 stores—using underage buyers—to ensure local businesses follow the training. KCRG
- ➤ Linn County Supervisors approved the final rezoning that will allow NextEra Energy to reopen the Duane Arnold nuclear plant in Palo in 2029. The company will pay the county annually under a Host Community Agreement & the project is expected to generate union jobs while protecting local taxpayers. KCRG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Federal health officials have warned that a recalled Super Greens diet supplement powder is linked to 45 salmonella illnesses reported in 21 states, including Iowa. Consumers in Cedar Rapids are advised to stop using the product and return it to the purchase location. KCRG
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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.
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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.
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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.
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BIRDCHILD Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Ideal Theater & Bar — Tickets available — Experience Birdchild's lush, joyous journey through all your favorite hits.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Community Writers Circle
1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — A supportive environment for adults to hone their writing skills.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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