Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Mt. Vernon high school students volunteered at Cedar Rapids Mission of Hope on Thursday by preparing and serving hot meals, marking their fourth school visit this month and gaining hands-on experience in service (a lesson in compassion).

Pat McGrath will receive the 2025 Howard Hall Excellence in Business Award at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Annual Meeting on Thursday, Jan.

29 at DoubleTree by Hilton. The business leader, recognized for growing his family automotive dealership into a large regional enterprise, will also deliver acceptance remarks.

The Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo could reopen by early 2029 after Linn County rezoned its 393-acre site to Exclusive Use 2 + NextEra Energy must secure a road use agreement while state and federal reviews continue; most power is meant for Google’s new data center.

The Cedar Rapids School District is facing a budget crisis after enrollment fell by over 600 students to 14,575 this fall — a drop that led to a $5M funding shortfall and has raised plans to close up to 7 schools, with further declines expected by 2029.

Iowa lawmakers on Thursday approved bills that require a closed presidential search committee for new university presidents and introduce mandatory introductory U.S. history and government courses for public universities—efforts aimed at boosting civic education.

The Higher Education Committee will now continue considering the proposals.

State Rep. Taylor Collins will propose major reforms in higher education this legislative session, aiming to remove DEI programs, revise core education requirements at local universities, and expand four-year degree options at community colleges.

Plans also include a new lecture series to bring balanced perspectives to campus events.

Iowa community colleges are exploring 4-year degree programs to address local education deserts (study results show many transfer plans never complete).

A proposed bill would allow state funding of $20 million over five years to support the shift.

Governor Reynolds praised Cedar Rapids Prep during her Condition of the State address today and Principal Blietz said the school offers families a safe, calm learning environment amid district enrollment declines.

The Science Center of Iowa is opening a traveling exhibit titled Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine today after a Thursday ribbon cutting with Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer; the center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an interactive display.

UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids has deployed cryobiopsy technology with the ERBECRYO 2 system to improve lung cancer diagnosis; the tool, used with the ION robotic bronchoscopy system, helps physicians collect larger, higher-quality tissue samples from hard-to-reach spots.

A gallery updated on 1/15 lists more than 30 top-rated wedding venues across Eastern Iowa with scores of 4.8 or above on Google reviews to help couples plan their big day with options including Cedar Rapids farms and Riverside barns.

Kirk Ferentz announced last Thursday that Chris Polizzi will serve as the new special teams coordinator for Iowa football, replacing LeVar Woods.

Polizzi spent last season as a defensive analyst and brings experience from previous coaching stops (Tulsa, UT Martin, UCLA, Utah, Western Carolina and Tennessee Tech).

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.

Tai Chi for Well-Being

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Enhance your fitness and balance with Tai Chi led by a wellness expert.