Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Nominations for the 2026 Tribute to Heroes Award opened Tuesday, Jan.

20 and will remain open until Friday, Feb. 20 to honor community heroes — including first responders, medical professionals, active-duty military and veterans. Honorees will be recognized as grand marshals at the Tribute to Heroes Breakfast during the Freedom Festival on Tuesday, June 28.

I Love Mochi will open a new location at Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids in February + the family-owned vendor known for its Korean corn dogs and mochi donuts now invites locals to vote on new flavor options.

Three new charter schools were approved by the State Board of Education.

In Sumner-Fredericksburg, a charter high school focused on work-based learning will open next fall; Cedar Rapids' new school (K–5) will start next fall; and Council Bluffs will launch a STEM school in fall 2027.

Cedar Rapids School District CFO Karla Hogan announced her retirement and will help with the transition until January 2027 + the district will search for a new CFO to fill the role by July 2026.

The Cedar Rapids Community School District approved additional budget cuts Monday night as it works to close an $11 million deficit amid ongoing community feedback.

District leaders noted that measures like freezing curriculum purchases and reducing technology spending are part of their evolving plan.

The Cedar Rapids Community School District board approved a budget realignment plan on Tuesday to save nearly $13M for next school year by cutting eight positions including five filled and board member Kaitlin Byers became emotional as she explained plans to reassign workload for staff support.

Wings2Water is accepting 2026 grant applications to fund water quality projects in the Mississippi River watershed.

The nonprofit invites local educational groups, nonprofits, farmers and government agencies to apply and support its conservation work.

The American Red Cross is urging local residents to schedule appointments as soon as possible because a winter blood donation shortage may delay lifesaving treatments—eligible donors who give blood before Jan.

25 can enter a drawing for a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.

Restaurants in Eastern Iowa are hosting upscale Valentine’s Day dinners on Feb.

12 to 14 with options like 3 course meals and prix fixe menus. Spots at First in Cedar Rapids & Big Grove Brewery have limited seating so reservations are recommended.

Monster X event will take place at Alliant Energy PowerHouse on Saturday, Jan.

24 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. as monster trucks compete on dirt in races, freestyle challenges and additional go cart and drone races.

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.

Community Writers Circle

1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — An enriching space for adults to share and explore their writing journeys.

Heavy Hitters Boxing Event

4-10 p.m. — Teamsters Local 238 — Tickets available — Experience an exciting night of boxing with a championship showdown and local fighters.