Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

AAA urges local drivers to prepare for winter roads by checking tires + batteries and fluids as snowfall, ice, and sleet are forecast; residents should follow safety tips and keep fuel levels high in case of emergencies.

Helix Electric’s Iowa team donated $5,000 to the Freedom Foundation after an employee returned his holiday raffle prize, with Senior Project Manager Dave Uenaka presenting the check on Jan.

6 + the donation supports local veterans as part of the company’s 40 Years with 40 Philanthropy Events initiative.

Fork and Sports, a new sports-themed soul food restaurant by Vaosa O’Meara, is set to open in downtown Cedar Rapids (209 Third St. SE) in late February or early March; it will serve classic soul food dishes and desserts for lunch, dinner and late night on weekends.

Eastern Iowa offers a variety of Valentine’s and Galentine’s events for couples, friends & families from Feb.

12 to Feb. 15, with dinners, concerts, and art classes scheduled at venues from Cedar Rapids to Waterloo.

Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association are urging lawmakers to allow year-round E15 to support record corn production and stabilize farm incomes following a new study by Decision Innovation Solutions.

The groups believe a permanent change will broaden market options for local farmers.

Xavier Catholic Schools named Amanda Allard as the first principal of Xavier Middle School and announced a Bridge Year model for the 2026–27 school year that keeps classes on two campuses until relocation in 2027–28.

A preview night is set for Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at Xavier High School.

The Cedar Rapids School District cut $13 million from its budget on Monday night to address a shortfall from declining enrollment, reducing raises and consulting services while postponing a vote on closing up to seven schools until April with no closures expected until 2027.

Iowa Catholic Conference reported a 3% enrollment increase from last year as more families used Education Savings Accounts—totaling 26,095 students—and support programs saw gains.

ICC is hosting a free webinar today to discuss engagement in this legislative session.

Linn County emergency officials urge residents to prepare for dangerously cold weather expected later this weekend by heating homes safely and using community centers or the winter overflow shelter at 1017 12th Avenue SW if needed.

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.