Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The Eddie Bauer store at Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids, plus stores at Coralridge Mall in Coralville and in Williamsburg, will soon close as Catalyst Brands files for bankruptcy; the plan shuts 200 North American outlets while keeping manufacturing and online sales ongoing.

State records show in Bondurant the administrator at Courtyard Estates at Hawthorne Crossing will keep her license on probation as she completes 10 hours of training after a 77-year-old resident froze outside the facility following 15 hours of unattended alarms; the center was fined $6,500 for failing to monitor residents.

The African American Museum of Iowa is celebrating Black History Month with a free pop-up exhibit featuring collaborative art by Ames Community School District elementary students and a book exchange throughout February at 55 12th Ave. SE — today at 6:30 p.m. a flowerpot painting session will be held.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law last spring banning cellphones during classes, and several states are now considering full-day bans to boost student focus and community interaction, though some experts and students voice concerns about emergency safety and strict rules.

A recent survey shows families and staff favor an intermediate model that shifts fifth and sixth grades to reduce costs — rejecting proposed high school closures.

The school board will hold a public comment meeting on Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Educational Leadership and Support Center.

John Hollemon III was named executive director of the Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success in Cedar Rapids, effective March 1, succeeding founder Ruth White who retired last spring.

The nonprofit has supported Black and biracial students for over 35 years (per the board).

Iowa service workers will benefit from a new 'No Tax on Tips' law signed last summer as part of the Working Families Tax Cut, which lets them deduct tip income up to $25,000 for tax returns from 2025 to 2028 (IRS rules apply).

A bill in the Iowa Senate would require fire districts and city councils to consider using a soybean-based firefighting foam—made in Cedar Rapids—to cut PFAS exposure.

Backed by local firefighter groups and the Iowa Soybean Association, the proposal could change fire purchase rules statewide.

A 17-year-old Cedar Rapids teen with a neuromuscular disorder joined Make-A-Wish in flying to the Bay Area after a Topgolf reception kicked off his Super Bowl trip yesterday.

He and 22 other kids will attend a Lids shopping event on Friday to get game-day gear.

Iowa residents are set to enjoy healthy options like guacamole and cowboy caviar for Super Bowl parties this weekend.

Data from Instacart and Google show local tastes favor beef sausages & craft beers that highlight regional flavor.

Several new bars & restaurants opened across Eastern Iowa in January, with Cedar Rapids hosting spots like The Martini Lounge and Roasters Coffeehouse.

More eateries are expected to debut later this year as the list updates monthly.

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.

Kingston Yard Dinner Crawl

5-9 p.m. — Kingston Yard — Ticket required — Experience a flavor-filled culinary journey with drinks and dishes at multiple eateries.

Community Writers Circle

1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Gather with fellow writers to share and develop creative ideas.

Doug Thompson - Stand-Up Comedy Show

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Pickle Palace — Ticket purchase required — Heartfelt humor from Doug Thompson, a comedian sharing life lessons after surviving heart surgery.

Free Volunteer Tax Assistance

12-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free service — Get help with tax preparation and filing from caring VITA volunteers in a community-focused setting.

Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE) Program

1-2:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate life and explore wellness topics in a supportive community setting.

Community Writers Circle

1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Connect with fellow writers and enhance your skills in a supportive environment.

Pet Rock Live Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticketed event — Relive the smooth sounds of the 1970s with PetRock's captivating performance of soft rock classics.

Murder Mystery Club

6-7:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free entry — Dive into a thrilling mystery and collaborate with fellow detectives to uncover the truth at the library.