Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Over 20 locally owned restaurants will participate in the 14th annual Restaurant Week from Feb.

20 through Mar. 1, offering diners limited-time menus featuring various cuisines. The event is hosted by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and supported by local sponsors.

The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is set to open its temporary exhibit, Art is the Word: Text in Art, on Saturday, Feb.

7, and it will run until Sunday, May 17 to show how text can add meaning to artwork (educational programming is also available).

Linn-Mar High School opened its new $27 million performance hall in Marion in December, adding a 1,200-seat venue to join existing spaces that seat 300 and 800.

The facility + funded by a statewide sales tax + now offers improved accessibility and a dedicated space for school performances.

The Cedar Rapids Community School District released survey results showing 3,000+ staff and community members largely favor an intermediate consolidation plan to address a multi-million dollar budget deficit; a Wright Elementary meeting is set for Thursday at 6 p.m. and the board will discuss options on Monday, Feb. 9.

Cedar Rapids School District released survey results on three reorganization plans to address a budget shortfall, with the intermediate model favored by 60% of staff and 55% of families (transportation is a concern).

The Board will vote Monday and host public sessions before a final decision in April.

City officials announced that water service repairs have closed the westbound lane of 29th Street Drive SE/30th Street Drive SE at the Indian Creek Bridge (between Needles Road and 3rd Avenue) for about four days.

Motorists should follow detour signs along East Post Road SE.

Federal changes to SNAP work rules took effect last weekend, requiring most adults without young dependents to complete 80 hours a month of work, volunteer, or training to keep benefits, and local food banks are bracing for increased demand (affected individuals will receive letters from the Health and Human Services).

The Iowa House Education Committee passed a bill on Wednesday night that would end vaccine requirements for K-12 students and let parents decide on immunizations, although health experts warn the move may increase outbreak risks.

Linn County supervisors held a public hearing last night and approved first consideration for an ordinance regulating potential data center developments in unincorporated areas—this rule would mandate ongoing noise monitoring amid concerns about jobs and environmental impacts, with the second reading set for next Monday.

University of Iowa researchers revealed initial findings on rising cancer cases linked to factors like binge drinking and obesity, based on $1 million allocated last session.

Governor Reynolds will soon propose measures — including banning additives in school lunches and raising tobacco taxes — to promote healthier habits statewide.

KCRG TV9 will air 13 Minnesota Twins spring training games free on KCRG 9.2 & KCRG CW 9.3 in February and March.

Cedar Rapids fans can catch matchups against top teams like the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

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.

For the Love of Plants - Hiawatha Public Library Plant Club for Teens

4-5 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a supportive atmosphere for teens to learn and grow their plant knowledge.