Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Nearly one year after Linn County approved a gaming license, plans for a Cedar Rapids casino are taking shape following years of setbacks, and officials say more construction details will be shared soon.

Eastern Iowa tattoo fans now have a guide to over 40 top-rated shops, and the annual Middle of the Map Tattoo Convention will run April 10–12 at the EMC Expo Center in Des Moines.

Iowa farmers reported that the 2025 corn harvest set record yields—thanks to improved seed genetics—while production reached 2.77 billion bushels and they say new markets like E-15 will be needed as the 2026 crop is expected to exceed 17 billion bushels.

Xavier Catholic Schools will merge Regis and LaSalle middle schools on a new campus at the former Toyota Financial Services building on North River Boulevard.

The merger is planned for fall 2027 to allow time for planning and renovations, school officials said.

On Thursday night, families and staff at Wright Elementary (the local school) expressed concern over a possible closure as the board considered closing up to four schools to save over $10 million.

The district will review survey feedback from over 3,000 community members before finalizing its plans.

Iowa public schools have suffered from long-term underfunding — leading to bigger class sizes and canceled programs.

Education leaders say shifting $350 million to private school vouchers has worsened special education needs and urge lawmakers to restore stable funding.

House File 2171—which would end school vaccine requirements and stop collecting vaccination records—is now eligible for a full House vote.

The measure creates a debate between parental rights and public health as officials warn of potential domino effects on children’s safety.

With the Super Bowl this Sunday, experts warn that the ease of sports betting apps may fuel addictive behaviors in Iowa residents.

Chris Sekorski, a social worker at Emplify Health by Gundersen, says rising impulsive wagering risks significant financial strain and urges those affected to seek help by calling 1-800-BETS-OFF.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reported that in the week ending Jan.

31, 24.3% of flu tests were positive and 92 flu deaths were recorded this season. Health officials urge residents to get vaccinated + practice good hand hygiene as flu activity remains high.

A new five-level parking ramp opened Friday in Cedar Rapids between 1st and 3rd Street SW, offering 450 parking spots including 10 electric vehicle charging spaces, elevators, heated stairways and bicycle parking to ease local congestion.

NFL star Roger Craig (raised in Davenport) won three Super Bowls with the 49ers and will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on Aug.

8.

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.

Tai Chi for Older Adults

10-11 a.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library — Free entry — Experience a 12-week journey into the gentle art of Tai Chi, building skills week by week.