Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
Good morning, Cedar Rapids.
🏘️ Community
Russo's Power Plus in Hiawatha urges residents to test their snow blowers before tonight's storm, warning that equipment may fail if not checked early.
The company recommends adding fresh gas and testing machines immediately to ensure they work when needed.
💼 Business
The union for Whirlpool workers in Amana condemned the company’s plan to lay off nearly 400 workers on March 9+ noting that 250 jobs were cut last year.
The group urged Iowa Congressional Delegation to support local working families as the facility expands production in Mexico.
🎓 Education
The Iowa Senate Education Committee advanced several education bills on Wednesday to improve secondary & higher education, including proposals on vaccination exemptions in clinical rotations and a statewide course numbering system.
The measures now head to the Senate floor for debate before the legislative funnel deadline.
Iowa lawmakers agreed to raise school funding by $160 per student, a 2% increase that lifts annual public school support to nearly $4B, including $7M for teacher aides.
The funding also boosts private school Education Savings Accounts — each to receive $8,148 — with Senate approval expected next week.
Xavier Catholic Schools stated its new $45 million middle school is funded solely by private donations, with the city allowing its bank qualification from Hills Bank to lower interest rates (no taxpayer dollars).
The school will merge Regis and Lasalle on a North River Boulevard campus for 2027-2028.
🌲 Environment
Over 150 Iowans rallied at the Capitol Thursday to urge lawmakers to fund the state's water quality sensors so the Iowa Water Quality Information System does not shut down this summer & to support bills aimed at securing clean tap water.
Activists stressed that maintaining real-time water monitoring is vital for public health.
🏛️ Government
U.S. Rep Randy Feenstra of Hull faced local criticism at a MAGA Nation Iowa event in West Des Moines Tuesday night after he skipped joint appearances with other governor candidates.
He said he has been busy campaigning & answering voter questions as the filing deadline on March 13 approaches.
🎉 Cedar Rapids Events
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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.
Composting for Beginners
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Discover the essentials of composting and how to get started at home.
Dungeons & Dragons for Adults
5-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in exciting Dungeons & Dragons adventures in a friendly adult setting.
Paws to Read
6:30-7 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — A tale-wagging good time for all featuring reading with furry friends.
Guys and Dolls Musical
7:30 PM - 11:59 PM — Theatre Cedar Rapids — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an award-winning musical comedy about love and luck in the bustling streets of Broadway.
Dungeons and Dragons for Teens and Tweens
6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Unleash your imagination in a collaborative adventure with friends at the library.
Jo Koy's Stand-Up Comedy Show
8-11 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the comedic genius of Jo Koy as he shares relatable tales from his colorful family.
🏠 Cedar Rapids Real Estate
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