Good Day
Cedar Rapids
Friday, March 13th, 2026
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of March.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A crash between Exit 16 and Exit 13 slowed the morning commute on I-380 South as Iowa DOT reported significant delays with the left shoulder closed. KCRG
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The historic Dairy Queen building on 1st Ave NE will reopen as Dottie's Ice Cream & Soda this May; the new owners chose to go independent to avoid franchise fees and will share menu details soon. KDAT
- ➤ Cedar Rapids' NewBo City Market will start a $1.5M remodel this spring due to rising construction costs, replacing a planned $6.1M expansion. The project updates the first floor by flipping the bar and coffee shop, replacing the grocery with a produce convenience store, and adding shuttle service to the casino. CBS 2 Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Xavier High School principal Lynn Holverson will finish her service at the end of this school year and then take on a role with the Archdiocese of Dubuque to support Catholic schools. She brings 20 years of experience in education, including 16 in Catholic schools. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ The Cedar Rapids Community School District met with its teachers’ union Thursday to begin contract talks on job pay and staffing amid budget limits (the union seeks a 3.5% raise while the district offers 2.5%). Deadlines are May 30 for teachers and April 15 for support staff. CBS 2 Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cedar Rapids is expanding its electric bike program (launched in 2019) to offer affordable, sustainable transportation options this year. KWWL
- ➤ Strong winds have knocked out power for nearly 9,000 customers in Cedar Rapids this morning, with gusts of 45 to 65 mph delaying schools + knocking down trees and power lines. Gusts of 50-60 mph are expected through noon before easing in the afternoon. CBS 2 Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 575 Iowa National Guard members returned home Thursday from their Middle East deployment + the welcome ceremony began at 4:45 p.m. at the Cedar Rapids Armory at the Eastern Iowa Airport with Gov. Kim Reynolds in attendance. KCRG
- ➤ 575 Iowa National Guard soldiers returned from an overseas deployment yesterday + landing at airports in Sioux City, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. A welcome ceremony was held at Sioux Gateway Airport, and Le Mars residents prepared a parade route to honor the troops. KCRG
- ➤ Travelers from Eastern Iowa Airport said they expect longer TSA waits at larger connecting airports due to nearly a month of DHS operations without funding. The airport advises arriving 90 minutes early + using airline apps for real-time updates. KCRG
- ➤ Cedar Rapids has proclaimed March 19 as Buy 319 Local Day to boost local shopping, with a buy-one, get-one gift card deal running from March 17 to March 19 at more than 30 businesses (including Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery and The Map Room). CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Five food stamp recipients, including one from Iowa, are suing the USDA over state waivers that restrict SNAP benefits as they ban items such as sugary drinks, candy, and desserts. The suit argues the changes create confusion over eligible purchases and challenges similar waivers approved in 22 states. KCRG
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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.
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Youth Advisory Board Meeting
5-6 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Share your ideas and help shape the library's future.
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Once Upon a Book Nook
6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Repurpose old books into unique dioramas and give them new life.
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American Mahjong Open Play
2-4 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a friendly game of American mahjong with fellow enthusiasts.
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Scrabble Club
1-4 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Challenge your vocabulary skills in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
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Refuge City Church AYC Local Outreach
10 AM - 4 PM — Refuge City Church — Free entry — Engage in community outreach and ministry projects for Cedar Rapids residents.
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Monday Morning Story Time
10-10:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful morning filled with stories suitable for the whole family.
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Free Volunteer Tax Assistance
12-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free service — Get help with your taxes from VITA volunteers in a friendly library environment.
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Tai Chi for Well-Being
10:30-11:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Enhance your fitness and balance with a relaxing Tai Chi session.
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Cedar Rapids Festival 2026
8:00 a.m. — Paramount Theatre — Sold Out — Celebrate the vibrant community spirit at this highly anticipated event in Cedar Rapids.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only true failure is abandoning your principles.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Cedar Rapids
Welcome to the Good Day Cedar Rapids, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Cedar Rapids, Iowa community. If you like the Good Day Cedar Rapids, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Cedar Rapids.
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